NEWS OMS manages pipe measurement and fit-up logistics for Subsea 7 SPECIALIST pipe measurement technology company for the oil and gas industry, Optical Metrology Services (OMS) Ltd, has completed a pipe measurement and fit-up project for Subsea 7 on the Exxon Mobil-operated Oso gas/condensate field off the coast of Nigeria.
Using its groundbreaking Smart-FitÔ software, OMS avoided any pipe fit-up problems, providing Subsea 7 with fast, good pipe fit-ups ready for the welding stage. Smart-FitÔ uses pipe measurement data to predict and control fit-up, before the pipes are brought into
the bead stall for welding. This prevents production delays due to poor fit-up and manages the assembly of problem pipes
to maximise welding productivity.
Onshore in Nigeria, two OMS engineers used OMS' PipeCheckerTM laser-based measurement tool to measure the geometry of the internal walls of more than 1,500 pipe ends.
The pipes were then delivered by barge to Subsea 7's pipe laying vessel, Polaris. Onboard, OMS engineers used Smart-FitÔ to sequence the pipes for best fit-up.
Pipe measurement data was made available to a Smart-FitÔ station onboard Polaris. This comprised a laptop located prior
to the firing line. Each pipe in turn was identified and logged into the software, which then analysed the fit-up, enabling OMS
engineers to mark the best rotational (and datum) position on each pipe end. In the bead stall, these marks were aligned to achieve
the best rotational position so that pipe misalignment was minimised. Any problem pipes that would not have fitted at the specified
Hi-Lo were also indicated in advance so that they could be re-sequenced or removed.
Production delays due to mismatched pipes were therefore avoided. Dr Richard Gooch, Director of Technology at OMS commented:
"In order to meet stringent acceptance criteria for the welds on this project, Subsea 7 asked OMS to manage pipe measurement
and fit-up, both onshore and offshore during the pipe laying process. We are very pleased to report that this project was extremely successful. Everything worked perfectly and we managed to avoid any pipe fit-up problems, which resulted in no delays to the pipe welding process or repairs."
This project consolidates OMS' position as the leading provider of solutions for pipe fit-up, including stringent CRA applications.
The Oso oil field is located offshore in the Bight of Biafra and is Nigeria's largest offshore gas/condensate project. Offshore facilities include 8 platforms. A 35-mile seabed pipeline transports the condensate to storage tanks located onshore at the Qua Iboe Terminal. OMS - UK Email: denise@optical-metrology-services.com
Website: www.optical-metrology-services.com
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Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou To meet industry demand for leaner productivity protocols and advanced measuring methods, SPS – Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou, to be held 7-9 March 2012 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, will include new trend areas for Machine Vision and Measurement and Instrument.
Mr Louis Leung, deputy general manager of Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, one of the show's organisers, said,
"The fair will deliver more business and value by offering additional solutions in overall equipment effectiveness and complex measuring processes." Mr Leung expects the 2012 show to be a success. "Interest in the event is high; the number of enquiries received from potential exhibitors and visitors are up compared to the same period last year."
To provide buyers with automation innovations and solutions from sensors and controls to applications, the 2012 show will focus
on the key areas of Industrial Automation; Machine Vision; Measurement and Instrument; Motion and Control; and Robotics.
Figures released by the China Statistics Bureau confirm the country's industrial automation market is quickly evolving, with investment in fixed assets in the electrical machinery and equipment manufacturing industry rising 55% in the first six months of 2011. Over the same period, production of communication, computer and other electronic equipment grew 48% and transportation equipment 35%.
For the third consecutive year the fair is receiving strong support from leading Asian and European trade associations, which will organise pavilions and seminars at the fair. Supporting associations include Robotics Association of Taiwan; Taiwan Electric and Electronic Manufacturers' Association; and AMA Association for Sensor Technology from Germany.
SPS – Industrial Automation Fair Guangzhou is sponsored by the China Foreign Trade Centre and Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH.
It is organised by the China Foreign Trade Guangzhou Exhibition General Corporation, Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, Guangzhou Overseas Trade Fairs Ltd and Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. The honorary sponsors are the Guangdong Automation Association and Guangzhou Automation Association. Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd , China (PR) Email: sps@china.messefrankfurt.com
Website: www.siaf-china.com
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Hydratight opens West Coast hub ENGINEERING services and joint integrity company Hydratight has set up a major new facility in Concord, California, for operations across the US western seaboard.
