Tuflesa contracts SMS group to modernise ERW pipe welding line in Spain

Spanish tube producer Tuflesa, part of the Bornay Group, has commissioned SMS group to modernise the sizing section of its ERW tube production line at Las Torres de Cotillas near Murcia.

The ERW-RD-240 electric resistance welding line was originally supplied by SMS group in 1998 and has been producing welded steel tubes for almost 30 years. The latest project follows an upgrade of the line’s forming and welding section completed in 2024.

New sizing stands to improve accuracy

Tuflesa uses the ERW-RD-240 primarily to manufacture structural products, including round tubes with diameters of up to 240 mm and square sections of up to 200 x 200 mm. Its portfolio also includes tolerance-critical products for the solar industry.

After almost three decades of operation, wear in the sizing equipment has affected dimensional accuracy. SMS group will therefore replace all four existing sizing stands as well as the associated changeover equipment.

The main drive, base frames and changeover cars for the automatic stand exchange will remain in operation. According to SMS group, retaining these components will reduce the scope, cost and labour requirements of the modernisation while restoring product accuracy and improving productivity.

The new stands will be supplied fully pre-assembled, wired and piped. Installation is scheduled for Tuflesa’s 2027 summer shutdown, limiting the impact on ongoing production. SMS group will also supervise commissioning and support the subsequent start-up.

“The ERW-RD-240 has been in operation for almost 30 years. The modernization of the sizing section is the second project carried out by SMS on this line, following the forming and welding upgrade completed in 2024,” said Juan Bornay, Managing Director and owner of Tuflesa.

The two companies have also worked together on newer production equipment. In 2021, Tuflesa commissioned an SMS RD 40 high-frequency welding line for the production of round, square and rectangular tubes.

Source and Photo: SMS Group