May 21-22, 2024 Omaha, NE

Pipe and Tube Conference

Sparking Innovation and Growth in the Tube and Pipe Industry

Join us May 21-22 in Omaha, NE for the 2024 Pipe and Tube Conference held at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel. Discover cutting-edge technologies, attend educational sessions, and build valuable relationships through our various networking opportunities.

What to Expect at the Pipe and Tube Conference
Over this two-day conference, you can attend educational sessions covering all types of pipe and tube topics to help improve your processes and spark innovation. You will begin the first day with a keynote address from Angela Phillips, CEO of Phillips Tube Group Inc., followed by multiple sessions and an interactive tube mill panel discussion. End the day with a networking reception where you can connect with colleagues and industry professionals, plus explore tabletop exhibits.

On day two, we'll get out of the conference room and into an operational facility. You don't want to miss the opportunity to tour Valmont Industries, an irrigation equipment supplier located in Omaha. Afterward, you’ll head back to the conference for the second keynote address featuring FMA's Economic Analyst, Dr. Chris Kuehl. Day two will also feature an interactive panel discussion about recruiting Gen Z in the workplace and additional sessions.

To get the latest on what is happening in the pipe and tube industries, register for this conference today.

Event Details

Pipe and Tube Conference

Date

May 21-22, 2024

Location
Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel
302 S 36th St
Omaha, NE 68131-3800
Reserve a Room

Registration

Members save $200 or more!
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Price: $795.00

Member Price: $595.00

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Featured Speakers

Sessions

Session Name
Time (CT)
Registration
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Exhibits Open
11:05 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lunch
11:55 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Welcome Address
12:00 p.m. - 12:10 p.m.

Keynote: American Manufacturing: Dominating the Post-COVID Economy Through Innovation

In today’s economy, hard work and a competitive mindset are no longer enough. The world has changed drastically and the steel tube industry along with it. Those companies that survive the current challenges have learned to be nimble, aggressive, and tenacious in their pursuit of meeting customers’ demands despite fierce competition. Faster, quieter, wasteless, colorful, balanced, automated, and minimizing human product interaction are now required to stay afloat in the world of steel tube. Leaders have to anticipate the land mines next to the gold mines all while staying financially sound against an ever-changing steel market backdrop.
Phillips Tube Group continues to carve its own path through these challenges under the direction of CEO Angela Phillips. As a second-generation leader, Angela has led the company through several key transitions, including the unexpected passing of her father in 2009, multiple acquisitions and the launch of the company’s newest division during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in October 2020.
12:10 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.

Energy Cost Reduction & No VOC's with UV LED Coatings Technology

Companies today, are aggressively exploring and implementing energy savings programs within their manufacturing facilities, mainly due to the continued rate increases besieging manufacturing entities. Current powder and water/solvent-based paint operations utilize expensive gas, IR ovens and induction heating, whose operating costs have skyrocketed over the past several years. In addition, some high VOC coatings require RTO (Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers) to combust known VOC's / exhaust fumes, adding to more costly energy expenditures. UV coatings minimize energy costs, offer Sustainability with no VOC's and typically provide a lower cost per linear foot of coated pipe.
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Robotics and Phased Array UT: A Novel Approach to ERW Tube Inspection

This session presents an innovative methodology that integrates Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) with Robotics for in-situ inspection of ERW tubes. The integrated system offers real-time data on both the weld profile and inner diameter cut, simultaneously detecting defects within the weld zone. Furthermore, the presentation outlines how this novel approach surpasses the limitations of traditional UT methods, enhancing the inspection process while minimizing physical space requirements and changeover time for tubes of varying sizes.
1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Coolants, Coatings, and Lubrication Systems for Welded Tube

There are a variety of chemicals used in producing and processing welded steel tubes. This presentation will provide an overview of the chemicals and the associated dispensing systems typically employed as we convert a coil of metal to a welded tubular profile and cut to length for further processing and fabrication. The focus will be on tools and best practices used throughout the industry to maximize product quality, process repeatability, and output. In the end, it is about producing a clean, dry, rust-free tube, within customer tolerance/specification.
2:05 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.

The Robotic Edge in Tube & Pipe Fabrication

In the rapidly evolving landscape of tube and pipe manufacturing, embracing cutting-edge robotic technologies and innovative layouts has become not just a competitive edge but a necessity for survival and growth. With a sharp focus on practical, 'real-world' applications, we will explore the pivotal roles of advanced material handling, efficient manufacturing processes and precise welding fixturing. This talk aims to shed light on how these technological advancements can streamline operations, enhance productivity, and significantly reduce operational costs.
2:05 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Advancements in Data Collection, Process Control, and Automation for HF Welding of Tube and Pipe

In various industries ranging from automotive to pharmaceutical, there has been a notable shift towards enhanced connectivity of equipment and greater emphasis on data collection and analysis. The tube and pipe industry is also in line with this trend. High frequency (HF) welding is a type of electric resistance welding and a leading technology for tube and pipe production. HF welding requires precise control of various process parameters such as power (kW), frequency (kHz), weld area geometry, impeder and raw material. It is crucial to closely monitor these parameters and know their effects on the quality of the weld. Once the process has been validated through product performance testing, it is essential to have a good data collection system, paired with a process control and automation in place that can deliver reproducible results. This presentation aims to help operators maximize the efficiency of their tube and pipe welding process by utilizing the latest tools. This includes precise process control, collecting and analyzing process data, and implementing technology-driven automated methods. The presentation also covers the infrastructure changes and data management strategies for implementation of IIoT-enabled HF welders.
2:40 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.