The new facility, in the heart of northern California's oil refinery district, will be Hydratight's regional hub: a 'product supermarket' for the rental and sale of equipment to service power stations, refineries and other industrial facilities across the whole of the western US.
The Concord site, which replaces the company's Sacramento facility, covers 10,000ft2 and will house all sales, engineering and management functions as well as a fully equipped workshop with assembly testing, refurbishing and preparation stations on-site.
The building also includes full-scale training facilities, so product instruction and information can be offered to customers.
"The 70 mile move to this new, larger facility gives us a more strategic location and larger training facility," said Rory Abrams. "Customers all over the west coast will have easier access to all our services and we look forward to increasing our rental and training business in the coming year."
This is the second major facility opened by Hydratight this year. In June the East Coast hub was opened in Somerset, New Jersey, offering similar facilities to customers across the US eastern seaboard. It also brings together Hydratight operations in Cranford
and Flemington to be the new centre of excellence for nuclear products and service. Hydratight, UK Email: quickface@hydratight.com
Website: www.hydratight.com
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A successful building start to AWL-Techniek's new premises The highest point of AWL's new building was marked by the placing of a flag. The construction, which is an extension to the existing AWL building, is approximately 1800m2 in size, consists of three floors and sits in the courtyard between the existing industrial buildings.
The new building is necessary to cope with AWL's continuing growth. 2010 was a very good year for the organisation. As a result,
the workforce has increased from 160 to nearly 200 over the past two years and the end is not in sight. 2011 and beyond also look very promising. MechDes Engineering from Nunspeet - with 37 engineers – will also find shelter in the new building.
MechDes and AWL work closely together in developing projects and the move will only increase this cooperation, enabling it to run more smoothly and increase personal involvement.
The new building can accommodate more than 90 employees in total and provides growth space for the rest of the buildings.
In addition, there are three well-equipped meeting and training rooms, which are furnished with the most modern means of communication, something that will also be installed in the meeting rooms of the existing building. International business meetings and consultations will therefore be held more efficiently. It will be a high-end office block that meets the requirements of the modern workplace; an important principle here being to create a good and pleasant working environment. There will also be computer floors and the availability of Wi-Fi access to which customers can connect.
The design for the new building was drawn up by Office for Building Consultancy and Design Next in Alphen a / d Rijn.
It is expected that the building will be ready for use in early 2012. AWL-Techniek , Netherlands www.awl.nl
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New appointments to drive UK sales WITH two new senior appointments, automated orbital welding specialist Arc Machines Inc (AMI) is strengthening the service it provides clients in the UK and Ireland, and reinforcing its recent move to a purpose-built facility in Daventry, as part of its growth strategy.
New regional director Michael Allman was brought on board earlier this year to build on AMI's offer to existing customers and develop new opportunities in key growth areas, while Sean Blandford has, more recently, been appointed as general sales manager to lead sales activities for the UK market from the new site.
Mr Allman's engineering background, including 12 years with BP and commercial experience as a company director with both UK
and European businesses, brings a strong focus on appealing proactively to existing and potential customers. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Allman said, "AMI has been setting the standards for automated orbital welding for the past 30 years.
We have the best products in the business, with a service, training and maintenance structure to match, but now is not the time
to sit on our laurels. We plan to go out to our existing customers and remind them how good our products and support are
and to shout loudly to attract new business."
AMI has always maintained a strong identity in the UK and encourages regional directors to develop working practices appropriate to the local business culture. The company has historically dealt through intermediaries, but Mr Allman believes that it is the end-user who should be able to specify the best equipment for the job. "AMI has been operating for 30 years, and is a first-choice welding equipment supplier for many contractors. But nowadays there is tighter control on quality and cost from end-users. We need to demonstrate the advantages of AMI products directly to them so that they can ensure the best equipment is specified."
One of Mr Allman's first decisions was to consolidate all UK sales activity, including customer support, operator training, equipment maintenance and repair and spares supply, in a single, purpose-built facility.
