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ITATUBE
Journal
No3/October 2019
www.itatube.org
Token fee € 18,00
Magazine of the Sole Worldwide Acting Association of Tube & Pipe Engineers
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Editorial
Greetings from Dr. Gunther Voswinckel
President International Tube Association
Dear Members, dear Readers,
As ever, it is my pleasure to wish Focussing on consolidation and
you a warm welcome to the latest adaptability faced with chang-
edition of ITAtube Journal, the ing markets and an increasingly
International Tube Association’s high-tech environment, numerous
popular publication – and the last presentation papers provided a
edition for 2019. basis for discussion. As promised,
those papers were made avail-
We can look back on an exciting able to members in the weeks
and extremely busy year – which that followed the Conference and
is of course far from over, with will very soon be accessible to
major expos such as the Fabtech non-members.
in Chicago still ahead – but we
prefer by far to train our sights The event proved popular and
on 2020 and the next really major demand ensures that we are now Dr. Gunther Voswinckel
event in the Messe Düsseldorf cal- planning the ITA Conference President ITA
endar. 2021. We are certain that inter-
est will grow and we will keep
Experts from around the world colleagues and members informed
will once again converge on Düs- of our progress throughout the
seldorf and its well-known trade coming months. News of devel-
fair grounds for Tube Düsseldorf, opments will be available in fol-
March 30 – April 3 2020. Many lowing Journal editions, on the
guests have been coming for years main website, and the bespoke
and the Tube expo on its home Conference website will be kept
ground is a regular in calendars constantly updated whenever new
throughout our industry sector. details become available.
As ever, the fair’s Students Day Members can of course expect to
(April 3) is organized by ITA and see the familiar newsletters when-
gives young talent a chance to ever there is anything to report.
hobnob with experts and profes- As it says in our mission state-
sionals with a little more experi- ment, we actively seek to foster
ence – which they are naturally knowledge exchange and network-
delighted to share. ing, and to this end have a great
deal planned for Q4 2019 and for
To cast our minds back just for a the new business year.
moment: Last April saw of course
our ITA Conference 2019 under Stay with us to stay informed, and
the heading Trend-setting Tech- enjoy the read!
nologies and Strategies for Tubes
& Pipes. Experts and professionals
from all over the world convened
at the trade fair grounds of Messe
Düsseldorf in Germany for a 3-day
exchange of expertise and innova-
tive ideas.
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 3
50.000
Table of contents
37.500
Editorial
25.000
Greetings from Dr. Gunther Voswinckel 3
Table of contents 4
12.500
Market information
6
World Steel Tube Production – Forecast 6
0
Dr. G. Voswinckel, VOSCO GmbH – World Pipe & Tube Market 8
Germany EU USA Japan GUS India China Other World
40
30
20 World Steel Tube Production – Technical Papers
10 Forecast
SMS group GmbH – Wafer-thin layers and a great future 18
0
Member News
Atomat SpA – celebrates 50 years of prominent and successful activity 22
Bossi S.r.l. – Flat Grinding Machine RSP 150/2500/8UR-150 23
BÜLTMANN – 10-roll tube straightening machines 24
Danieli S.p.A. – DigiMelter: the revolutionary system to melt steel 25
Danieli S.p.A. – Breda upgrade for special steel pipe 25
18
Danieli S.p.A. – Fully automated slab handling for inventory management 26
Fives Bronx Ltd – finishing equipment chosen for seamless pipe production 27
MAC – Corp’s Long-Time President and Chairman William Gould 28
Wafer-thin layers and a great future Mair Research S.P.A. – cold drawn tube production and finishing lines 29
– Additive Manufacturing at SMS Olimpia80 – leader company in linear cage forming Technology 30
group
PURES-tubes – 10 years PURES-tubes 31
Quaker – Reduced drying time with water based coating replacement 32
Roll-Kraft – adds electrical discharge machine 34
Roll-Kraft – appoints senior technical performance specialist 35
Roll-Kraft – welcomes technical performance specialist 35
Reika – delivers to the manufacturer of tipping cylinders based in the UK 36
Schwarze-Robitec – presents highly efficient tube bending solutions 38
Schwarze-Robitec – Bending under maximum load with the CNC 220 HD 39
48
SMS group GmbH – At METEC 2019, digitalization live experience 40
SMS group GmbH – Zekelman Ind. contracts supply of continuous ERW tube 42
SMS group GmbH – Padana Tubis new 16 ¾-inch ERW tube welding line 43
Schwarze-Robitec GmbH – Precise Xiris Automation Inc. – Xiris Appoints New Sales Manager for SE Asia 44
bending under maximum load with
the CNC 220 HD Xiris Automation Inc. – Celebrates 30 Years! 44
4 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019
Table of contents
Reviews & Previews
Review: Tube & Steel Istanbul 2019 46
Review: Tube Russia 2019 47
Review: Bright World of Metals 48
Review: wire and Tube Southeast Asia 2019 50
47
Review: TUBOTECH 2019 52
Preview: Tube & Wire 54
Preview: Tube 2020 56
Preview: SAW Expo 57
I ndustry 4.0 in focus of Tube Russia,
Preview: THERMPROCESS China 58 Metallurgy Russia and Litmash
Russia 2019
Diary of world class tube events 60
ITA Inside
Rate Card 62
Membership Application Form 64
56
List of advertisers, Imprint 67
MSG Maschinenbau GmbH
Hünegräben 17a
57392 Schmallenberg
Phone: +49 (0) 2972 - 9 77 40 0
Fax: +49 (0) 2972 - 9 77 40 19
E-Mail: kontakt@msg-maschinenbau.de
LARGE PIPE MEASUREMENT Website: www.msg-maschinenbau.de
anzeige_msg_210x110.indd 1 22.01.19 17:28
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 5
Market information
World Steel Tube Production – Forecast
In the first quarter of 2019 the World Steel Tube Pro- a negative result in the seamless tubes market, and
duction reaches 43,6 million tons, an increase of 0.7 %. a minus of 26.5 % in total productions. Chinese
The production of seamless tubes increased 1.2 % steel tube producers achieved a production of
to 11 Mio to, significant is the increase in India 24 million metric tons, a plus of 1.6 %, the USA with
with 20 %. Germany reached with a loss of -10.1 % a production of 3 million tons an increase of 9.5 %.
Total in Tto.
