The disclosure relates to systems and methods for machine-cutting workpieces in plate form or bar form and also to a machine tool, with a laser machining device, and a workpiece support, by which a workpiece to be machined in the laser machining device is received, and with a workpiece moving device, by which the workpiece to be machined is held and moved in relation to the laser machining device, wherein with a machining head a laser beam is directed onto the workpiece to be machined and a clearance or recess is introduced into the workpiece and the clearance is machined with a flow drill and widened to a final size of a borehole.

The support device comprises: a pivoting arm arranged to be rotatably supported at a first end thereof by a base of the machine for rotation about a first axis of rotation oriented transversely to a longitudinal axis of the tube; a cylindrical roller mounted at a second end of the pivoting arm opposite to the first end with its axis oriented parallel to the first axis of rotation; a variable-profile support member rotatably mounted at the second end of the pivoting arm for rotation about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation; a first driving system arranged to control the angular position of the pivoting arm about the first axis of rotation; and a second driving system arranged to control the angular position of the support member about the second axis of rotation.

An apparatus for connecting collar components to an elongate member is disclosed. The apparatus includes a frame structure having a central opening that is configured to receive an elongate member and that includes at least a first gripping station and a second gripping station. Each gripping station includes a reference surface and a clamp device that is configured to force a collar component against the reference surface. The first and second gripping stations are configured to control relative spatial location of a first collar component held by the first gripping station relative to a second collar component gripped by the second gripping station, prior to connecting the first and second collar components to the elongate member.

A method for reducing stress and distortion in a component during a friction welding process includes securing first and second workpieces of the component within an inertia welding machine such that the first and second workpieces are affixed in opposition to each other. The method also includes securing at least one annular support member at least partially around the first workpiece and/or the second workpiece at a location having a reduced cross-section as compared to remaining portions of the first workpiece and/or the second workpiece. Further, the method includes rotating the first workpiece to a predetermined rotational speed. In addition, the method includes engaging the second workpiece with the rotating first workpiece so as to generate frictional heat therebetween, thereby welding the first and second workpieces together. As such, the annular support member(s) supports the location having the reduced cross-section during welding.

A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.

A jig assembly and method of use are provided for positioning and re-rounding pipes for welding. The jig assembly comprises a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly which position and move a coupling onto one pipe then the second pipe for subsequent welding.

A container for heating plates for butt welding pipes has one or more walls forming at least one receptacle for containing a heating plate; an insulation means surrounds the receptacle and is adapted to thermally insulate the receptacle from the surrounding environment.

A container for heating plates for butt welding pipes has one or more walls forming at least one receptacle for containing a heating plate; an insulation means surrounds the receptacle and is adapted to thermally insulate the receptacle from the surrounding environment.

A self-propelled welding machine for butt welding pipes, comprising a chassis having a traction means which allows its movement along a direction of travel; the chassis supports a welding apparatus comprising a first clamping unit and a second clamping unit, adapted to respectively engage a first tubular element and a second tubular element to be joined by welding; a device for milling the ends of the first and second tubular elements and a heating plate for welding the ends are associated or associable with the welding apparatus; the particularity of the self-propelled welding machine resides in that it comprises at least one first blade associated with a first end of the chassis; the first blade is arranged transversely with respect to the direction of travel and is movable with respect to the chassis.

A self-propelled welding machine for butt welding pipes, comprising a chassis having a traction means which allows its movement along a direction of travel; the chassis supports a welding apparatus comprising a first clamping unit and a second clamping unit, adapted to respectively engage a first tubular element and a second tubular element to be joined by welding; a device for milling the ends of the first and second tubular elements and a heating plate for welding the ends are associated or associable with the welding apparatus; the particularity of the self-propelled welding machine resides in that it comprises at least one first blade associated with a first end of the chassis; the first blade is arranged transversely with respect to the direction of travel and is movable with respect to the chassis.