Both new appointees will be based in the new 7,000ft2 site, which will be the only one of its kind in the UK to accommodate
the full AMI product range along with a state-of-the-art demonstration area, full maintenance and service support, a comprehensive spare parts inventory plus a dedicated operator training facility to meet both current and future market needs.
Mr Blandford, who also has significant international experience and has recently completed an MBA with the Henley Business School, commented, "Arc has a long standing reputation for reliable, high-quality products and I plan to remind all our customers of the value that can bring to their operations. Other industries that could benefit significantly from automated welding systems just do not include them as an integral part of their engineering culture and we are determined to break that mould." Arc Machines, Inc, USA Website: www.arcmachines.com
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Alfa Laval wins major order in Brazil HEAT transfer, centrifugal separation and fluid handling company Alfa Laval has received an order for a brewery solution from one of the largest global brewery groups. The order value is around SEK 135mn, and was booked late June 2011. Delivery is scheduled for 2011.
In the brewery in Brazil, the Alfa Laval equipment will be used in different stages of the beer-making process, including fermentation, cooling, filtration, blending and storage. The order includes a wide variety of hygienic products, such as valves, pumps, pipes, fittings and plate heat exchangers.
"It is a pleasure to take a big order within brewery," said Lars Renström, president and CEO of the Alfa Laval Group. "This order confirms that increased living standard in Brazil is driving demand for beverages. We have a solid history in delivering hygienic products and solutions to breweries all over the world."
Alfa Laval has been present in Brazil since 1959, and last year the company's order intake in the country grew by 18%. The company provides specialised products and engineering solutions based on its key technologies of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling. Its equipment, systems and services are dedicated to assisting customers in optimising the performance of their processes.
The solutions help them to heat, cool, separate and transport products in industries that produce food and beverages, chemicals
and petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, starch, sugar and ethanol.
Alfa Laval's products are also used in power plants, aboard ships, in the mechanical engineering industry, in the mining industry
and for wastewater treatment, as well as for comfort climate and refrigeration applications. Alfa Laval , Sweden Website: www.alfalaval.com
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AddisonMckee helps world's leading stairlift manufacturer move up to the next level ADDISONMCKEE has supplied another one of its state-of-the-art DB 89 electric bending machines to the world's leading stairlift manufacturer. Its relationship with the customer in question is a longstanding one with its origins in two hydraulic machines supplied some sixteen years ago.
One key advantage of the electric machine over its hydraulic forebears is the fact that the machine 'teaches' itself and reduces set-up times, automatically making any necessary adjustments and eliminating the need for manual re-setting. What's more, wherever the metal is sourced from and whatever its grade, the machine will manufacture a far more repeatable component that matches the original drawing first time. Most importantly of all, because no two staircases are exactly the same and many have a gentle curvature, one of the customer's prime requirements was the capability for freeform bending. So, as well as using standard tools, the DB 89 machine uses rollers on to the die and clamp, then pushes the tube to generate an infinitely variable radius between the rollers.
A minor angle variation put into the bend arm is reflected in the tube radius as it is pushed forward. It is another example of how AddisonMckee's innovative approach is eminently transferable from one sector to another, the technology having originally been developed for Nissan roll bars. A further requirement was the reduction of the envelope tolerance the middle of the tube needed to follow: from 10-12 mm down to a mere 5. This was something the DB 89 machine could achieve with aplomb. But all of this precision has a purpose in closing the loop between what the customer requires and what it actually gets out of the machine. Precision is of the utmost importance here since, especially in the current climate, AddisonMckee's customer simply cannot afford to throw away raw material. So getting things 'right first time' is crucial. Not only that but there are major benefits for the end user, too, since even the most minor indentations in the tube produce a noticeably less smooth and more uncomfortable ride.
