Thompson Friction Welding has learnt one of its first friction welding machines for producing oil drill pipes is still in use more than 40 years after it was made in the Midlands.
A specialist in friction welding machines, the Halesowen-based firm believes it is the oldest, working friction welding machine, of its type, anywhere in the world. It only came to light when the Indian drill pipe manufacturer, Oil Country Tubular, ordered a new friction welding machine for its factory in Hyderabad.
Oil Country Tubular plans to continue using its existing Thompson welding machine, but now needs the additional welding equipment to boost productivity as a result of the global boom in oil and mineral exploration.
Thompson friction welding machines are specially engineered to produce drill rods or heavy-duty oil pipes, as they feature extended back stops and special forge clamps, for friction welding a range of pipe sizes and lengths.
Several customers happy with the friction welding machines supplied by Thompson have put in repeat orders, such as a Korean manufacturer of drive axles who are being supplied with their third friction welder. The company still operates its existing Thompson-supplied friction welding machines purchased 30 and 14 years ago.
According to Simon Jones, Thompson Asia sales manager, sales of friction welding machines are still flourishing with strong demand from commercial vehicle makers in Europe and the Far East.
Image (l to r): Standing beside the new friction welder are Simon Jones, Thompson's Asia sales manager, V.Krishna Mohan Rao, Oil Country Tubular's assistant general manager (production) and Peter Lovegrove, Thompson's operations director. Inset: The original Thompson friction welding machine which is still producing oil drill pipes more than 40 years after it was first built.