1. Quarter 2019 1. Quarter 2018
50000
37500
25000
12500
0
Germany EU USA Japan GUS India China Other World
15
7,5
0
-7,5
-15
-22,5
-30
seamless tubes welded tubes 406 welded tubes TOTAL
Region/ 1. Qtr 1. Qtr 1. Qtr 1. Qtr 1. Qtr 1. Qtr 1. Qtr 21. Qtr 1. Qtr 1. Qtr
in % in % in % in % in %
country 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Germany 295 328 -10.1 218 228 -4.4 100 278 -64.0 318 506 -37.2 613 834 -26.5
EU 985 1,038 -5.1 2,173 2,127 2.2 224 429 -47.8 2,397 2.556 -6.2 3,382 3.594 -5.9
USA 581 557 4.3 2,050 1,987 3.2 468 285 64.2 2,518 2,272 10.8 3,099 2,829 9.5
Japan 351 346 1.4 894 863 3.6 315 342 -7.9 1,209 1,205 0.3 1,560 1,551 0.6
GUS 1,170 1,187 -1.4 1,352 1,408 -4.0 638 860 -25.8 1,990 2,268 -12.3 3,160 3,455 -8.5
India 150 125 20.0 400 400 0.0 500 500 0.0 900 900 0.0 1,050 1,025 2.4
China 7,000 6,875 1.8 15,000 14,750 1.7 2,000 2,000 0.0 17,000 16,750 1.5 24,000 23,625 1.6
Other 777 752 3.3 5,447 5,338 2.0 1,173 1,158 1.3 6,620 6,496 1.9 7,397 7,248 2.1
World 11,014 10,880 1.2 27,316 26,873 1.6 5,318 5,574 -4.6 32,634 32,447 0.6 43,648 43,327 0.7
Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohre e.V. figures include estimations
6 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019
Market information
Seamless tubes in Tto. Welded tubes 406 in Tto. Welded tubes in Tto.
1. Quarter 2019 2. Quarter 2018 1. Quarter 2019 1. Quarter 2018
6000 40000
4500 30000
3000 20000
1500 10000
0 0
Germany EU USA Japan GUS India China Other World Germany EU USA Japan GUS India China Other World
70,0 20
35,0 10
0
0,0 -10
-35,0 -20
-30
-70,0 -40
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 7
Market information
Dr. Gunther Voswinckel, VOSCO GmbH
World Pipe & Tube Market: Current factors
influencing the present situation
Dr. Gunther Voswinckel – Update as per September 2019
In this article, in a consecutive way, several eco- is reported for the USA, supported by political trade
nomic consequences for the tube and pipe industry barriers for tubular products and the strong growth
are discussed. of the shale gas exploration.
It must be realized by analysts that forecasts on the For welded tubes and pipes below 406 mm diameter,
oil price level may heavily be overruled by political a production increase of +1 % in 1st quarter 2019
interventions of the stake holders. Strategical meas- was registered. For welded tubes and pipes of 406
ures consequently are quite demanding. Lean and mm or larger 1st quarter 2019 production showed a
agile organizations with flexible and customer ori- total decrease of -1 %. But USA (+40 %) showed a
entated production facilities are adequate to prompt remarkable production increase. For seamless tubes
the demanding market requirements. Agile digital and pipes 1st quarter 2019 has seen production
solutions in the sense of “Industry 4.0” offer further growth by +1 %. The USA after another booming
opportunities to stay successful. year 2018 (+17 %) now reports a reduction of -4 %.
The presented figures show, especially US tube and India with its smaller production capacity reported
pipe producers took great advantage from the busi- an increase of +20 %!
ness trends on the oil and gas market. Particularly the This is a remarkable trend, since now for the third
increased pumping and exploration activities in the time for years, the US tube and pipe production is
US are driving forces. If we believe the US experts, showing remarkable growth. It seems that the US
this will remain even throughout the year 2019. To a trade barriers policy is showing its significant results.
smaller degree in 1st quarter 2019 also Chinese tube The pipe prices after an increase of 23 % in 2018 are
and pipe producers participated in this positive trend. now declining by 7 % in 1st quarter 2019. Still the
Other tube and pipe markets such as the automo- overall plant utilization is on a low level.
tive (15 %), mechanical engineering (9 %), building Demanding high-tech products are the strategic
and construction industry (5 %) are also attractive targets rather than commodity-grade tubes and
market segments for our industry. Despite actual pipes. Limiting factors are sometimes the availabil-
turbulences, the world automotive market has been ity of steel quality for strip, plate and billets as well
characterized by a stable growth. The proportion of as the tube plant infrastructure regarding machines
tubes and pipes built into cars at the same time is and the applied quality standards.
steadily growing, causing increased attractiveness of
Finally, the impact of currency exchange rates on the
this market segment.
tube and pipe market is discussed. The strong EURO
The mechanical engineering market with its during 2017 and early 2018 was causing export dis-
uncounted applications represents many interesting advantages. Since then the Euro is weakening again,
growing segments, such as hydraulic cylinder tubes being able to compensate some of the disadvan-
or ball bearing tubes. tages. Anyhow the trade conflict between the US and
The building and construction industry market is China is creating an atmosphere with great danger
even growing by about 4 %/year. Here we can see for a global economic recession.
a competition between steel/tube structures and The main and dominant market segment of the steel
concrete elements. Lobbying activities are required, tube and pipe suppliers is the OCTG industry with 51 %
especially to further enlarge the steel/tube penetra- market share. Besides this dominating market the
tion for skyscrapers and bridges. automotive (15 %), mechanical engineering (9 %)
World production of steel tubes and pipes in 1st and construction industry (5 %) are also strong
quarter 2019 showed a new record height of extrap- market segments for the steel tube and pipe suppli-
olated 174.600 tons/year. In detail a growth of +4 % ers (Figure 1).
8 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019
Market information
OCTG, oil and gas, as the largest
target market of steel tube and
pipe suppliers. This market is
subdivided in pipes used for oil
and gas rigs, such as drill pipes,
joints, tubing and casings and
further downstream the line pipes
to transport oil and gas.
The number of new oil and gas
rigs is heavily depending on the
oil price. There is a strong correla-
tion between the oil price and the
number of oil and gas rigs in oper-
ation (see also ITA tube Journal
2019/1). The OCTG tube and pipe
consumption is depending on
the number of rigs, but also the Figure 1: Markets for Steel Tube and Pipes
depth of drilling and the capacity Source: ITATube Journal/Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohr
of the rigs. After a long period of
raising oil prices from early 2016
(30 US$/barrel) to October 2018
(85 US$/barrel), the oil price
fell again down to 52 US$/barrel
in only 2 months, to recover to
about 72 US$/barrel until April
2019. Since April the oil price fell
down to 58 US$/barrel (Figure 2).