The fortunes of AddisonMckee itself have certainly taken a turn for the better in recent months too as the market climbs out of recession New ownership has galvanised the company by introducing a number of measures to ensure a smoother ride for all its customers, in, among others, the automotive, aviation, truck and shipbuilding industries. First and foremost, while the company remains a truly global concern with partners all over the world, in response to overwhelming demand from its European customers, AddisonMckee has restored the manufacturing facility at its HQ at Bamber Bridge in the UK, a move, which underscores the company's commitment to its European partners not least by significantly reducing costs. With two manufacturing facilityes in the US and the UK, AddisonMckee can offer something its erstwhile competitors are unable to: namely, an eminently flexible supply chain to market. The company now has no less than 55 engineers committed to research and development with service personnel on hand in every continent.
While the new owners themselves come with the benefit of a wealth of business and industry experience, not least in the key emerging markets of the Far East. AddisonMcKee Limited, UK Email: sales@addisonmckee.co.uk
Website: www.addisonmckee.com
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Software systems for production and control IN today's market, where margins for error are very low, businesses need not only a successful strategy but also highly efficient production and logistic processes, with controlled costs for each article and stage of the process. It is vital to measure all operating processes in real time and with reliable data in order to identify and measure all the hidden costs, which require timely corrective
and preventive actions if they are to be minimized.
We are clearly not referring here to evident costs, which have obviously been eliminated; we refer to the numerous little wastages that we do not eliminate simply because we are unaware of their existence. Recovering efficiency can no longer involve a single major
point of improvement, because if we had already done this long ago we would not be in the marketplace now.
STAIN has made and installed MES solutions for steel mills, pipe manufacturing, plastic moulding and drawing, die-casting, taps and fittings and machining for over 20 years. Our experience has taught us that gaining in overall efficiency is the sum of numerous small improvements throughout the production process. It is therefore fundamental to measure all the production and logistic processes at the factory in real time to discover hidden costs, which cannot be eliminated until they have been identified and measured accurately.
Here is an example. We often fail to take into account that the incidence of micro-stoppages is a major factor in achieving a significant improvement in efficiency. If a machine stops for more than a hour, everyone knows about it, but if the cycle time is altered by a mere 3 seconds in a minute to meet process requirements and someone forgets to reset the standard time, you risk discovering it much later when you read the written report the following day, and the loss is 5% on the total number of items produced during the shift.
To eliminate these hidden costs in production and logistics STAIN has developed the STAIN+ suite based on SIEMENS PLC technology, which automatically gathers machine data and integrates it with ERP, with automated production and logistic flows via
a fully modular user-friendly solution. STAIN+ is a set of tools that provide a LENS for discovering hidden costs in the various departments, and collecting machine information automatically and in real time, and a GAUGE for measuring the benefits achieved
by corrective actions implemented in view of continuous process improvement.
STAIN+ is a comprehensive, modular suite integrated with packages that include data collection and production progress monitoring, automatic identification of each bin using barcode or RFID technology, computerisation of logistic flows in the departments, allowing the real-time management of stocks and work traceability, tool management (spindles, implements, inserts, dies and moulds),
quality and statistical process control (SPC), and preventive and corrective maintenance.
STAIN's MES solutions – installed in numerous important companies and integrated with standard ERP – have enabled many clients to use data collected automatically from the field and convert it into an invaluable and strategic asset for the company, increasing their productivity and marginality to double figures, often well beyond their expectations. The main organisational and economic advantages are:
– automatic recording of times and numbers of OK parts and rejects, with accurate costing at each stage
– in-line inventorying, with stock reduction and the elimination of physical inventory times and costs
– reutilisation for other tasks of human resources previously used for manual production processes
– total elimination of transcription errors and omissions as field production reports no longer need to be compiled by hand
– real-time updating of work progress and stocks, giving optimised scheduling and reduced delays in delivery
– complete traceability of each container, right back to casting of the raw material in the event of non-conformities recovery of financial resources to minimize stocks of unfinished products (WIP)
– minimisation of tooling times and computerised tool management (moulds, matrices, inserts, plugs, spindles and so on)
– increased awareness of global company indicators by heads of department
– shorter stoppages thanks to an accurate identification of causes
– accurate and prompt recording of rejects by cause and field checks to enhance product quality
- computerised inline checks at piloted frequencies per article/machine to prevent rejects and out-of-process errors.
