TPT May 2015

Tube scarfing systems & tools

Photo: Ernst Blissenbach GmbH (see page 74)

The process reviewed here goes by two names – scarfing and deburring – and has a commensurably large and various kit of tools: mounting units; towbars with impeders, notching carriers and cutting rings; holders, cassettes, blades and inserts; chip deflectors; and bead chopper units. Together with others for special-dimension applications, these tools are employed in one of three processes – mechanical, hydraulic or mechanical- hydraulic – to polish to perfection both the inside and outside surfaces of tube and pipe.

It is a challenging remit; and, given the strong association of scarfing/deburring with welding, one that must be reliably discharged every time. Imperfectly scarfed weld beads could cause a faultless production run of high-frequency longitudinally welded tube or pipe to fail inspection. The companies reviewed here are in the business of ensuring that such a thing is not only unthinkable but also impossible.