IHC Piping makes major investments in expansion of machine park

 

6 maart 2009 The purchase of a fully computer-controlled cutting machine represents a major addition to the machine park of IHC Piping in Sliedrecht, a subsidiary of the IHC Merwede group. The machine can cut pipes with a diameter of up to 1200 mm. That is unique in the South Holland region. In the past, clients had to turn to companies outside the Randstad urban agglomeration for this process. IHC Piping now sees opportunities to work for the construction market, a new and promising sales area. That represents an extension of the existing client base in the dredging, maritime and offshore market. The investment in more new machines this year and in the years to come will take capacity and quality at IHC Piping to a higher level. The machine is now fully operational. The benefits are clearly visible and clients are very happy indeed with the possibilities. The IHC Piping workforce have been given special training for operating the new computer-controlled machine so that it can be kept in continuous operation.

CNC cutting machine
The new machine was made by the renowned manufacturer Müller Opladen. It is an RB 650/1200/6 MP model with complete computer numerical control (CNC) and it completely dispenses with the need to cut pipes manually. Until now, pipes were drilled or cut by hand. That meant marking, drilling, smoothing and touching up until the right result was achieved. Now, the laser-controlled head goes through the pipes with the utmost precision. This laser control results in less wear so that the machine can operate even more precisely. More complex joints can be made even better using this machine, which is also ready for the future: a plasma source can be connected, making it possible to cut other materials such as stainless steel.

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