If designed and implemented as a support for organisational and cultural change in the way of running a business, MES systems can become a powerful means for recovering margins as they discover hidden costs, which are difficult to identify without real-time integrated information and become a strategic tool for the continuous improvement of processes and our way of operating. There are, however, two fundamental requirements before this can take place. First, both management and organisation must believe firmly that having integrated field and operating information that is exact and functional to the company's organisational model is a real competitive advantage and a strategic objective to pursue with the necessary human and technological resources. Second, the choice of a competent and reliable partner with specific skills in the sector that can provide its experience in organisation, technological development and, more importantly, methodology in applying new technology in the production bays.
Thanks to its lengthy experience in the business and proven method of project development and management, STAIN can help businesses improve the efficiency of their production and logistic processes, via tailored advice and a comprehensive standard suite with add-on modules, all at a competitive price and extremely easy to use. Stain, Italy Website: www.stain.it
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Chilean challenges met by AUMA actuators A ROBUST actuation solution capable of performing at high altitudes has been supplied by AUMA to the Collahuasi copper mine
in a mountainous region of northern Chile. Sixty modular electric actuators automate valves controlling materials that travel through pipelines starting 4,300m above sea level.
The mine is one of the world's largest non-ferrous projects, set in an area with a rich copper mining history. Commissioned in 1999,
an expansion programme at the mine has given a long-term capacity of 500,000t/yr of copper.
Process facilities include a 60,000tpd sulphide concentrator and a 50,000tpa cathode copper oxide heap leach-SX-EW facility. After grinding, the ore is treated by flotation and concentrate regrinding to produce a high grade concentrate that is transported 200km in a slurry pipeline from the mine to a port. AUMA's actuators with three phase AC motors and gearboxes are installed at the pipeline's 'choke station', so-called because material needs to be slowed down after it has accelerated in transit.
Challenges met by AUMA's actuators included climatic environmental conditions, very low temperatures at night and extremely high temperatures during the day. Economical three phase motors carrying alternating currents and corrosion protection were important product features that benefited the application. A track record for AUMA supplying modular electric actuators for mining installations includes an installation at the 'Los Bronces' mine, also located in Chile. AUMA Riester GmbH & Co KG , Germany
Email: riester@auma.com
Website: www.auma.com
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Induction heating for shrink fitting processes Many organisations with heating applications are looking to induction because it is a flameless, non-contact method that is fast, precise, energy efficient and conducive to process repeatability. Other methods of heating are comparatively less efficient because
they heat a larger area instead of just the desired part, which leads to excess energy consumption. Larger applications that require considerable through-heating can reap the benefits of induction thanks to the expanded line of Ekoheat low frequency systems.
Ambrell's applications lab found the Ekoheat 250/10 to be suitable in a wide range of applications, including shrink fitting a pipe with
a 10" outside diameter for an oil industry application, annealing wire with a diameter of nearly 1" as part of an in-line manufacturing process, and preheating steel bars with a diameter of 2.5" prior to welding. Other successful Ekoheat 250/10 applications include hardening, preheating for forging, and crucible heating.
AMBRELL, a manufacturer of induction heating systems, has launched the Ekoheat 250/10, with 250kW of power and a centre frequency of 10kHz. It is part of a comprehensive line of Ambrell high to low frequency induction heating systems.
"We're pleased to offer the Ekoheat 250/10," said Ambrell vice president of sales Tom Dickerson. "We're finding that it's of great
interest to a wide array of industries for a number of applications, and we're seeing a particularly large amount of interest for this system from those with larger pipe applications. Of course, we have lower frequency systems for those with even larger applications."
Ambrell products are CE certified and manufactured in an ISO 9001:2008 certified facility to ensure high quality equipment.
Prospective customers can make use of the company's applications lab to ensure systems are built to their heating requirements. Ambrell has installed over 10,000 systems in more than 50 countries. Ambrell, USA Email: info@ambrell.com
Website: www.ambrell.com
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Catalytic oxidation system for finishing facility AIR pollution control specialist AirProtekt has supplied, installed and commissioned turnkey air pollution control equipment to abate VOC fumes and odours from three solvent based spray painting booths and baking ovens at an aircraft component finishing facility.
