Hydratight announces updates and improvements to their QuickSlide tool block slides (TBS).
Available for immediate order, the QuickSlide marks an advancement in tool block slides to fit Hydratight’s series of clamshells.
Tool block slides mount directly to the face of the clamshell and accept an array of Hydratight bits for cutting and beveling pipe. The product update was made to allow technicians the ability to quickly adjust the mounted position of the TBS by moving the internal position of the bolts to the outer edges.
While making these ease-of-use improvements, Hydratight included several other changes to improve both the functionality and performance of the TBS;
– External side mount clamps; these now require just two revolutions of the screws to adjust the slide position
– One adjustable gib, which allows for easier and faster set-up
– A backing plate on the QuickSlide increases the rigidity of the tool holder
– The lengthened tool holder allows for more gib contact
– Increased width to the tool holder ensures heightened strength
– All fasteners now use the same allen wrench size
In addition, the QuickSlide TBS now has an electroless nickel plating which provides increased corrosion resistance and improved durability, a coating already in use on Hydratight’s subsea clamshells. The hash marks along the side of the TBS assure correct alignment of opposing tool block slides, and bolt sizes are neatly marked out on the edge of each slide for ease of replacement.
Mike Mroz, Hydratight’s Global Machining Product Manager, commented: “The improved QuickSlide was born from both internal and customer feedback and we are excited with the end result. The QuickSlide has been thoroughly tested and has already been in-use within the Hydratight service fleet for several months, with positive feedback and results.”
All new clamshell gear components will be drilled and tapped to accept both the new QuickSlide and older TBS models. While for existing Hydratight clamshell customers, templates are available to equip their machines with the updated hole pattern to accept the new slides.
[mappress]
Press Release, November 25, 2013