POWER TRANSMISSION

The recently approved $1.7 billion CapX 2020 project involves the construction of three long-distance, high-voltage transmission lines that will crisscross the entire state of Minnesota. The three 345 kV lines include a 200-mile line between Fargo, ND, and the St. Cloud-Monticello area. Another line stretches 150 miles, from a substation in the small town of Hampton to Rochester and La Crosse, WI. The final line crosses over 230 miles between Brookings, SD, and Hampton.

This means thousands of steel lattice transmission towers must be constructed by fabricators competing in the stimulus-driven modern infrastructure market. Those looking for an edge in processing large amounts of heavy angle sections should consider investing in the new APS-2063 Towermaster system from Peddinghaus Corporation (Bradley, IL).

This system promises aggressive fabricators some big returns, as a single operator can process sections up to 60 ft long continuously, without ever leaving the control panel.

As the latest advancement in high speed angle technology, the APS©\2063 can process 8 in x 8 in x 1 in (200 mm x 200 mm x 25 mm) angle with ease. The machine utilizes Triple Tool punching, shearing and marking in each leg of angle iron, giving it the ability to process up to three different sizes and shapes in each piece of material with no need for tool change. A unique punch/stripper orientation provides a maximum hole diameter up to 1 1/2 in (38 mm) on a 2-1/8 in punch stroke under 112 (101 metric) tons of punching power.

The equipment configuration is networked through a Siemens CNC control that can build nests from other BIM software programs. The machinery footprint begins with an automated material loading area and staging area and a powerful precision measurement system that handles high speed material approaches of 300 fpm (100 mpm). The system can perform high speed part stamping and the Signomat Marking Press delivers legible part identification in seconds, suitable for painting and galvanizing, and is capable of holding over 30 characters.

The machine uses a unique upward-stroking single-cut shear for higher speed shearing and superior cut quality under a powerful 506 (459 metric) ton shearing capacity. An automated part unloading system completes the layout and organizes parts automatically, without operator intervention. The operator has the ability to decide what bins the parts are dumped into in order to keep an organized and efficient job oriented operation.

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Peddinghaus Corporation, 300 North Washington, Bradley, IL 60915, 815-937-3800, Fax: 815-937-4003, www.peddinghaus.com.