The Honeycat® concentrator catalytic oxidation air pollution control and energy saving system treats the exhaust gases from the component finishing process to give a maximum running flowrate of 12,000Nm3 hr-1 at a temperature of 20°C with a normal VOC concentration of 170mg Nm-3 MEK, xylene and toluene. The solvent laden gases are ducted and pulled through a rotary honeycomb zeolite wheel.
The solvent from the process stream is adsorbed onto the hydrophobic zeolite in the honeycomb wheel. The clean gases are then transported into the main process fan inlet and pass via an exhaust stack to atmosphere. The concentrator's honeycomb wheel zeolite rotor is continuously rotating to adsorb the VOCs, which then pass into the regeneration zone where the VOCs are removed by a small volume of preheated air, which then passes into a small Honeycat catalytic oxidation system.
The combination of the VOC concentrator and Honeycat catalytic oxidation system means very large process exhaust flows containing low quantities of VOCs can be treated by a cost effective system. This type of system means that only 5% of the process flow is treated by the Honeycat catalytic oxidation system, which represents a reduction of 20:1. With the increased VOC concentration the operating cost for the total system is very low when compared with alternative systems.
"AirProtekt's solution to the challenges posed by this aircraft component finishing application has now enabled the new production facility to comply with statutory emission regulations for VOCs," explained Trevor Lawton, AirProtekt's managing director. "The new installation also extends the company's global environmental policy. The Honeycat concentrator catalytic oxidation air pollution control and energy saving system also benefits from much lower capital and running costs compared with an alternative thermal oxidation plant solution."
Overall, the AirProtekt is a low energy solution for both start up and online running conditions. The compact catalytic oxidation system also requires only minimal upgrades to a customer's infrastructure. The system features lightweight construction, requires no compressed air or natural gas, and is very quiet in operation.
AirProtekt's engineering solutions are tailored to address specific local emission requirements but are also specified to comply with national and international regulations as well as detailed global company-specific guidelines or operational procedures. AirProtekt Limited, UK Fax: +44 1223 872934 Email: sales@airprotekt.co.uk
Website: www.airprotekt.co.uk
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ODAC® 550 large field scanners for high-precision diameter control in cold processes for large sizes
and heavy environments ZUMBACH Electronics, Switzerland has extended its well-known range of ODAC® laser scanners for non-contact inline diameter measurement for large size solutions.
With the ODAC 550 it is now possible to measure also large steel bars, tubes, rolls etc. up to 500 mm or more at accuracies of
a few metric microns and rates of up to 2000 measurements/s. Any other material like titanium, brass, alloys, plastic works as well.
This was made possible by the development of a revolutionary optical scanning technique with a highly parallel and seamless measuring field (no dead zone!). This technology also allows mounting emitter and receiver far apart from each other, depending
on the available space conditions.
Typical processes where the system offers new solutions are peeling, grinding, polishing, straightening as well as in quality control lines (NDT).
The dimensional data for diameter, ovality etc can be fed out directly to the user's network or also displayed in real time for the
operator by USYS processors and also for feedback to the machine.
Complete accessories like secondary protection enclosures, cooling devices, air purging, air knives etc. are available for heavy-duty environments. Zumbach Electronic AG, Switzerland Fax: +41 32 356 0430
Email: sales@zumbach.ch
Website: www.zumbach.com
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Gedik Welding widens flux cored wires product range HAVING started flux cored wire production in 2009; Gedik welding has been widening its product range via R&D restructuring that includes butt and seamless flux cored wire production technologies.
The advantages of flux cored wire are high deposition rate, smoothness seam, easiest functionality in every position and less
distortion and stress as compared to shielded metal arc welding. Ever-changing and improving industrial applications create
the demand for flux cored wires of GEDİK WELDING especially for the following material groups. Gedik, Turkey Website: www.gedikwelding.com
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INDOMETAL 2013 (20-23 February) Jakarta, Indonesia
Eyes on Southeast Asia – Space bookings for indometal 2013 now open!
Duesseldorf/Germany (Messe Duessledorf) – indometal 2013 – Messe Düsseldorf Asia's brand new trade fair for the metal
and steel industries in Southeast Asia is set to take place in Indonesia from 20 – 23 February 2013 at Jakarta International Expo.
