TPT May 2008

T echnology U pdate

Non-contact in-line dimension measurement in the steel industry

between LPO and CPO, compact industrial PC with highest working reliability, highly developed software, and sophisticated mechanics and protection system. ODAC ® laser scanners with latest optical and laser technology are the ‘heart’ of the Steelmaster gauges. Zumbach offers ODAC models with measuring fields from 15mm (0.59") to 500mm (19.68"), and larger models upon request. The scanners are accurate and permanently calibrated, with high resolution, high measuring rates (up to 1,000/s), and high immunity to dirt. Zumbach has developed a novel measurement method called FPS (Full Profile Synthesis, patent pending), ideal for special geometries of polygonal shape aberrations (generated by 3-roll blocks), specific profiles and asymmetrical shapes. Scanning a multitude of shadow edges around the entire periphery captures the product shape. This is achieved with several ODAC measuring heads, scanning synchronously with high accuracy. This FPS method, based on special algorithms, generates a complete profile synthesis (contour). This profile makes it possible to derive data, such as out of round, reference centres and other key elements, used for the adjustment of the rolls. Oscillating SMO systems are able to capture more data, allowing for precise profile measurements. Even in the case of varying twist, or if the extreme points have not been captured by any scans, this method provides exact values of the minimum, the maximum, out of round condition and the derived data. Steelmaster software offers all functions needed for round products. Additional software modules are available for non- round products, including squares, hexagonals, flats, rebar, and polygonal shape deviations (3-roll blocks). Optional modules are also available for additional functions such as network communication, data archiving, remote workstations, and SPS statistics. The hardware and software for all Steelmaster versions can be upgraded at any time. The main data, such as measuring rate, accuracy, measuring para- meters and all optional upgrades are the same. High flexibility allows for individual configuration of the screens with section and trend displays (numeric and graphic), printing protocols, and statistics. Several programmable access levels and passwords allow for optimum use and data safety.

Zumbach, Switzerland, offers a complete line of measuring and monitoring instruments. In the steel and metal industry, the company’s systems are used in the manufacture of hot and cold rolled products and in cold processes for semi- finished products. Typical areas of system useage are hot rolling mills for wire steel rod, profiles and seamless pipes, welded pipe manufacture, test stands (NDT), and cold processes such as peeling, grinding, straightening and polishing. The company’s Steelmaster gauges and systems are designed to fulfil market requirements such as closer tolerances, zero fault, 100 per cent quality control, higher productivity, faster start-up, less downtime and less manpower. The Steelmaster processor is the ‘brain’ of the system, as it processes the measuring data, communicates with the plant network and provides the operator with self-explanatory displays and key data. The process transparency is dramatically

improved, especially if multiple measuring heads are installed. SMO oscillating gauges for round and non- round products feature up to six measuring axes, seamless 360° coverage, no blind zones, and measurement independent of twist. With an increased number of axes, more data can be captured at the same time, and the measurement cycle per profile is shorter. SMO gauges can also be operated in static mode, in selectable orientation. SMS static gauges are suitable for round products, and feature up to six fixed axes, no moving parts, compact design, practically no maintenance, fast measuring rate (1,000/s in longitudinal direction), and short measuring distances. Advantages of the Steelmaster gauges include easy integration, dependable operation, up to 6,000 measurements per second (1,000 per scanner), distributed intelligence, one single (fibre optic) cable

New sensor system for Novaflux flux leakage system Prüftechnik NDT GmbH, Germany, has released a new sensor system for its recently introduced Novaflux flux leakage testing system. The RFL65 rotating unit is used for the highly sensitive inspection of black and bright steel bars and seamless tubes with diameters from 5 to 65mm.

The new option broadens the Novaflux portfolio, which initially set out with RFL140 for diameters from 10 to 140mm. Novaflux is able to find longitudinal defects of a depth greater than 0.1mm and handle high production speeds of up to 3m/s. The system is operated via a user-friendly touchscreen. A detailed report of the test results permits further processing of defective yet repairable bars and thus increases the yield. Novaflux can also be operated together with sensor systems of other vendors. As a specialist in eddy current inspection systems for the semi-finished products

industry, Prüftechnik provides the industry with a wide portfolio of testing equipment for reliable quality control. Eddycheck ® and Novaflux test equipment is used in a wide variety of different production areas, for process monitoring and for the final inspection of tubes, bars and wire. Eddy current testing meets an extensive range of international standards including ASTM, API, BS, JIS, ETTC, ENEL, DIN and SEP. Prüftechnik NDT GmbH – Germany Fax : +49 89 967990 Email : info@pruftechnik.com • Website : www.pruftechnik.com  Prüftechnik’s RFL65 rotating unit

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M ay 2008

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