Swedish drilling equipment maker Driconeq has purchased a Thompson friction welding machine for its new plant in South Africa
Driconeq will be using the new DP Series welder to produce drill pipes at its Gauteng factory as part of a major expansion programme in Africa.
The machine incorporates a number of special features, including extended tie bars for welding pipes more than 10 metres in length and an alignment device to orientate spanner flats on the tool joints within two degree of each other.
Thompson's DP model also includes lightweight, quick release tooling, roller rail slideways for smooth friction head movement and intuitive weld process control software.
Thompson sales manager Rob Stevens said, “We’re not only delighted that Driconeq chose Thompson again, but also pleased to be part of the company’s ambitious global expansion plans. This new generation friction welding machine is specially designed to streamline production and boost productivity.”