The 4-day exhibition is designed as a platform for metal and steel businesses to tap into Indonesia's vast markets.
"We are proud to announce that we are further expanding our presence in Southeast Asia, offering our customers and partners even more opportunities to widen and strengthentheir presence in Indonesia and the region", says Gernot Ringling, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf Asia.
With a population of 240 million and its ideal geographical position, Indonesia presents the largest market in Southeast Asia and the fastest growing economy after China and India. "We trust that these factors combined with growing domestic demand, investment in capacity addition and favourable government regulations will benefit all participants at indometal 2013", he adds. Moreover the steel industry in ASEAN registered a double digit growth of 16.8% in 2010, mainly due to the high growth rates in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
The integration of Southeast Asia's economies into a single production base, the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), is yet another attraction of the region as tariff barriers are eliminated among its member countries. indometal 2013 addresses all partners involved in the metal and steel industries from raw materials, processing and equipment to production and logistics.
In order to provide transparency and to offer improved orientation the organisers have divided the range on display in the following six main segments:
- Metallurgical technology
- Thermo process technology
- Foundry machinery, equipment and supplies
- Accessories and components
- Semi-finished and finished products
- Tubes
With the theme 'Forging Ahead' the debut of indometal 2013 is jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf Asia and local exhibition organiser PT Wahana Kemalaniaga Makmur (WAKENI). Besides their dedicated team, expertise, extensive global network and commitment to delivering world-class events,
the organisers will also work closely with the GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS and NEWCAST teams at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH to provide the ideal gateway to Indonesia's dynamic metal and steel industry. In addition, indometal 2013 benefits from the comprehensive support of the following industry organisations:
- Federation of Indonesian Metalworks & Machinery Industries Association (GAMMA)
- Association of Metalwork and Machinery (ASPEP)
- Association of Indonesian Metal Foundry (APLINDO)
- Indonesian Foundrymen's Association (HAPLI)
- Indonesian Electric Cable Manufacturer's Association (APKABEL)
- Indonesian Iron & Steel Industry Association (IISIA)
- Indonesian Automotive Parts & Components Industries Association (GIAMM)
- The Indonesian Packaging Federation (IPF)
- Indonesian Exhibition Companies Association (IECA)
- Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN)
- Ministry of Industry, Republic of Indonesia
For more information on indometal 2013, please visit www.indometal.net
Download the PDF here
Quaker acquires remaining interest in Mexican affiliate
QUAKER Chemical Corporation has announced that it has acquired the remaining ownership interest in its Mexican affiliate, TecniQuimia Mexicana, SA de CV. Cash consideration of $10.5mn was paid for the 60% interest not previously owned by Quaker, with an additional $2mn payable in July 2012, subject to certain conditions. Quaker had been a joint venture partner
in TecniQuimia Mexicana for more than 40 years.
Michael F Barry, chairman, CEO and president, commented: "With this acquisition, we will further strengthen our position
in Mexico – a market that is expected to experience above average growth over the next several years. In addition, as large companies continue to invest in Mexico, including many of our automotive and steel customers, it is important that Quaker
be able to leverage the strengths that both Quaker and TecniQuimia Mexicana have to offer to best serve our customers."
As part of the acquisition, Quaker will record a one-time, non-cash gain in the third quarter of 2011, representing a revaluation
of its existing ownership interest in TecniQuimia Mexicana. Excluding the one-time gain and acquisition-related costs, the acquisition is expected to be slightly accretive to earnings in 2011. TecniQuimia Mexicana had sales of approximately $19
million in 2010.
Quaker Chemical Corporation is a leading global provider of process chemicals, chemical specialities, services, and technical expertise to a wide range of industries – including steel, aluminium, automotive, mining, aerospace, tube and pipe, coatings
and construction materials. Quaker's products, technical solutions, and chemical management services enhance
customers' processes, improve their product quality, and lower their costs. Quaker's headquarters is located near Philadelphia
in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Quarker Website:www.quakerchem.com
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UK laser cutting firm to expand nationwide
SSC Laser has opened three new sales offices and is planning to develop them into stand-alone manufacturing sites once they have built up a local customer base.
It comes after the company invested £800,000 in new machinery at its Hixon, UK headquarters – the biggest single investment
it has ever made.
