TPT November 2024

TUBE BENDING, END FORMING & SWAGING

Tube and pipe coning, threading and bending machine

UNISON Ltd, a UK-based manufacturer of tube bending, has launched a new, precise tube and pipe end coning and thread-rolling machine. The Unison CT-38 has been developed with a focus on creating the gas-tight seals required for many of the components used in the growing hydrogen energy sector, as well as in the global oil & gas industry. Unison believes the CT-38 will also be of significant interest to organisations in the hydraulics, lubricants, liquid processing and chemical industries. Depending on customer requirement, the CT-38 will cone and thread medium pressure (up to 20,000psi), high pressure (up to 60,000psi) and ultra-high-pressure (up to 150,000psi) connections in stainless steel and exotic alloys, such as thick-wall super duplex pipes. The maximum tube diameter the machine will accept is 38mm (1½"). Machine setup time is rapid, and the coning/threading cycle typically takes around five minutes to complete, including tool changes, for a one-off component.

The Unison CT-38 tube and pipe end coning and thread-rolling machine

coning and threading technologies, we developed the CT-38.” Able to cone and create both left-hand and right-hand threads in tube and pipe of as little as 6.35mm in diameter (¼") up to that maximum diameter of 38mm (1½"), the CT-38 is largely constructed of aluminium and stainless steel to ensure it can withstand operation offshore as well as in other harsh, often corrosive environments. Unison’s easy to-use 15" touchscreen control provides intuitive programming and infinite recipe storage, while tooling changes between coning and threading cycles are simple and straightforward. “During factory acceptance tests for the first of our new CT-38 machines, we were delighted to hear comments of ‘revolutionary’ and ‘transformational’ from our customers,” added Mr Chambers. “We really do believe that the CT-38 will redefine the way in which cones and threads are applied to high pressure tubes.”

Additionally, as a further time-saving benefit, in many cases the tube or pipe can be pre-bent before threading and coning takes place. As the quality of the coning surface is critical to ensure a successful seal, the CT-38 machine completes an ‘overturn’ clean-up process following thread rolling and before precision coning occurs. Thread rolling produces a stronger thread than thread cutting and generates zero swarf. “Traditionally, the coning and threading of exotic tube – particularly when working with larger diameters – has been cumbersome and slow, often involving labour-intensive processes,” said Unison’s sales projects manager, Steve Chambers. “Looking for a faster, easier alternative to the solutions currently on the market, a number of our energy-sector customers – users of our all-electric bending technologies and tube washing machines – approached us to ask if we would consider developing a high capability coning and threading machine. Taking on board their requirements, as well as their frustrations with existing

Unison Ltd www.unisonltd.com

An example of a finished product

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NOVEMBER 2024