April 2024 | With its new RMG pipe coupling threading machine, SMS group is now a full-line supplier in the field of OCTG production. Tube and pipe producers can enjoy a complete range of machine solutions, support, and services from a single source. Consequently, thanks to the holistic concept and engineering, plant owners benefit from considerable increases in quality and productivity as well as from maximum cost efficiency.
For Jochen Schmitz, Head of Product Management Long Products at SMS group, the new machine is also a strategically important step into the future:
“We are pleased to offer our customers worldwide all the technologies for OCTG products with our RMG pipe coupling threading machines, TCG threading machines, and ThreadView measuring systems. Specifically, this is an integrated solution where everything is optimally and harmoniously coordinated.”
Jochen Schmitz explains that SMS is responsible for the entire project planning for the integrated facility for automated coupling production: from separating the pipe coupling from the mother tube to optional outside turning, NDTs for crack detection, as well as marking, phosphatizing, painting and packing of the coupling. All process steps are recorded with a seamless tracking system for traceable quality documentation for the premium couplings.
Customized RMG machine concepts
The coupling threading machines are available in the 22, 30 and 38 variants – i.e. with a spindle diameter of 220, 300 and 380 millimeters. The concept of the horizontal coupling threading machine with a turret head and rotary indexing chuck is the perfect solution for premium coupling production, because it combines all value-adding factors including maximum productivity, precision and flexibility.
“Our integrated plants, lines, and core machines produce high-quality premium threads at optimal productivity levels, enabling our customers to attain the best competitive position in the market,” says Benjamin Henkel, Sales Manager Cold Finishing Long Products at SMS group.
Standout features
The new RMG coupling threading machine is based on the proven, well-established TCG thread-cutting machine. From this machine for premium external and internal threads, RMG gets its core components for a rigid and robust machine tool.
“The crucial aspects that ensure high precision and quality are machine rigidity and vibration damping,” says Tim Küppers, Head of Design Department Finishing Lines Cold Finishing, SMS group.
The low-vibration design of the machine allows the tools to be used for a longer period of time, which has a positive influence on cost-efficiency.
Another standout feature is the innovative gear unit concept. This allows couplings to be manufactured in both a press and pull machining process. With small-diameter couplings, the press-machining method, where the chips are conveyed inside the sleeve, can be problematic. This is where pull-machining has a decisive advantage: The tool moves into the coupling and, starting from inside the coupling, cuts the thread towards the coupling flat face. This means that a large proportion of the chips is taken out in the process. To allow this machining direction duality, both the RMG coupling threading machine and the TCG pipe threading machine are suitably designed and configured. The workpiece is kept stable throughout the entire process, which guarantees precise and reliable push and pull machining.
An important factor in terms of user acceptance is the accessibility of the machine and its individual equipment units for inspection, maintenance, or adjustment work. That is why the engineers at SMS group designed the working area as an open construction. This makes changing the tools much easier. The L-shaped door, which opens upwards, allows unhindered access. Naturally, the RMG comes with all the relevant occupational safety equipment. This also includes the exhaust system, which reliably removes all fumes from the working chamber before it is opened.
For full information please contact Benjamin Henkel, SMS group.
