Why Are Automated Pipe Beveling Systems Worthwhile?
Could the beveling tasks in your shop be improved by using an automated pipe beveling system? In the majority of cases, they probably can. However, you have to consider all the benefits that make an automated system worthwhile and compare it against the investment and operating costs. The way to start is by tallying up all the potential benefits.
Here are a few ways that your business might benefit from an automated pipe beveler.
Easier Operation – It takes a great deal of skill, training, and practice to bevel pipes using hand-operated methods. Automated processes require attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures precisely—but they don’t require the same amount of steelworking skill. You can train multiple workers to run the pipe beveler and maintain better flexibility in your shop.
Improved Throughput – Hand grinding methods can produce great results, but they are not quick. It can require multiple passes to produce a smooth bevel completely free of burrs by hand. Automated processes can cleanly bevel pipe in a matter of seconds compared to the minutes required with hand operations, and aside from periodic maintenance they don’t require breaks.
Lower Costs Per Job – Decreased process time through automation lowers your labor and overall operating costs. Assuming that you have enough beveling work to pay off the cost of the equipment in a suitable time, automated pipe bevelers can provide significant cost savings over the life of the equipment.
Expanding Your Business – An automated beveling system can expand your business in more ways than just improving throughput. If specified correctly, the new system can handle jobs that your shop could not handle before. Examples include the capability to handle larger pipe diameters and wall thicknesses, hold tighter tolerances, and produce specialty bevels. Your sphere of potential customers could grow.
Handling Unusual Beveling Patterns – If you have jobs with atypical beveling patterns, it may be difficult for even the most skilled steelworker to create an even beveling pattern. For example, a smooth and continuous “J” bevel is far easier to produce with an automated system than it is by hand-operated methods.
Improving Safety – Hand grinding or torch beveling processes can potentially expose your workers to sparks, metallic chips, or toxic fumes, while automating the process adds another layer of protection to beveling tasks. Proper training and techniques are necessary, because automated beveling equipment can be used in an unsafe way, but with proper training the odds of accidents or harm is decreased. Automating the process also prevents against fatigue from the extended use of hand methods, decreasing the likelihood of accidents.
If you have the volume of work to justify an automated pipe beveler—or intend to get that much work—then you should thoroughly investigate your options before you buy. Take into account all the different types of beveling jobs you want to automate, and seek sturdy proven equipment that can meet your specific job needs.
Contact Saar-Hartmetall at (859) 331-8770 or by e-mail at contact@saarusa.com for details on the GERIMA line of automated pipe bevelers, featuring the LGP series that uses ceramic belt grinding technology to bevel pipes up to six and a half feet in diameter with pipe walls up to four inches thick. However, you don’t have to have jobs with incredibly large pipes to make an automated pipe beveler worthwhile. Consider the tips above and look over the advantages of the GERIMA line to come to the best decision for your enterprise.