Messer Cutting Systems GmbH has launched a new Pipe Cutting System, PTC500, where it has integrated the offline cutting software from the Dutch specialists in 3D profiling, the company HGG Profiling Equipment – and so made possible the multi-axis control to cut pipes up to six metres long with diameters up to 500 mm efficiently. Pipe processing is an important production element in engineering, the steel industry, shipbuilding and the offshore segment. But standard cutting machines and software rarely offer the suitable output results for these demanding operations. “For this reason we have developed the new pipe cutting system PTC500, which combines the most modern plasma technology with user friendly cutting software,” declares Peter E. Schaaf, CEO of Messer Cutting Systems GmbH from Groß-Umstadt.

This development became possible amongst other causes, through the close cooperation between Messer and the HGG Profiling Equipment from Wieringerwerf in Holland. Their offline software is the core of the PTC500. “The new pipe cutting system PTC500 complements the standard 2D cutting from the machine ranges OmniMat® and MultiTherm®. Both are powerful performers in plate processing and are characterised by the highest degree of flexibility and efficiency. Together with the machine control Global Controlplus there emerges a perfectly matched system which finally makes possible the multiple axis control necessary for efficient pipe processing,” explains Peter E. Schaaf.

The PTC500 processes pipes with diameters from 50 to 500 mm with wall thicknesses from 2 to 30 mm. The maximum length is 6 m, 2000 kg the maximum weight. Greater pipe lengths can also be realised on request. For simple pipe separation the plasma torch of the Messer MultiTherm or OmniMat can be set perpendicularly to the pipe surface, while the pipe axis rotates. With the plasma units Skew Rotator Infinity or Skew Rotator Delta, weld preparations, for example up to 50° relative to the pipe surface can be cut. The dust produced is removed instantly by the integrated internal pipe extraction.

The essential link between user and the cutting machine is the software from HGG. Thanks to this, pre-programmed macros for pipe ends and pipe-to-pipe connections can be stored in the Global Controlplus. “The machine operator does not have to retrain at any time but simply accesses the control interface for the appropriate program. Now only the dimensional inputs for the cut need to be added before cutting can start,” adds Peter E. Schaaf.

PTC500 is one of the joint projects between Messer Cutting Systems GmbH and HGG Profiling Equipment, who have united in a strategic alliance. Thanks to the synergy effects both companies can spread wider in the Global Market and consolidate and extend their leading Global Market positions Igor Gieltjes, Commercial Director HGG Profiling Equipment on this topic: “HGG offers high technology solutions for the world-wide steel industry. Supported by the global marketing network of Messer Cutting Systems, our customers have now a direct access to cutting solutions for all 3D steel sections.”