The volatility of this price is quite
impressive and a consequence of
nervous reactions to the political
measures taken.
Under normal circumstances the
world would face an oversupply
of oil (see also ITA tube Journal
2019/2), but on the contrary
hereto, due the political interven-
tions by the US government, the
sanctions imposed on Iran and
Venezuela oil exports, created an
artificial mood of oil supply short-
age creating the recent oil price
Figure 2: Oil Price Development 2014 until 2019
rally throughout 2018. At the Source: Nasdaq
end of 2018 the price sharply fell
again to about 52 US$/barrel. In to calm down a bit, the oil price tions, it is increasingly demanding
2019 the oil price strengthened fell to 58 US$/barrel. It is to to give reliable forecasts for the
again which may be caused by be observed what next political consumption of steel tubes and
the upcoming thread of a political interventions are on Mr. Trumps pipes for this important market
conflict with Iraq and the ongoing agenda. segment. Only agile management
conflict with Iran (Figure 3). Now, Since the oil price is heavily strategies can counter such chal-
since the political conflicts seem depending on political interven- lenges.
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 9
Market information
The second OCTG market is rep- pipe prices increased, reflected
resented by oil and gas pipe- by the tube and pipe price index
lines. The pipeline market is a raising by ab. 23 % from 288 to
project-based business with long 365 in August 2018. Since then
planning periods and high politi- the tube and pipe producer index
cal determinations. Such projects weakened again to 340 as of Sep-
are planned e.g. in Europe, USA tember 2019 (Figure 4).
and Asia. In Europe gas pipelines Anyhow it must be considered
are mainly built to serve gas from that most tube and pipe produc-
gas and oil fields in Russia. ers are facing relatively low plant
All these projects are intensively utilisation at levels of about 62 %
discussed on political and environ- for welded tubes and pipes smaller
mental platforms. The European 16-inch diameter as well as seam-
Figure 3: Oil Price development in 2019 project “Nord Stream 2” is a good less tubes and pipes. For welded
Source: Nasda example, since the US president pipes larger 16-inch diameter the
Mr. Trump and the Polish govern- utilisation is even lower on a level
ment are using all their influence of about 35 %. Here we certainly
to ban this project. The US gov- find regional variations, but the
ernment is even trying to thread overall utilisation is still quite
the involved international com- alarming.
panies with trade sanctions (see The US economy is already
also ITA tube Journal 2019/2). growing for an impressive time
Therefore, also this market can be span of about 10 years. When
considered as difficult in regards Mr. Trump became US president,
of reliable forecasts. in January 2017, he has taken
Since January 2018 the tube and numerous political measures
Figure 4: Producer Price Index. Source: FRED US Bureau of Labor Statistics
10 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019Market information
covered by his doctrine “America
First” to strengthen also the tra-
ditional businesses such as steel,
automotive and electrics. This
can impressively be displayed by
the US tube and pipe production
figures (Figure 5). Due to trade
sanctions and the support of the
local oil and gas industry, the US
tube and pipe industry is quite
strengthening.
The US tube and pipe production
has increased by 4.600 ktons
(+60 %) since 2016, causing new Figure 5: US Tube and Pipe Production 2016 – 2018 (ktons)
investments in the tube and pipe Source: ITA tube Journal/Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohre e.V.
industry and even tube plants
which were previously taken out
of operation were restarted for
production. This trend may only
be sustainable if the US based
tube and pipe producers use this
positive trend and invest in pro-
ductivity and product quality oth-
erwise this positive trend may end
if the trade barriers will fall again.
Anyway, still today some 7.000
ktons of steel tubes and pipes are
imported to the US, which is in
average still a high volume.
Figure 6: Steel Tube Structures at Airport Building
On the other hand, Europe and
Source: Zekelman Ind. Atlas Tube
other regions also impose trade
barriers to secure the national to even increase their share in car are consolidating at almost “zero”
industry against imports from production. growth. The automotive market,
other parts of the world. There- The present trend to electro-mo- due to its technological require-
fore, the tube and pipe market bility may have a negative impact ments is quite interesting for tube
does need to cope with various on pipe supplies utilized for com- and pipe producers as well as tube
political interventions which bustion engines. Still alternative and pipe processors.
sometimes challenges strategical drive systems represent a minor The market of mechanical engi-
management measures. percentage, but the further devel- neering for tubes and pipes, rep-
The second important market opment shall be observed. resenting 9 % of the total tube
with a market share of 15 % is As already displayed in the and pipe market, is quite diversi-
the automotive market. Tubes and 2019/1 edition of the ITA Tube fied due to its uncounted appli-
pipes with a diameter up to 90 Journal, the regional sales figures cations. ITA tube Journal 2019/1
mm are mainly applied. are quite inhomogeneous. Coun- highlighted the fast-growing
tries like Russia (+15 %), Brazil hydraulic cylinder tube market.
Despite some weakness in 2018
and 2019, this market is charac- (+13 %) and India (+7 %) show In the ITA tube Journal 2019/2
terized by a relative stable and further growth, whereas Japan I highlighted the ball bearing
high demand of +2 %. Due to the overcompensates these growth market.
ongoing weight saving require- figures and shows a decline of Both examples of the mechanical
ment for cars, it can be expected, (-11 %). The largest world car engineering market demonstrat-
that tubes and pipes may be able markets, China, USA and Europe ing the interesting potentials of
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 11Market information
for buildings with seismic require-
ments and/or dynamic loads as
applied to bridges.
As an example, the 4th longest
bridge in the world, the Izmit bay
crossing bridge, is made of steel
and pipe structures.
Both mayor segments of the con-
struction market, anyhow require
mayor lobbying efforts of the
tube and pipe producing indus-
try to further convince regula-
tion authorities and project stake
holders about the advantages
of steel/tube structures as cost
effective, aesthetic and sustain-
able alternatives to concrete ele-
ments.
Figure 7: World Steel Tube and Pipe Production (ktons) One of the major players in the
Source: ITA tube Journal/Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohre e.V. supply of tubes and pipes for the
growing construction market, the
US based Zekelman Industries, has
only recently decided to invest in
a new 30” continuous ERW pipe
mill. This green field plant will be
installed in Blytheville Arkansas/
US, alongside to their existing
Atlas Tube facilities. This plant is
scheduled to start up in Septem-
ber 2021.
All these steel tube and pipe
markets can be subdivided in com-
modity volume and the part with
high-tech requirements. For the
high-tech requirements, the deci-
Figure 8: Reginal World Steel Tube and Pipe Production Total (ktons) sive factors are the steel quality
Source: ITA tube Journal/Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohre e.V. and the tube plant infrastructure.
