TPT May 2014

Technology News

New market demands for full length pipe expander

As an example, the special design of the expander head can result in increased radial force and optimised surface area between cone and jaw configuration in order to accept pipes with increased wall thickness. For one customer it designed an expander head capable of expanding 18" pipe with a wall thickness of 32mm for X70 grade. Fontijne Grotnes has also

OVER the years Fontijne Grotnes has developed into a specialist in the design and manufacturing of full length pipe expanders for the pipe industry. The expander guarantees a constant, reproducible process regarding dia- meter, straightness and mechanical properties. Fontijne Grotnes is constantly improving the full length pipe expander for new market demands, like higher outputs, increased wall thickness, higher material grades up to X120, and stricter out of roundness and straightness tolerances. Recently the company implemented several product improvements to fulfil new market and product demands. When size or quantities matter Fontijne Grotnes can develop a dedicated expander head, for optimising production possibilities in wall thickness, material grade, or production quantity of LSAW pipes.

Tool change taking place

With this quick tool change system a changeover time reduction of 40 per cent can be achieved. There is also a modification set available for existing Fontijne Grotnes customers. Fontijne Grotnes – The Netherlands Email: k.holsteijn@fontijnegrotnes.com Website: www.fontijnegrotnes.com

improved its head and die handling fixtures to respond to customer demands. This latest development is more maintenance friendly and will improve changeover time significantly. The quick tool change system creates a defined position of the centre line of the expander head and controls the expander head rotation.

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M ay 2014