JUNE 2013
6
freight and logistics
B
y combining two smart concepts, HGG is now
able to offer the best of both worlds in CNC Pipe
Cutting. The machine incorporates the logistical
advantages of a roller bed type machine with the
accuracy of a chuck-driven machine. Using this highly
intelligent system, the SPC-RB provides the long awaited
accurate and fast solution for pipe works, steel structures
and offshore structures.
In the past, companies had to choose between one or
the other of those aspects.
Since safety regulations are becoming stricter, companies
are looking for safer ways to cut their piping. The SPC-
RB incorporates a smart logistic system that makes the
use of cranes redundant.
Accurate 3D pipe
cutting
With its latest product release, HGG has developed
a machine that will drastically optimise production
processes. The SPC-RB pipe cutting machine fills
the long awaited gap between the perfect cut for
optimal weld preparation and the answer to the
logistical challenges in pipe handling.
Besides this logistics system, the SPC-RB provides its users,
among many others, with three main features.
Accuracy
The machine is designed to compensate for any pipe
distortion through creep and slip compensation. An
‘on-the-fly’ measurement system directly communicates
with the machine and adjusts the cutting path when
necessary. The independently adjustable roller wheels
minimise slip for even more accurate cutting.
Productivity
The combination of a roller bed and a chuck enables
the user to combine high quality and high speed cutting.
Furthermore, the roller bed ensures automated input and
output of material. Another great impact on productivity
is the ability to feed out cut parts while continuing to cut.
Simplicity
Although the SPC-RB is equipped with sophisticated
software, HGG has been able to keep the machine very
simple to operate. Just one clear, intuitive touch screen
enables one operator to operate the complete machine.
Since its introduction, the SPC-RB has brought improved
accuracy and logistics to many companies worldwide.
One of the early adapters that helped HGG to fine-tune
the machine is American company Exterran, located in
Houston, Texas. Ricky Cruz, Value Stream Manager
at Enerflex:
“When you do a manual cut, there is not
always a perfect bevel, now that we have the SPC-RB,
the room for error is gone. So you take the excuse away
and you have a process that is repetitive every time you
cut a vessel.”
Fully customisable
Another important buying aspect is the fact that the
machine can be fully customised to fit the customer’s
requirements. On the software side, the machine can
be equipped with special connections to CAD software
and many special macros to cut industry-specific
profiles. On the hardware side, the machines can be
customised with several infeed and outfeed systems
and health and safety systems.
About HGG
Together with HGG Profiling Contractors, HGG Profiling
Equipment forms the HGG Group. Both companies are
fully dedicated to 3D profiling. HGG Profiling Contractors
is focused on providing cutting services and uses
machinery from sister company HGG Profiling Equipment.
Both on the equipment and contracting division, HGG is
continuously innovating its products and services with the
aim of decreasing customers’ costs by improving cutting
quality, logistics and software.
Top:
Chuck for
clamping and roller
bed for logistics.
Machine overview with
background.
Machine overview
without background.
Pipe on rollerbed
when cutting
(below
left)
and pipe on
conveyor system for
transportation
(below right).