Sales director Andy Evans said the investment in new offices and equipment is part of SSC's drive to become the biggest laser cutting firm in the UK.
He said: "Our industry is quite parochial and you tend to find that buyers like to use suppliers that are in their area.
"So our vision is to develop a nationwide network of SSC centres to give customers a local service.
"I shall be extremely disappointed if 10 years from now we don't have at least 20 of these centres dotted around the country.
This will make us by far the biggest laser cutting company in the UK, which is exactly what we want to be."
The sales offices, in Sunderland, Castle Donington and Reading, currently employ eight people between them – three in Sunderland and Castle Donington and two in Reading.
Sales manager Andy Hume said: "Obviously, the minute we turn one of the sales divisions in to a manufacturing facility,
we will need to employ further."
At SSC's New Road headquarters, which employs 41 people, bosses have invested £800,000 in a new Adige LT8 tube laser cutting machine and associated handling equipment.
Mr Evans said: "We didn't just want to be a flat bed laser business because there are already 500 of these in the country.
"The new tube laser facility gives us a unique selling point because customers can now come to us for all their laser cutting requirements.
"We can handle all kinds of sections – box, circular, hollow, angle, channel, flat, irregular – and manufacture parts up to 8.5 metres in length. There aren't many people who can do this.
"It's also more cost-effective and convenient for customers if their complete order can be processed under one roof rather than having to deal with separate suppliers."
SSC, which was founded in 2000, is co-owned by Mr Evans and managing director Austin Jarrett.
It makes precision-engineered components and finished products for a range of manufacturers.
Staff work continuous shift patterns 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which means they can turn orders around within two
to three days.
Sales at the business are expected to top £4 million this year. SSC Laser - UK Website: www.steelservicecentre.co.uk
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Zhujiang Steel Pipe to launch two welded pipe production lines
ACCORDING to Mr Chen Changyu, president and CEO of Guangdong Province based Chinese steel pipe manufacturing
company Zhujiang Steel Pipe Co, the company will officially launch two longitudinal submerged arc welded pipe production
lines in the fourth quarter of 2011 and in 2012 with the lines respectively located in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province
and Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province.
The new production lines are each expected to have an annual production capacity of 300,000 tons. In addition, Zhujiang Steel Pipe has also invested $106mn to build two longitudinal submerged arc welded pipe lines in Saudi Arabia with designed annual production capacities of 300,000 tonnes and 200,000 tons. Steel Orbis Website: www.steelorbis.com
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FABTECH 2011 expected to be the largest ever
WITH just three months to go before North America's largest tube, metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event
opens its doors, FABTECH 2011 is already expected to be the largest ever. Returning to Chicago's McCormick Place, 14-17 November, 2011, the event will offer four full days of activities and provide its projected 32,000 attendees with opportunities to network, learn and see the latest metal fabrication products and technologies.
According to John Catalano, FABTECH show manager, all signs point to this being a great event.
"Registration is up and we are on track to fill nearly a half million net square feet of exhibit space with more than 1,200 exhibitors," says Catalano. "The interest in this year's event is a positive sign that our industry is alive and thriving."
Visitors will see thousands of pieces of equipment in action on the show floor and more than 500 new product debuts.
In addition to the exhibits, FABTECH 2011 will also present more than 100 educational sessions on the latest trends in cutting, finishing, forming and fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, and welding, as well as courses for managers. The complete lineup can be viewed at fabtechexpo.com/schedule-at-a-glance.cfm.
Other featured events include a keynote on Growing Your Business Through Innovation, a State of the Industry panel discussion and highly anticipated sessions on reshoring and how to strengthen US manufacturing and create jobs. A new Buyer
Appreciation Day has also been added this year and will allow attendees to take advantage of exhibitor show specials and win prizes.
Visit FABTECH 2011 (fabtechexpo.com) for further information, or go directly to Registration. For updates on what will be happening at the event, follow FABTECH on twitter.com/fabtechexpo
FABTECH is co-sponsored by five industry-leading associations: the American Welding Society (AWS), the Fabricator's & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), and the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI). Fabtech Website: www.fabtechexpo.com
