TPT May 2023

INSPECTION, TESTING & QUALITY CONTROL

UltraScan and DataPro systems aim to solve tube measurement problems

For better data visualisation and handling, the UltraScan DSP Pro can be coupled with the BETA LaserMike DataPro 5000 process controller and data management system. It has an easy-to-use, touch-screen interface that provides an intuitive, colour-graphical overview of product dimensions and process parameters. The software can be quickly configured to meet your unique informational needs and allows efficient access to data. The DataPro 5000 provides a complete line overview along with relevant process data and allows you to easily select the data set they would like to track and record with just the touch of a fingertip. Other features include product trends, custom error and SPC reports and data analysis. Nordson Measurement & Control Solutions www.ndc.com An alternative to measuring the width of the scarf cut is to measure the depth of the scarfed surface as it can sometimes be below the desired surface of the edges of the parent material. Like the scarf width, this defect can occur if the scarf tool has not been properly set up to remove the right amount of weld bead, or if the tube unintentionally gets pushed into the scarfing tool due to debris. The scarf defect measurement differs from the previous in that it measures the largest offset from a nominal surface as a way of indicating how non-smooth the scarfed surface of the tool is. A scarf tool is prone to eventually wear and may chip or even break over time. When this happens, the effectiveness of the scarfing process is reduced. When a defect warning or failure limit is breached, an audio and/or light tower signal can be sent. The condition can also be sent to a defect marking system that marks this area of the product.

NORDSON Measurement & Control Solutions (formerly NDC Technologies) hopes to solve problems for the tube and pipe industry with its BETA LaserMike products measuring brand. The BETA LaserMike UltraScan DSP Pro is a leading ultrasonic wall thickness and concentricity measure- ment platform. Its high performance and productivity features (for example snap technology, multi-layer wall measurement capability and diameter ovality measurement options) make it a popular solution for manufacturers. Furthermore, it now offers improved levels of connectivity, communication and control in one sleekly designed enclosure. Thanks to its powerful capabilities, the DSP Pro integrates seamlessly into production network environments to promote better data exchange, tighten manufacturing operations, increase process efficiency and improve product quality.

The BETA LaserMike UltraScan DSP Pro Inspecting welded tube defects during milling THE Xiris WI-2200/3000 weld

inspection system is a weld bead and tube geometry measurement solution that is used to monitor key parameters that relate to process stability and tube or pipe quality. Adding a Xiris WI system to a mill provides real-time monitoring for multiple defect conditions, enabling continuous incremental improvements of mill quality and productivity. The many measurements that the weld inspection system can provide are based on the differences between the actual laser profile line seen by the camera and the ideal mathematical profile. The diameter of the tube determines the length of the ideal profile line to be fit over the actual profile line. By knowing the position of the actual laser profile, the ideal profile, and the size of the pixels in the image, the WI-2200/3000 can calculate the various profile defects. While most mill operators will use the weld inspection system directly after the weld box, some choose to place the inspection system after scarfing to check for quality issues related to the

scarfing process. This article discusses defects, the scarf width, scarf depth and scarf defect. The scarf width measurement is taken after the scarfing tool and measures the size of the flat portion of the tube where the scarf has occurred. Sometimes, the scarf width can grow larger if the scarf tool has been set to remove too much material, or the scarf tool has picked up too much dirt. For example, the support rollers used to hold the tube can get dirty with metal chips from the scarfing material and cause the tube to lift when debris gets caught between the roller and the tube. When this occurs, the tube gets pushed into the scarfing tool and as a result, removes too much material.

Xiris Automation Inc www.xiris.com

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MAY 2023