Many mill coolants are available today. Understanding the factors that drive selection and management of these fluids can help to minimize the costs of their use in welded tube production.

Although six-roll straightening machines were the industry standard for decades, 10-roll machines provide twice as many bending moments and therefore turn out straighter, rounder tube.

New developments in laser-based inspection systems offer tube and pipe mills real-time inspection of laser-welded seams. These systems can help to shorten setup time, improve weld quality, and reduce scrap.

Pipe-Valves Inc., a distributor of industrial pipes and valves in Columbus, Ohio, had a small facility and stored all of its products outdoors. The products were prone to weather damage and the storage layout required handling some products two or three times. A move to a bigger facility and the purchase of two Combilift sideloading industrial trucks have made the company approximately 30 percent more efficient.