The steel quality for many high-
this diversified market segment in the construction market are
tech steel tube and pipe appli-
for tubes and pipes. buildings as e.g. skyscrapers,
cations is demanding regarding
Another attractive market for bridges and load bearing applica-
chemistry and homogeneity. The
tube and pipe producers is the tions (Figure 6). Here we find a
availability of such steel qualities
construction market, representing significant competition between
with the relevant uniformity for
about 5 % of the world tube pro- steel/tube structures and on the
welded tubes and pipes as steel
duction. The construction market other side concrete elements. For
strip and plates as well as billets
is steadily growing along with skyscrapers the trend in emerg-
for seamless tubes and pipes is
the GDP growth, as already dis- ing countries to build high-rise
limited and creates sometimes a
cussed in the ITA Tube Journal in towers is supporting the applica-
significant hurdle to supply tubes
October 2018. The mayor market tion of steel/tube structures. An
and pipes into such high-tech
applications for tubes and pipes outstanding advantage of steel/
markets. On the other hand, the
tube structures are applications
12 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019Market information
tube plant infrastructure regard-
ing tube mills, finishing lines as
well as applied quality assurance
has also a significant importance.
Growing importance can be seen
in agile management strate-
gies regarding customer benefit,
process and product quality
enhancement by applying “Indus-
try 4.0” measures. First interest-
ing applications of “Industry 4.0”
in the tube and pipe industry were
presented by various speakers at
the ITA tube conference in Düssel-
dorf this April 2019.
Taking the above-mentioned
market trends, it is remarkable
how they show their marks in the
world steel tube and pipe produc-
Figure 9: World Steel Tube and Pipe Production Seamless (ktons)
tion. Source: ITA tube Journal/Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohre e.V.
The steel tube and pipe production
was steadily growing until 2015
to a value of more than 171.000
tons/year (Figure 7). The down-
turn in 2016 to 167.000 tons/year
was mainly reflected in the USA,
CIS and ROW. In 2017 the market
turned around again but China as
the main tube and pipe producer
lost about 6.000 tons/a while all
other countries, especially the
US, increased their production to
overcompensate Chinas reduced
production. In the 1st quarter Figure 10: Regional Steel Tube and Pipe Production Seamless (ktons)
of 2019 the world tube and pipe Source: ITA tube Journal/Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohre e.V.
production reached a new record
height of extrapolated 174.600 ROW (+3 %). CIS (-6 %) and EU 27 tion cutbacks in the past years
tons/year. (-3 %) had reductions. All other the industry has, for the first time
Figure 8 shows the break down regions/countries had almost no in 1st quarter 2019, a production
for the relevant regions in more changes compared to 2018. level close to that of 2012!
detail. Especially the USA driven The most volatile market segment The present growth in 1st quarter
by the trade policy offensive of is that of the seamless tubes and 2019 is dominated by the large
Mr. Trump took great advantage pipes (Figure 9). This product. Only volume in China (+2 %), India (+20
and gained about 4.600 tons/year in the years from 2014 to 2016 the %), ROW (+4 %) and Japan (+2 %).
(+60 %) of production since 2016. world production was reduced by On the other hand, CIS (-2 %)
In 1st quarter 2019, the world about 10.000 tons (-20 %). Since and USA (-4 %) had shrinking pro-
steel tube and pipe production then, the production has had a duction figures (Figure 10).
was growing again being dom- moderate recovery. The worldwide The worldwide production of
inated by a further recovery of production volume increased by 4 welded pipes < 406 mm OD
China (+2 %), the USA (+4 %) and % in 2018. After severe produc- (Figure 12) is showing a moder-
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 13Market information
the capability of relevant pipe pro-
ducers to qualify for such pipeline
projects. The average world pipe
producing plant utilization is on a
very low level of only about 30 %.
The world production is shrinking
since 2017 (-7 %), with (-1 %)
in 2019 1st quarter. To protect
the local producers, the present
US government has only recently
started to put import duties on
line pipe imports to protect US
line pipe producers.
The production of welded pipes ≥
406 mm OD is with about 22.000
tons/year (+/-5 %) by far the small-
est product segment (Figure 13).
It is mainly applied at large diam-
Figure 11: World Steel Tube and Pipe Production Welded < 406 mm (ktons) eter line pipe projects. As already
Source: ITA tube Journal/Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohre e.V.
stated earlier such projects often
depend on powerful stake holders’
interventions and the capabil-
ity of relevant pipe producers to
qualify for such pipeline projects.
The average world pipe produc-
ing plant utilization is on a very
low level of only about 30 %.
The world production is shrinking
since 2017 (-7 %), with (-1 %)
in 2019 1st quarter. To protect
the local producers, the present
US government has only recently
started to put import duties on
line pipe imports to protect US
line pipe producers.
This political signal seems to show
Figure 12: Regional Steel Tube and Pipe Production Welded < 406 mm (ktons) the desired effect on the US pipe
Source: ITA tube Journal/Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohre e.V. production! The 1st quarter 2019
production numbers (Figure 14)
ate increase in 1st quarter 2019 to capitalize also from the various reflect this again impressively.
(+1%). This large volume segment market segment prospects as dis- Only the US tube and pipe produc-
is steadily growing. But the cussed before in this publication. ers have enlarged their production
regional breakdown also shows The production of welded pipes ≥ by +40 %. All other countries/
more variations: China (+2%), 406 mm OD is with about 22.000 regions reduced their production
EU (+4%) Japan (+3%) and ROW tons/year (+/- 5 %) by far the with the most significant reduc-
(+3%) are reporting an increase. smallest product segment (Figure tion in EU 27 (-42 %). Japan (-5 %)
CIS (-10%) is outbalancing these 13). It is mainly applied at large and CIS (-4 %) have more moder-
production figures. diameter line pipe projects. As ate production declines.
Many growing markets can be already stated earlier such pro- This trend reflects the decreased
served by these tubes and pipe jects often depend on powerful demand for pipelines in these
dimensions, allowing producers stake holders’ interventions and regions and political measures.
14 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019Market information
Even some of the technologi-
cally advanced producers of large
diameter line pipes are suffering,
despite unique selling points.
In the entire scenario, the cur-
rency exchange rates have also
a notable impact on the inter-
national tube and pipe produc-
tion as well as equipment trading
throughout the world.
