Preview: Unison at SPE Offshore Europe 2013, 3-6 September, stand 1E111

Right-first-time tube bending technology to be highlighted at SPE Offshore Europe 2013

versatile all-electric tube benders provide key advantages for oil and gas applications including fast repeatable set-up, and elimination of scrap

Scarborough, UK, July 1, 2013 --- The benefits of all-electric tube bending machines for precision oil and gas equipment manufacturing applications will be highlighted by Unison at SPE Offshore Europe 2013. Unison machines feature a bending system based on precision digitally controlled servomotors. This all-electric architecture provides significant performance benefits in terms of rapid and repeatable software-based set-up, and lower energy consumption and noise, compared with traditional hydraulically powered bending machinery.

The advanced technology is helping Unison to win many new customers in the oil and gas sector, including manufacturers of process tubing and hydraulic systems for topside and subsea offshore applications. Among the demands that Unison's machines are meeting today in the sector are: supporting fabrication processes that must manufacture precise parts in very small batches - typically without generating any scrap; bending complex part shapes in a single stage to eliminate potential leak paths and points of failure; and bending expensive and difficult specialist alloy tubing materials that have been selected for their corrosion resistant properties.

One of Unison's most recent users in the sector - a manufacturer of Christmas tree assemblies - cites more accurate and repeatable results, lower energy consumption and lower noise as key reasons for investing in all-electric bending machinery. This user also likes the highly programmable control over the bending cycle that the machine provides, which allows the minimization of stressing of tubes at their bend points - for enhanced reliability.

Another key advantage for the high precision bending required for oil and gas components is Unison's unique laser-controlled spring-back correction system. Available as a build-to-order option on any of Unison's machines for bending tubes from 50 mm diameter upwards, the system automatically compensates for the natural tendency of metal tubes to spring back slightly after being bent, enabling tubular parts manufacturers to implement a right-first-time production process. By eliminating scrap wastage associated with conventional hydraulically-powered bending machines, the system helps manufacturers address the spiralling cost of raw materials, and is particularly beneficial for companies working with expensive exotic alloys.

Visitors to Unison's stand will be able to sign up for an innovative tour demonstrating the productivity benefits of servomotor-controlled tube bending. Unison will take attendees to see how UK users employ the high-precision technology - with a choice including applications at oil and gas equipment manufacturers. www.unisonltd.com

ENDS