PERFORATOR develops automated friction welding machine for drill pipes

Johann-Christian von Behr, CEO at PERFORATOR GmbH, comments:

“This friction welding was developed according to our specific requirements and is unique in the drill pipes industry.”

“We needed it to work for a maximum range of products, from very small to extra-large diameters. We are now able to friction weld all kinds of drill pipes within this range: 40 – 220mm diameter; 4 – 25mm wall thickness; and 0.5 – 13m length. At the same time, it provides additional functionalities that enable us to perform our friction-welding processes much more efficiently and with more flexibility.”

Automated loading and unloading

The new installation was assembled and installed on site during the past 10 months, in close cooperation with several providers. Special features include the automated loading and unloading system made up of individual separating and conveyer systems and two robots that allow a more flexible use of the friction welding machine. Set-up and teach times have been reduced and the loading system obtains its data automatically from the controls of the welding machine. In addition, the tact times could be lowered.

von Behr comments:

“We were looking for a welding machine with automated loading system that could accommodate our various demands. As we couldn’t find a suitable complete solution on the market, we contacted various suppliers and, together with them, we were able to engineer an individually designed machine.”

With its unique installation, PERFORATOR has been able to improve the quality of its products and clearly improve its process reliability.

Higher flexibility, higher competitive advantage

Thanks to its new machine, PERFORATOR is now able to produce even the largest drill pipes with friction-welding, which is more efficient than the traditional arc welding technology. Even drill pipes and augers from 40 up to 220 mm can now easily be friction welded, and also, if required, position-oriented between both cutter heads and connections.

Besides more flexibility and shorter set-up times, these were key criteria to ensure that the company could also produce its flow of smaller and medium-sized batches more economically.

With this investment, PERFORATOR has enhanced its competitive position, particularly in the drill pipes industry. The company continues to strengthen its market position and expand its portfolio in response to the increasing demand for drill pipes and augers.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/product-news/05082021/perforator-develops-automated-friction-welding-machine-for-drill-pipes/