At Tube, Dango & Dienenthal (D&D) presents laser-assisted calibration of large-diameter pipes for the first time. “The machines of the PST series achieve unprecedented levels of precision. At the same time, they drastically reduce the time required for straightening and allow complete documentation of the inner contour,” the company states.
The basic new feature of Pipe Sizing Technology (PST) is that a 360° circular laser measures the inner contour of the pipe during the straightening process, with the results being immediately incorporated into the process. The machines of the PST series are generally used for straightening. The PST-PE-EX version is also capable of expanding the pipe ends, while the PST-FB version (full body sizing) straightens the pipes over their entire length.
The laser mounted in the measuring head projects a line onto the inner wall of the pipe. A camera, also located in the measuring head, captures the circular line with up to 3,200 measuring points over the entire circumference of the pipe. In this way, the complete image of the inner contour of the pipe is created in real time. This data is the basis for controlling the straightening tools.
For sizing, the PST-PE machines are equipped with six expanding jaws, which are precisely controlled according to the results of the laser measurement. The result: the pipe is not expanded, but instead retains its original inner circumference. “Since the Pipe Sizer combines measuring and forming, the systems drastically reduce the time required for handling the pipes,” D&D emphasises.
The first PST-PE-EX machine, currently being manufactured by D&D for a German manufacturer of large-diameter pipes, will straighten and expand the ends of pipes with diameters between 270 and 1,016 mm with wall thicknesses of up to 60 mm. Here, too, the circular laser provides the inner contour of the pipe end, which is used to control the pressure cylinder.
Tube / Halle 5 / 5F08