Products Production equipment Five-axis waterjet cutting machine boosts angle valve specialist
When GNB Corporation, a manufacturer of large vacuum valves and provider of machining and welding services, realised that its weld preparation and set-up times were higher than actual welding times, the decision was made to invest in a WardJet five-axis waterjet cutting machine. The company has now managed to cut production costs and increased material utilisation rates. As part of its fabrication services, GNB was primarily cutting thick stainless steel (up to 12.7cm thick) and needed a method of cutting material with the bevelled weld preps directly on to the net shapes of the parts. The goal was to eliminate all machining, bevelling and grind- ing during the weld preparation process. One challenge was presented by the angle valve prod- uct line. The body of an angle valve is constructed from two cylindrical tubes that intersect one another at a right angle. The goal was to manufacture the body of the angle
valves by waterjet cutting the flat plate with all penetra- tions prior to rolling. Not only are there penetrations for ports, but there is a large branch port which requires a perfect match up. With waterjet, GNB now accomplishes this task quickly and precisely. With the knowledge gained GNB has virtually eliminat- ed grinding of weld preparations. One benefit of the water- jet cutter is the ability to cut material without interfering with the material’s inherent structure as there is no heat- affected zone. Minimising the effects of heat allows metals to be cut without harming or changing intrinsic properties. Waterjet cutting produced no hazardous waste and is considered a ‘green’ technology. WardJet is represented in the UK by Wightman Stewart Wightman Stewart T: 01422 823801
www.wightmanstewart.com Enter 312
Fast positional adjustment at the push of a button Linear expert igus UK has intro-
duced DryLin ‘Fast Forward’ – a mechanism that allows quick positional adjustment of the slide on a trapezoidal lead screw drive. This is said to save time when adjusting machine settings, partic- ularly in applications that involve long lead screws.
Fast bandsaws
for cutting nickel Four Kasto bandsaws for cutting new materials have been installed at a pro- cessing and distribution facility opened in Rotherham under the name Barrett Nickel Alloys. The facility offers stock and bespoke, near-net-shape products for customers around the world to forge or machine into finished components. The latest model, a KASTOtec AC5 high performance, automatic bandsaw, with capacity to process stock up to 530mm diameter or wide, uses exclu- sively tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) bandsaw blades to cut the tough alloys, as do the other bandsaws on site, which are of up to 660mm capacity. A hydraulic top clamp allows more than two round bars of larger diameter to be cut simultaneously. Kasto
T: 01908 571590
www.kasto.uk.com Enter 316
The location of the linear slide can still be positioned precisely on the trapezoidal thread using the conventional hand wheel adjustment mechanism; the ‘Fast Forward’ function releases the slide from the thread to enable it to be slid quickly to a new ‘approximate’ position by hand first followed by more precise positioning with the hand wheel. The lubricant-free DryLin linear tables with ‘Fast Forward’ are available in two types: the SHT series, which is a precise,
rigid aluminium version made of machined and anodised alu- minium parts; and the SHTP series, a lightweight, low-price alternative made of solid plastic The ‘Fast Forward’ function is achieved using an innovative quick-release nut which is released from the thread at the push of the button on top of the slide. Once re-positioned the quick release nut locks back into the thread and acts as a brake bringing the slide to an immedi- ate standstill. This also, and particularly, applies to vertical applications where it remains fixed in position after locking. igus UK T: 01604 677240
www.igus.co.uk Enter 313
Cutting systems for wind turbine site
ESAB Cutting Systems is supply- ing two Suprarex cutting systems fitted with three gas cutting heads to TAG Energy Solutions for installation at the company’s new 42-acre site at Haverton, Hill, Billingham on Teesside. Here, a new automated pro- duction facility will roll and weld large diameter tubular used in the construction of offshore wind turbine jacket and monopile foundations. TAG Energy Solutions aims to secure a position in the offshore wind supply chain and is demonstrating its confidence in emerging renewable energy market by creating this plant. ESAB was selected as the sup- plier of the Suprarex cutting sys- tems on account of its experience
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in manufacturing and supplying cutting machines for the offshore wind industry. ESAB has also been able to fulfil TAG Energy Solutions’ requirements for high quality machines with high levels of cutting accuracy. As part of the contract, ESAB is providing project support services and after sales support through a local engineer.
ESAB Cutting Systems T: 01264 332233
www.esabcutting.com Enter 315
Lubrication for wind energy
SKF, the knowledge engineering com- pany, has enhanced its range of lubrica- tion systems for the wind energy sector with the introduction of a high perfor- mance feeder block for its MonoFlex single line lubrication systems. Developed to improve the effective- ness of lubrication tasks, this new block controls the flow of oil to multiple bearings of varying sizes and ensures the optimum volume of lubricant is delivered to each one.
The modular MonoFlex lubrication system can be used with oil, semi-fluid grease and hard grease NLGI grades 000 – 2 and is suitable for a variety of components in wind turbines, including the main, generator, yaw and blade bearings, as well as yaw and blade gearings. A pump supplies the lubricant to the distributors via a main feed line and one piston metering valve per lubricant point to ensure that the right amount is delivered, regardless of viscosity or back pressure changes. The MonoFlex system forms part of a family of high performance lubrication technologies, including dual line, multi line and circulating oil lubrication prod- ucts, designed to enhance the perfor- mance and reliability of wind turbines. SKF T: 01582 496433
www.skf.com
Enter 314 MAY 2011 Factory Equipment
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