In 2017 the EURO has gained
about + 20 % against the US Dollar
(Figure 15). Then in 2018 since
April 2018 the Euro weakened until
October 2018 again by about –10
% to 1.13. This does release pres-
sure on exports into the US. Since
early 2019 the exchange rate EURO Figure 13: World Steel Tube and Pipe Production Welded > 406 mm (ktons)
to US Dollar stabilized at a rate of Source: ITA tube Journal/Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohre e.V.
1.12. It is to be expected how and
if the Brexit confusion will take
influence within this year. The
election for the European parlia-
ment did not really had a remarka-
ble impact, since no major changes
were imposed.
The Exchange rate EURO to
Chinese Yuan was much more vol-
atile (+/- 9 %) than the of the
EURO to the US$. The US Dollar
and the EURO gained about 21 %
in 2017. 2018 the EURO lost twice
as much against the Yuan (-22 %)
compared to the loss against the
US Dollar in the same time. The
trade conflict between the US and
China is creating nervous reactions
and it has to be observed to what
Figure 14: Regional Steel Tube and Pipe Production > 406 mm (ktons)
extent the conflict gets reflected
Source: ITA tube Journal/Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohre e.V.
in the relevant exchange rates.
In any case it is undoubted, that The world increasing tube and markets with increased demand
the exchange rates of these lead pipe demand is leading to region- remains one of the key answers.
currencies do impact the inter- ally improved plant utilization in Middle East and locations with
national trade and challenge our the steel tube and pipe industry. major oil and gas exploration as
industry as well. Some pipe producing companies well as automotive production,
What measures are pipe producers in the USA even reactivated obso- mechanical engineering and
and pipe production equipment lete production facilities with a building construction are to be
suppliers taking to conquer the questionable economic future. considered. Besides this, shale
present situation and to generate Still, despite the remarkable boom gas exploration, deep-sea offshore
sustainable business? in the USA, globalization into exploration and oil sand explora-
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 15Market information
Figure 20: Regional Steel Tube and Pipe Production > 406 mm (ktons)
Source: ITA tube Journal/Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahlrohre e.V.
tion remain major challenges to VOSCO Management Consultancy
our industry. GmbH
Tube and pipe producers must Dr. Gunther Voswinckel
carefully investigate how to Leading by Experience – Our aim
reduce fix costs, e.g. lean organ- is the lasting enhancement of the
izations, with small overheads, value of your company
and how to improve flexibility,
Board- and Advisory Board
agility and customer orientation.
Mandates
New information technologies,
Advisory Services for Invest-
such as “Industry 4.0” or also
ment Projects
called “Internet of Things”, can
provide interesting opportunities Inquiry Specifications, Eval-
to establish sustainable future uation of Proposals, Project
business. Such agile optimization Management VOSCO Management
processes may even open new Due Diligence and Audits Consultancy
windows to deal with the fast-var- Acquisitions, Company Dr. Gunther Voswinckel
ying demands tube and pipe pro- Appraisals and Strategic Plan- Scharnhorststrasse 45
ducers are facing. ning 41063 Mönchengladbach
Plant builders as technology sup- Management Consulting Germany
pliers may find interesting busi- Globalization, Profitability, Tel.: +49 2161 309 255
ness opportunities in this new Strategy, Investor Relation Fax: +49 2161 912 520
market segment. Some technology
Participation as Investor in contact@vosco.net
suppliers have already reacted and
Companies www.vosco.net
complimented their product port-
folio by digital solutions.
16 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019join the best: worldwide
www.tube.de
Tube & Pipe Producers
and Suppliers Pavilion
International Tube and Pipe Trade Fair Internationale Rohr-FachmesseTechnical Papers
SMS group GmbH
Wafer-thin layers and a great future –
Additive Manufacturing at SMS group
The breakthrough of 3D printing for home use, predicted in 2010, is yet
to come. Nevertheless, the revolution is taking place - not as predicted
at the homes, but in industry. And it is happening with breathtaking
speed. More and more sectors of industry have been recognizing and
making use of the advantages of 3D printing and Additive Manufactur-
ing, last but not least the plant and mechanical engineering industry.
For many years, SMS group has been very active in the field of Additive
Manufacturing. A young and dedicated research and development team
is advancing and promoting this innovative technology within the
company. The team members do not limit their activities to investigat-
ing which new and optimized components could possibly be produced
by Additive Manufacturing (AM). They rather dedicate a great deal of
their activities to introducing a new way of thinking in the design and
engineering departments.
Agile project team for the promotion of Additive Manufacturing
Norbert Gober, initiator of SMS group’s AM team: “The AM project team
has been given a lot of freedom and lean structures to allow us to test
out new approaches, take a critical look at traditional methods and be
able to act flexibly and agilely. Since shortly, we have an own powder
bed 3D printer for metal printing, which has been provided by our
cooperation partner Additive Industries. With this printer, we will in
future be able to implement new concepts right here, in-house.”
The full range of AM technologies at a glance
As a manufacturer of plants and machinery for the steel and NF-met-
als industry, SMS group focuses on components made of metallic
materials because the machines and equipment will be subjected to
extremely high loads during oper-
ation. The performance potential
of the materials are investigated
and tested under field conditions.
Besides metals, also alternative
materials, such as plastics and
ceramics, are examined. Additive
Manufacturing means producing
an object based on digital 3D
design data by adding material
layer by layer.
The number of available AM tech-
niques is great. However, for the
time being two main techniques
are commonly used for plant and
heavy machinery applications:
Additively manufactured roll cooling header selective laser melting in a powder bed and the laser melting deposi-
tion process. In selective laser melting, layer by layer of a high-purity
18 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019Technical Papers
homogeneous metal powder is selectively, i.e. at defined positions,
melted by a laser. In this way, the component is gradually built up.
With the powder bed technique it is possible to produce components
of complex and unprecedented structures, which would not be feasible
by conventional processes.
In laser metal deposition, metallic powder or wire is fed via nozzles
and melted by lasers at defined spots. The unit that accommodates the
laser and the nozzle may be actuated by a robot. Laser metal deposition
achieves high build-up rates, but it is limited in terms of fineness. For
plastics-based components, the selective laser sintering (SLS) process
is available. This technique is very similar to the powder bed process
using metals, the only basic difference being that it uses a special
Conventionally and additively
powder of plastics material melted by a laser. manufactured roll cooling headers
New way of thinking required
Robert Banse, member of the AM R&D Project Team of SMS group: “We
adopt an entirely new approach to component designing. We are in no
way restricted by any manufacturing constraints. We do not have to
consider the geometry of the input stock, e.g. a forging blank, or the
specific requirements posed by machining processes such as milling or
drilling. Therefore we can start out from the function the component
is going to perform. We adopt a creative technological approach to
designing. In other words: We develop the perfect shape for the func-
tion at hand ready to be produced in the 3D powder bed printer. We
have stopped thinking in terms of rectangular bores because in AM
flow-optimized channels have become the most natural thing in the
world.“
Innovative spray heads for forging plants
The advantages of Additive Manufacturing can be illustrated by way
of the example of a spray head for cooling the dies in a forging press.
