TCL 400 by HGG – The fully automated pipe cutting line
19.08.2016
The TCL brings the ultimate automation in pipe cutting. Both the machine’s productivity and cutting precision are supreme in its diameter range. The TCL further excels in the fully automated production process from stock pipe to batches of ready-to-fit parts.
Technological advantages:
Press & Play machine operation – a fully automated machine with intuitive user interface
Automatic pipe loading – The large pipe buffer allows loading of multiple pipes at once. The infeed of pipes into the cutting cell occurs fully automatically.
Accurate pipe cutting – The use of chuck prevents slip and creep during cutting. A biaxial AutoFocus robot inside the cutting cell.
Effective fume extraction – Achieved by use of a cutting cell. Fumes generated inside the pipe will be extracted through the main drive.
Sideways aligned outfeed – The sideways aligned outfeed configuration sorts parts on sloped tables adjacent to the outfeed gutter so that they roll to the far end.
Centrally aligned outfeed – The centrally aligned outfeed configuration sorts parts into cassetes. This results in a perfect center of gravity for easy transport by a fork lift to the assembly side.
Process description
Pipe Buffer
The TCL is a highly productive machine. There has to be a pipe in position any time, ready for loading to avoid machine idle. The pipe buffer was developed to handle single pipes or bundles. Bundles should be spread out before loading an individual pipe onto the machine.
Pipe loading
The pipe buffer selects one pipe so the pipe support arms can lift and move it onto the profiling line. The pipe support arms also support the pipe during profiling. The main drive approaches the pipe, detects the pipe end and the chuck clamps it.
Infeed
The main drive pushes the pipe towards the cutting cell where a sensor detects its far end and the true length of the pipe is determined. Once the far end of the pipe enters the cutting cell and cutting area, the main drive will stop pushing so that the initialization point can be defined. This is the start point for cutting. The main drive moves closer to the cutting cell during profiling. The pipe support arms will retract to make room for the main drive.
Marking (optional)
The machine can be equipped with a marking unit to add text or reference lines to the part for tracking or easy fitting and welding.
3D Profiling
The cutting area is surrounded by a cell preventing sparks, arc glare, toxic fumes and noise from reaching the operator. It protects also against moving parts. The pipe will be restrained between the pipe restrainers and pipe support arms during profiling to prevent cut deviations as a result of bow shaped pipes. After the part has been cut it’s ready for outfeed. Small pieces of scarp will drop down into the scrap container underneath the cutting area. The TCL is designed for plasma cutting. Oxyfuel cutting is optionally available if larger bevels are needed or as a backup cutting system.
Outfeed
The outfeed gutter will support and pull the cut parts out of the cutting cell to further process them. It forms the connection between the cutting cell and part sorting and storage.
Part sorting and storage (optional)
The TCL can sort parts into groups. It can also align parts either sideways or centrally to ensure an ideal center of gravity for unloading. The machine can be configured with a combination or just one type of these two sorting and storage systems
Why TCL?
Autonomy and productivity in one machine: full automation and press & play operation
Continuous loading of raw material: large pipe buffer for the loading of multiple pipes at once
Continuous pipe cutting achieved by an automatic infeed system
3D pipe profiling accuracy – due to the use of a chuck and AutoFocus robot
automatic outfeed of ready-to-fit batches. Parts will be sorted and store into cassettes which facilitates the logistics after cutting
meet the latest requirements for clean work environment; effective fume extraction, noise reduction and no arc glare by use of a cutting cell
