Welded Tube works with REA JET for coding and marking solutions that assure single-pipe traceability for the OCTG market.
REA JET formulated a specialty ink for Welded Tube because conventional white stencil ink won't survive the rigorous production, storage, bundling, and transport of tubular goods.
About Welded Tube
Welded Tube of Canada is a leading supplier of tubular goods for the OCTG market. With over 100,000 sqft on 45 acres, Welded Tube produces over 350,000 tons of steel annually. REA JET teamed up with the Lackawanna, NY ERW mill to develop a specialty ink used in the coding and marking of their pipes.
▼ Challenge
Welded Tube approached REA JET with an opportunity derived from a traceability requirement. Their ERW and forming process applies significant amounts of coolant and RP on the tube during the forming process. The white stencil was coming off the tube by the time it arrived at their end-user, which was an unacceptable liability for Welded Tube as they lost traceability.
As part of Welded Tube’s production process, the pipe is stenciled once in their U.S. facility and two separate times at their Canadian facility.
"We place a huge priority on single pipe traceability. We must track each pipe throughout the process - from when the steel is formed and welded to when it goes through either destructive or non-destructive testing and then right to the customer. If we lose traceability on a pipe, it won’t meet the oil and gas industry specifications."
Michael Krajewski, Welded Tube Training Specialist
"Welded Tube does not have a typical warehouse. Because they produce 44-foot-long pipes, the pipes must be stored outside on the grounds of their property after being marked. This was causing some stencil markings to lose clarity because of their exposure to the harsh outdoor elements."
Dan Gibbons, REA JET US Regional Account Manager
▼ Solution
REA JET developed a special, white pigmented ink that was able to adhere to the pipe during production, had a quick dry time, and was able to resist rubbing/abrasion.
Using the REA JET DOD 2.0 printing technology, this new marking process allowed for Welded Tube to have less downtime in the mill and much more visibility in the storage yard. Not only did the specialty ink withstand the rough production environment, but it also survived the abrasive bundling process.
Once the pipes are marked at the Lackawanna, New York facility, they are shipped to the Welland plant in Canada. There, the pipes are heat treated, and the initial mark removed and marked again with REA JET DOD technology. Toward the end of processing, when the pipes are weighed and measured, Welded Tube uses another REA JET system to print this information as well as the shop order ID.
Michael Krajewski, Welded Tube Training Specialist
▼ Results
REA JET works with Welded Tube to improve up-time.
REA JET and Welded Tube worked together on a plan to improve production uptime. REA JET Service Technicians were on-site during the ink testing process to ensure positive results. The teams worked on a routine maintenance program that allowed the printers to operate effectively in this challenging production environment. Welded Tube credits a successful partnership with REA JET for the ability to own and operate the machinery efficiently and successfully.
"Dan and the rest of the REA JET team were instrumental in helping us keep the mill moving. They came in and installed the machines, set up a maintenance program for us, and taught us how to take care of the equipment. Dan has always been a problem solver for us, and every time we've had any issue, he and the REA JET team have been there, and they walked us through it, set up a maintenance program for us, and taught us how to take care of the equipment."
Michael Krajewski, Welded Tube Training Specialist
REA JET continues to grow the partnership.
The success of REA JET’s flexible and reliable technology has led to new projects and opportunities at the New York facility and other facilities. We have formed a long-term partnership with effective communications, listening to customer concerns, and collaborative resolutions.
The right technology for your coding and marking needs
Click the links below for more information on REA JET industrial marking solutions
Contact REA JET
- Call Us: 440-232-0555
- Email Us: sales@reajetus.com