Sarah Hornickel, who is also a member of the project team, explains:
“The original spray head was a solid and heavy part. We redesigned
the part in close cooperation with the responsible technical depart-
ment and our simulation specialists. Additive Manufacturing allows us
to design flow-optimized channels, do away with any superfluous and
heavy material and arrange the spray nozzles in such a way that the
most intensive cooling takes place exactly where the highest temper-
atures occur in the die. With the thus produced lighter-weight and
individualized component, die cooling takes less time and becomes
more efficient – two aspects which will improve the productivity of our
customers’ operations.”
Development within a strong network
Sarah Hornickel, Nina Uppenkamp and Robert Banse form the core AM
team. They work with other supporters of AM and the various SMS
group departments. Robert Banse: “I completed an apprenticeship and
a dual study program at SMS group. During my studies, I specialized in
Additive Manufacturing, a topic that fascinates me also outside my job.
Within the SMS group community, we are very well networked and we
have established a dedicated service network. These networks are just
as important for the kick-off of new projects as technological know-
how.“
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 19Technical Papers
The mission: Informing and inspiring colleagues
A further task of the project team is to communicate the know-how,
and the potential and benefits of AM within the group. Sarah Hor-
nickel: “We organize design workshop, also for external companies, are
in direct contact with the design departments and do not miss out on
any opportunity to share information about Additive Manufacturing
with our colleagues so that they can see the great potential it provides.
Only colleagues who are convinced about Additive Manufacturing will
make consistent use of the advantages of AM in their daily work. We
have tried out new forms of spreading the word: We organize informa-
tion rounds with our colleagues and have set up information booths at
the canteens at the SMS group locations in Germany. Our booth was a
great success, with large groups of people stopping by to get first-hand
information about this fascinating new technology.” Nina Uppenkamp
adds: “It is important to demonstrate – both within and outside the
company – that SMS group generates added value for its customers
by making active use of this future-oriented technology. This is why
we work closely and as a trusted partner with our design departments
and with our customers. The plant operators are very interested in
additively manufactured components and the potential they provide to
optimize their production processes.
Less weight, higher speed and integrated functions
The project team has already implemented a great number of innova-
tive solutions, which impressively demonstrate what advantages Addi-
tive Manufacturing processes provide. Their most important benefits
include: significant weight reduction of dynamically actuated com-
ponents, functional features are directly manufactured into the part
during the 3D printing process, improvement of energy efficiency as a
result of optimized flow patterns and minimized weight, dramatically
shortened delivery periods and the possibility to produce virtually any-
where in the world.
Nina Uppenkamp describes a project which has benefited from the full
range of advantages provided by Additive Manufacturing: “In a copper
Installation of the nozzle at BIRLA COPPER wire rod mill, annular gap nozzles are used for wire cooling and water
removal. The conventional compo-
nent consisted of several parts and
the air gap adjustment required
the use of a shim. Setting up and
properly adjusting the component
involved a great effort by our cus-
tomer. Our task was twofold: First,
the component design was to be
simplified and, second, the adjust-
ment was to be accomplishable
without the aid of a shim. We pro-
duced a nozzle by AM which requires
only 35 millimeters of installation
space – versus the previous 65 mil-
limeters, weighs only 0.85 instead
Individual nozzles of 2.5 kilograms and is of mono-
20 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019Technical Papers
lithic design. The nozzle no longer consists of six parts.
It is now one piece which does not require preassembly
or adjustment of the nozzle prior to its installation in
the plant. The new nozzles are already successfully in
operation at BIRLA COPPER in India. They are less noisy
than the previous ones and meet or even exceed all per-
formance specifications. As we have manufactured the
nozzles from a high-strength, wear-resistant material,
they can remain in service much longer than their pre-
decessors.“
Applications along the process chain from the
meltshop to the rolling mill
Also the other projects implemented so far have provided
extremely promising results: A new roll cooling header for wire rod mills Section through a SIS injector
featuring a contour-adapted design with integrated nozzles has been
performing excellently. By using Alumide, a blend of aluminum powder
and polyamide powder, we have made the new component lighter and
cheaper than the conventional solution. An example from BOF steel-
making: We have been able to reduce the size of our SIS injectors used
in steel melting by 60 percent. The injectors now come in one piece. In
the past they consisted of eight individual parts. Tube welding plants
made by SMS group will in future be able to produce tubes with diame-
ters down to 14 inches or even less. Thanks to a hybrid design includ-
ing additive and conventional manufacturing, the oil rings for the
expanders can be made smaller – without compromising their perfor-
mance capacity. And the Technical Service of SMS group benefits from
the lower weight and dramatically reduced delivery times of connecting
frames for feeding systems in extrusion plants.
A development characterized by dramatic dynamism
The projects mentioned above show where Additive Manufacturing is Hybrid design of the oil ring
heading. Norbert Gober strongly believes that the development will
still pick up momentum in the near future: “There are several driving
forces. At the universities, future design engineers can nowadays avail
themselves of printers to print the parts they design and immedi-
ately examine the result in the form of a real component. The growing
demand for AM components will in turn spur the development in printer
technology. We see several new printer technologies pop up every year.
Maybe, another energy source will soon appear on the scene in addition
to the laser. The young people coming from the universities will bring
with them new ideas, concepts and methods that will change atti-
tudes and strategies in the companies. Nothing is backwards oriented, SMS group GmbH
everything is moving forward at full vigor. I believe that conventional Ohlerkirchweg 66
manufacturing will become increasingly open to this trend and that 41069 Mönchengladbach
there will be many more links between the two manufacturing methods. Germany
First hybrid machines combining LMD and milling are already available Tel.: +49 2161 350 0
on the market. I am pleased to see that SMS group has already made
Fax: +49 2161 350 1667
great achievements in this challenging technological field and that it
is well positioned for the future.“ communications@sms-group.
com
Technology Press Day: May 8, 2018, SMS group GmbH. Nina Uppen- www.sms-group.com
kamp, Robert Banse, Sarah Hornickel - Manager Additive Manufacturing
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 21Member News
Atomat SpA
Atomat celebrates 50 years of prominent
and successful activity
Because of the untimely demise - tions, featuring Santa Claus and the strong determination to keep
last April - of the founder of the his elves, were performed at each on bringing home even higher and
company, Mr. Oreste De Sabbata, stage of the visit. more important accolades in the
Atomat decided to postpone the years to come.