Integrating Into Old Equipment

We've all seen the newest and latest technology at the trade shows and in videos online. Terms like "state-of-the-art" and "cutting-edge" being narrated over the top of shiny machining centers adorned with the fastest-moving robots, actuators, and blinking lights. But what about when the original technology hasn't changed? What about when the old equipment is still running strong, doing the same thing repeatedly...and it's already paid for? What about when we want the benefit of new technology, but we don't want to fix what isn't broken? That's what we are here to talk about. So many times, I've seen time-tested equipment swapped-out for new technology to gain some foothold on automating it, only to find out that the old trusty equipment was less hassle and more profitable. You don't need to throw the bay out with the bathwater to get the benefits of modern automation while using old equipment. This presentation will give you some ideas of how to do just that.
2:40 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.
Break and Exhibits
3:10 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Tube Mill Panel Discussion

3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Networking Reception with Exhibits
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Session Name
Time (CT)
Breakfast
7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m.
Exhibits Open
7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Travel to Plant Tour
7:30 a.m. - 8:10 a.m.

Plant Tour: Valmont Industries Inc

8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Travel Back to Hotel
10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Lunch
11:30 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.

Keynote: Economy as Artful Dodger

We have been dodging recession for over a year. How much longer and more importantly why? How do all these economic issues affect the Pipe and Tube market - labor shortage, interest rates, consumer spend, supply chain issues, trade talks and so on. Then there is the election - is it still the economy, stupid?
12:00 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.

Gen Z Panel Discussion

1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Break and Exhibits
2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Finding good talent and keeping them!

Nothing costs a business more than turnover. Gen Z and Millennials are entering manufacturing jobs at a higher rate than ever. How do we help them see a career in this industry? Lisa Wertzbaugher owns a metal fabricating business with her husband and 50% of their staff are under the age of 30. She has built a career plan for their top performing employees that gives them a road map for the next 10-15 years. The employee wins and the company wins. Attend this session to learn about implementing this practice in your own business or department.
2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Running Exotic MATERIAL on Your Tube Mill – Can You Do It?

The requests are everywhere for exotic tubes with High Yield, Hi Tensile, and even Dual Phase materials mostly for the Solar and Automotive markets, and at the same time these tubes have very tight tolerances. Can you run this on your tube mill with your normal roll tooling? There are several variables that need to be considered and we will discuss them and break them down.
2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Program Wrap Up
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

*Sessions, dates, and times are subject to change.

Hotel Info

Kimpton: Cottonwood

302 S. 36th St.
Omaha, NE 68131
PH: 1-800-546-7866
Rate: $169/night
Room Block Cutoff: 5/3 at 5:00 p.m. CDT

Reserve a Room
Reserve your room by May 3, 2024 to receive the FMA group rate of $169/night. The FMA group rate is available for 3 days before and after the event. Book online or call 1-800-546-7866 and reference code TBE.

Join Attendees from These Companies

  • Acieta — Council Bluffs, IA
  • Addison Machine Engineering Inc — Reedsburg, WI
  • Allied Photochemical Inc — Macomb, MI
  • Armada Corporate Intelligence — Kansas City, KS
  • Atkore — Harvey, IL
  • CombiLift — Greensboro, NC
  • Controle Mesure Systemes Inc — Queens, NY
  • Cooper Standard Automotive — Northville, MI
  • Excel Industrial Electronics Inc — Mt Clemens, MI
  • FMA — Elgin, IL
  • Guild International Inc — Bedford, OH
  • Kawasaki Robotics USA Inc — Wixom, MI
  • Magnetic Analysis Corp — Elmsford, NY
  • Magnetic Analysis Corporation — Boardman, OH
  • Metal Pros LLC — Wichita, KS
  • Metal Recruiters — Miami, FL
  • Phillips Tube Group Inc — Middletown, OH
  • Roll Machining Technologies & Solutions Inc — Romeoville, IL
  • Springfield Sign — Springfield, MO
  • Thermatool Corp — East Haven, CT
  • Tower Metalworking Fluids — Stanton, NE
  • Wertzbaugher Svcs / Wertzbaugher Consulting — West Liberty, IA

Sponsors

Legacy
Gold
Bronze
Copper
Exhibitor

Contact

Program Information

Audrey Long

Sponsor Information

Jerry Gunderson

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