TPT May 2021

T E CHNOLOG Y

Multicut – a quick and cost efficient method of cutting tubes

TWO leading pipe manufacturers have recently placed orders with Linsinger Maschinenbau to upgrade their existing ERW pipe mills. Some of the benefits of the flying Multicut Tube Cut-Off machine are increased line capacity and reduced stoppages. Since 2003, the Austrian machinery specialist Linsinger has supplied its four-headed Multicut MC4/610 tube cut- off machine to numerous customers in the tube and pipe industry worldwide. Despite current economic uncertain- ties, a particular manufacturer entrusted Linsinger with the supply, installation and commissioning of its heavy-duty tube cut-off machine Multicut MC4/610 of up to 45m/min synchronised travel speed during the cut-off cycle. Additionally, Linsinger succeeded by securing a similar order. The travelling Multicut equipment will be an upgrade to an ERW mill, producing pipes of a round tube diameter range Ø114 – 508mm (4½" – 20") as well as rectangular tube range 120 x 60 – 500 x 300mm (4.7 x 2.4" – 19.6 x 11.8"). The concept of the four-blade carbide tipped sawing system was developed to improve reliability and lower operating costs. By using four cutting heads instead of two, the rotary speed of the sawblades can be reduced, which leads to an extended blade life cycle. Linsinger’s multicut provides a

high level of operational flexibility. If one of the four sawblades should fail, it will be retracted to allow production with the remaining saw blades to continue without inter-

Linsinger has supplied its four-headed Multicut MC4/610 tube cut-off machine to customers worldwide

ruption. This ‘fail safe’ strategy, and the longer blade service life cycle, extend the time between line stoppages significantly. “Only a pipe mill that is continuously running can be profitable. Our equipment, as one of the key drivers of line speed, has to perform”, said technical director Stefan Dierneder, emphasising the importance of building a strong, reliable – yet flexible – machine. By using this technology, the process is faster and more efficient than using double-headed machines. And, in fact, the technical character- istics of this equipment are also impressive according to Linsinger. This sturdily built, fully CNC controlled machine is equipped with 4 individually driven cutting heads each with 42kW main drive power. These orbit around the tube, which is securely hydraulically clamped in the Multicut-Machine while travelling at line speed. With a total equipment weight of 75 tons, the 50 ton travelling unit accelerates at 2 m/sec 2 , and is powered by 2x 115kW motors, which are sufficiently powerful to return the travelling unit to the starting position

at a speed of 90m/min after completion of the cutting cycle. After arriving at the starting position, the travelling unit accelerates again to tube line speed of up to 45m/min. “The cost of a machine has to be looked at in life-cycles. The purchase price only reflects 30 to 50 per cent of total expenses. Operating expenses and maintenance costs are a main part of the machine’s life cycle cost,” stated Michael Steinkogler, head of sales for sawing and milling machines at Linsinger. He explained that Linsinger, as the world’s only supplier of carbide tipped sawing systems, also manufactures the tools themselves. The in-house tool technology department designs, manufactures and maintains sawblades exclusively for Linsinger machines. Together with the after sales department, Linsinger takes full responsibility for the machinery and tools to ensure a smoothly running production facility for its customers.

Linsinger Maschinenbau www.linsinger.com

Byron Products adds tube bending assembly BYRON Products, a thermal processing company, has added tube-bending manufacturing to its list of offerings. Tube bending is the metal-forming process used to form pipes and tubing permanently. The unique, in- house process incorporates brazing and welded fittings for complete tube assemblies used in a number of industries, as well as for hydraulic and compressor line assembly. aluminium, stainless and copper tubing. The company is a registered FAA repair station – FAA#YB5R630Y, and holds several certifications and approvals, including Nadcap, and AS9100D. Byron offers a large range of thermal processes, including heat-treating, brazing, welding and thermal coatings. The company’s specialties include aerospace, defence, agriculture, medi- cal, power generation, wind power, auto- motive industries and other commercial applications. “Our in-house tube-bending capabili- ties give our customers an opportunity for complete assembly from development to final assembly and from prototypes to production,” said Rick Henry, director of sales for Byron Products. “We are a one-stop source for total tube assembly with our new, value- added processes taking place in our certified facility.” Byron Products www.byronproducts.com Aircraft tube assembly is a specialist area for Byron, with flared fitting for

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MAY 2021