Immediately afterwards, all the
celebration of the 50th Anniversary
guests were treated with a lavish
of its incorporation until shortly
brunch buffet put together by a
before Christmas (December 22),
renowned regional starred-chef.
with an “open day” gathering
reserved to all its employees, their In the meantime our Managing
respective families and a selected Director, Mr. Fabio Martecchini,
group of local authorities. offered a historical overview of
Atomat, from its beginnings to
The program started with a short Atomat SpA
the present, followed by an infor-
tour of the industrial premises and
mal awarding ceremony to senior Strada di Oselin 16 int. 17
a brief illustration of the activities
employees. 33047 Remanzacco (Udine)
performed in each of the offices
The festivities ended mid after- ITALY
and workshops.
noon and the lingering percep- +39 0432 648511
Particular care and effort was com-
tion was that everyone who took Fax +39 0432 667101
mitted to keep amused and busy
part left the venue with a sense of
the numerous small attendees info@atomat.com
pride for the results and the inter-
to the event: a series of funny www. atomat.com
national stance attained by the
Christmas theatrical representa-
company since 1968, along with
22 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019Member News
Bossi S.r.l. - Macchine Finitura Metalli
Flat Grinding Machine RSP 150/2500/8UR-150
10.000 kgs. of ruggedness and quality
We have recently delivered a new The high number of units allows
Bossi S.r.l. -
flat grinding machine with 8 belt to obtain a very fine finishing in
Macchine Finitura Metall
units to a leading Italian manufac- a single pass with the purpose of
turer of high quality metal furnish- preparing the workpieces for the Via Dante 63
ing. next chrome plating operation. 20081 Abbiategrasso (MI)
Italy
For what concerns the mechanic it The machine can also work very
is an extremely rugged machine, small lengths (up to 200 mm) Tel: +39029496 4141
equipped with state-of-the-art without having to use magnetic Fax: +39029466 265
electronic devices, meeting the chucks. commerciale@bossi-srl.it
requirements of Industry 4.0, that www.bossi-srl.com
allow to receive very useful infor-
mation and data directly on the
company computer.
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 23Member News
Bültmann GmbH
BÜLTMANN 10-roll tube straightening
machines also in the aluminium sector
further on the advance
meet the growing demands in this
area. As one of the last production
steps before delivery, straighten-
ing has a decisive influence on
tube quality.
Following the recent successful
delivery of a 10-roll straighten-
ing machine for aluminium tubes
up to a diameter of 350 mm for
a leading international alumin-
ium producer, a new order for two
straightening machines to cover
the small diameter range of 4 –
150 mm has now been placed by
the same group of companies.
The scope of supply includes the
respective straightening machine,
type RRM 10/032 and type RRM
10/150, as well as the special
inlet and outlet equipment. As
always, the machines incl. elec-
trical control are individually tai-
lored to the high requirements of
the customer.
We are proud about the trust that
The permanently increasing our costumer has placed in us
demand for aluminium products is regarding also the production of
also having a positive impact on these very high-quality products.
the BÜLTMANN tube straightening
machine segment. Now that the It would be a pleasure for us to
peeling machine has been imple- develop an individual solution for
mented for processing aluminium your application. Please contact
bars, the continuous further devel- us for further information!
opment of BÜLTMANN machines Bültmann GmbH
especially for the aluminium
industry is now also having an Hoennestr 31
effect in the tube straightening 58809 Neuenrade
machine sector. Germany
High-precision aluminium tubes, Tel: +492394 18256
which are used especially in the Fax: +492394 18171
aviation and aerospace industries, he@bueltmann.com
require appropriate processing to www.bueltmann.com
24 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019Member News
Danieli S.p.A.
Danieli DigiMelter: the revolutionary system
to melt steel, powered by Q-ONE
A new Q-One digital power
system in operation at ABS Sisak
The results of the Danieli Automa-
tion Q-One power system installed
at ABS Sisak meltshop for special
steel (Croatia), confirmed an
impressive increase of active power
availability and EAF efficiency.
Q-One technology provides the
most stable, low-disturbance
effect (flicker and power factor)
on the electrical power network sumption and a 10% shorter pow- current and a power factor con-
along with the most advanced, er-on time. stantly above 0,96 were achieved.
dynamic, fast, electrode control One of the targets of the upgrade Q-One offers unmatched power
system reducing electrode con- at ABS Sisak was to comply with control and handling and does not
sumption through hi-performance the narrower rules applied by the require any SVC installation.
power unit. Croatian electrical energy supplier.
Danieli Digimelter is the revolu-
The upgrade of the 78-t melting A very low network flicker due tionary melting tool and will open
unit by Q-One at ABS Sisak, led to to a quick control of voltage and a new era in steelmaking.
20% reduction of electrode con-
Danieli Breda upgrade for special steel pipe
New order to revamp extru-
sion line runout for Centravis,
Ukraine
Centravis, the main supplier of
extruded specialty steel pipe to
the Ukrainian market, contracted
Danieli Breda to revamp the runout
system for its extrusion line, sup-
plied by a competitor in 2007.
The new runout concept, devel-
oped to improve the metallur-
gical quality of the pipes and to
reduce process inconsistency and tools, have been custom-engi- and improve its market leadership
plant availability, will be delivered neered for highly demanding pipe in special pipe applications.
during 2020. requirements and to meet the cus-
A new cooling system equipped tomer’s expectations.
with double cooling stations, visual The experience and know-how
inspection, and a tank bypass offered by Danieli Breda will
system, plus scrap glass recovery support Centravis to consolidate
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 25Member News
Danieli S.p.A.
Fully automated slab handling for
inventory management
Yard Storage optimization
Crane movement optimization
Multi-crane bay coordination
Crane downtime and mainte-
nance management
Other functions for cranes-to-
transport-device handling also
are hosted.
Worker safety in the slab yard is
significantly improved, avoiding
hazards related to human pres-
ence, and isolating machine oper-
ations within fenced units.
The fully automatic solution is
Ternium Pesqueria hot-strip mill mizing the movements and the
leading to an estimated 20% uti-
adopts advanced Danieli materi- relocation of each slab; and thus
lization of the previously required
al-flow technology in real-time tuning the mission to
Ternium workforce in the yards,
the actual needs determined by the
Ternium chose Danieli to supply an maintaining human supervision
product mix and equipment status.
inventory management system and only for the material arrival on
fully automatic handling equip- Slabs are moved by autonomous trains and furnace charging.
ment that will feed 4.1 Mtpy of transfer cars from the arrival bays
Unmanned slab handling, inte-
slabs to a greenfield hot-strip mill to the RHF charging bays.
grated and coordinated with
at Pesqueria, Mexico. The purpose Slabs in the charging bay are the main process line, leads to
is to optimize incoming slab flow stored according to the RHF charg- improved flexibility, continuous
by applying artificial intelligence ing sequence, in order to optimize optimization and predictability of
for the Slab Yard Management the crane cycles during the loading Ternium plant. This identifies this
System (SYMS), in direct connec- phase, to reduce the loading cycle solution as the new benchmark for
tion and communication with the time and increase the flexibility in the latest industrial revolution in
downstream process of the Hot- case of any change in the produc- the material management of an
Strip Mill. tion schedule. integrated plant.
A complete handling system - Properly sequenced slabs are
including 10 EOT cranes, seven stacked below two destackers, Danieli S.p.A.
transfer cars and two destackers - which continuously load slabs
will receive slabs from the mill and Via Nazionale 41
on a 50-m long roller table, and
to distribute and transfer these 33042 Buttrio (UD)
feed them directly into the HSM
products through the intermediate Italy
furnace, according to the produc-
and final storage areas. tion mix and required schedule. Tel: +390226245358
The Slab Yard Management System Fax: +390226245322
The SYMS is installed on a central
(SYMS) calculates the task for all server, and includes the main intel- s.bettinelli@danieli.it
operating equipment according to ligent functions for yard manage- www.danieli.com
the forecast production mix sub- ment, such as:
mitted by the Plant MES; opti-
26 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019Member News
Fives Bronx Ltd
Fives’ finishing equipment chosen for
high-quality seamless pipe production
A leading Russian tube producer
has chosen Fives to supply a range
of finishing equipment to process
seamless tubes.
Fives will design and supply:
Two Bronx 6-roll cold pipe straight-
eners
A Bronx 10-roll hot pipe
straightener
Taylor-Wilson end facers
Two Taylor-Wilson double head
hydrotesters
Two Taylor-Wilson double head
drifters
The equipment will be designed
to process over 500,000 tons per
year of high-quality seamless
tubular products of 73 - 273mm
in diameter, mainly designated to
oil and gas applications according
to international API and Russian
GOST standards. The startup of
Bronx straighteners are designed
production is scheduled for 2021.
to sustain the loads associated
Seamless pipe must be resistant to with the straightening of thick
the pressure and loads required for and thin wall, welded or seamless
extraction of oils and gas resources plain or upset tubes and pipes at
under extreme weather conditions. high speeds, in either hot or cold
Bronx and Taylor-Wilson finishing conditions. In the last 15 years,
equipment from Fives are proven over 40 heavy-duty straightening
solutions for tube and pipe makers. machines that meet API and GOST
standards were installed in Russia,
Fives Bronx Ltd China, Europe and the Americas.
Churchill House, Third Avenue The Taylor-Wilson hydrotester is
West Midlands, DY6 7 equipped with a double head to
UK maximize plant production. It fea-
tures heavy duty design for long
Tel: +44 (0)870 442 2686 life and low maintenance with a
Fax: +44 (0)870 442 2989 fully automatic operation.
fivesbronxuk-sales@ Last year, Fives supplied process
fivesgroup.com and finishing equipment to the
www.fivesgroup.com same tube maker.
ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019 27Member News
Magnetic Analysis Corporation
Magnetic Analysis Corp’s Long-Time President
and Chairman William Gould
Was a Leader in Nondestructive Testing
Magnetic Analysis Corporation is In 2016, he was honored by the applications to 500mm diameter
sad to report the recent death American Society for Nondestruc- oil and gas pipe.
of its Chairman, William S. Gould tive Testing for his contributions
“He combined his knowledge of
3rd. Gould succeeded his father, to the NDT industry through his
science with a keen understand-
a company founder, as President “knowledge and dedication” for
ing of the financial and strategic
in 1964, and remained in that over 50 years. Gould held a BS
positioning of the company and
role until 2007, when he became degree in Mechanical Engineering
a genuine desire to provide an
Chairman, a position he held until from Yale, where he was a member
opportunity for each employee to
his death. During his tenure, he of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor
grow to their full potential. The
successfully built the company Society, and an MBA degree from
result was not only the success-
from a small US-based nonde- Harvard Business School, where
ful growth of the business, but
structive test designer and manu- he was a Baker Scholar.
also the long-term commitment of
facturer to its current position as
Over the course of his years as countless employees all over the
a global leader in providing NDT
President of MAC®, Gould led the world”, observed his son Robert
eddy current, ultrasonic and flux
company into many new develop- R. Gould, MAC’s recently elected
leakage systems and services.
ments, beginning with the intro- Chairman.
duction of the ERIC eddy current
The Gould family, which has been
tester in 1968, which featured solid
the controlling shareholder of
state electronics, phase gating,
MAC since its founding in 1928,
and later, pulsed eddy current
remains committed to the busi-
techniques. During the 1970’s, he
ness and MAC’s current manage-
expanded the company’s products
ment team, ably led by President/
to include flux leakage testers,
CEO Dudley Boden and Vice Presi-
and in 1989, MAC introduced its
dent/CFO Thomas Gannalo. MAC’s
own line of Echomac® ultrasonic
business now includes plants in
rotary testers for tube and bar.
Elmsford, New York; Boardman,
In 1992, under Gould’s leadership, Ohio; Östersund, Sweden; subsid-
the company launched the ERIC V, iaries in Italy, the UK, Australia
the first fully computerized eddy and Sweden; and representatives
current tester. Featuring a real- around the globe.
time, full-color graphic display
and sophisticated software control
of test parameters and analysis of Magnetic Analysis
test signals, this instrument set Corporation
a new benchmark for the indus- 103 Fairview Park Drive
try. Gould oversaw the company’s NY 10523-1544 Elmsford
expansion into worldwide markets USA
along with the development of Tel: +1 915 530-2000
sophisticated, automated test Fax: +1-914 703-3790
systems for a broad range of prod-
info@mac-ndt.com
ucts - extending from small diam-
www.mac-ndt.com
eter tube, bar and wire for critical
28 ITAtube Journal No3/October 2019You can also read
