Pipe and Tube Conference

Sparking Innovation and Growth in the Tube and Pipe Industry

Improve your business savvy and connect with industry peers at this year’s Pipe and Tube Conference in Omaha, Neb.

Join us Nov. 13-14 at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel for insightful sessions on the latest industry technology and plant tours at innovative businesses—with ample time to network with friends and colleagues included.

What’s on Tap
This year’s conference includes valuable breakout sessions on key topics like robotics, automation, the latest inspection technology, and how to retain the talent you’ve worked hard to recruit.
A special bonus this year is a visit to Omaha-area plants for tours:
• Valmont Industries Inc, a manufacturer of structural, agricultural, and lighting products.
• Acieta, a robotics and automation company focused on the manufacturing sector.
• Lozier, a manufacturer of retail store shelves, backroom storage, and self-checkout stands.

Don’t miss out on the 2024 Pipe and Tube Conference. Reserve your spot today!

This event has already passed.

Event Details

Pipe and Tube Conference

Date

November 13-14, 2024

Location

Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel

302 S 36th St

Omaha, NE 68131-3800

Reserve a Room

Registration

Registration for this event is not currently open.

Featured Speakers

KEYNOTE

Omar Nashashibi

Founder
Inside Beltway

Patrick Brunken, Sr

Vice President
Addison Machine Engineering Inc
Patrick Brunken, Jr

Assistant Foreman
Addison Machine Engineering Inc
James E Dyla

President and Technical Director
AMCOL Corp
Rebecca Flicher

Industrial Engineer
ConAgra Foods Inc
Sam Gingerich

Trailer Repair Manager
Wertzbaugher Services
Cathleen Jacinto

HSS Technical Consultant
Forse Consulting LLC
Rich Leonard

Sales Director
Allied Photochemical Inc
Darren Luebke

Applications Engineering Manager
Acieta
Phil Meinczinger

Business Development Manager
Rick Olson

President and COO
Roll Machining Technologies & Solutions Inc
Sasha Tupalo

Manager
Thermatool Corp
Garrett Vidak

District Manager
Magnetic Analysis Corporation
Lisa Wertzbaugher

Owner
Wertzbaugher Services

Sessions

Session Name

Time (CT)

Registration

8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

Breakfast

8:01 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

Exhibits Open

8:02 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Welcome

8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Tube Mill Panel Discussion

What is going on in the world of tube mills today? Join this interactive discussion with participants Pat Brunken, Addison Machine Engineering, Inc.; Rick Olson, Roll Machining Technologies Solutions, Inc.; Sasha Tupalo, Thermatool Corp.; Garrett Vidak, Magnetic Analysis Corp.; and Rich Leonard, Allied PhotoChemical, Inc. as they discuss the latest trends, issues, and solutions surrounding tube mills.

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Energy Cost Reduction and 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.

10:50 a.m. - 11:20 a.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.

10:50 a.m. - 11:20 a.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.

11:25 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.

The Robotic Edge in Tube and 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.

11:25 a.m. - 11:55 a.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.

12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

HSS Weld Seams

Join us for a deep dive into the weld seam on a Hollow Structural Section (HSS). Forming the closed shape of an HSS requires precision, an electric current and pressure. This process will be illustrated with a video from a tube mill. Attendees will gain knowledge of the differences between welding methods used for HSS production, how an HSS weld seam is made, what is done at the mill to ensure a quality weld, and additional testing methods available and when they should be specified.

12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Lunch

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Keynote Address - Manufacturing During Political Change

A change in Washington brings a change to industry. The election outcomes will have an impact on all manufacturers as lawmakers consider a $4 trillion tax package, the White House considers tariff policy, and regulators either press forward or pull back. Omar S. Nashashibi, Founder of Inside Beltway in Washington, D.C. will provide insights from the nation’s capital on how to plan strategically and what to expect following the November election. A lobbyist for the manufacturing industry for more than two decades, Mr. Nashashibi will preview possible changes to tax rates, negotiations over the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement, OSHA and EPA regulations and how Congress will work with a new President. This session will help your business navigate the uncertainty of the coming year.

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Break

2:35 p.m. - 2:55 p.m.

Gen Z Panel Discussion

For many manufacturers, the transition from less baby boomers to more Gen Z workers has not been without issues. There are differences in values, how the two generations view work/life balance, and overall expectations. Most discussions focus on the views of the older generation. This panel will let you hear from the younger generation, their thoughts and views on working with boomers and how they see things. Join moderator Lisa Wertzbaugher, Wertzbaugher Services/Wertzbaugher Consulting and panelists Will Esmoil, Wertzbaugher Services; Rebecca Flicher, ConAgra Foods, Inc.; Sam Gingerich, Wertzbaugher Services; and Bridget Killgallen, Mid Atlantic Machinery at the have a lively discussion on this trending topic.

2:55 p.m. - 4:25 p.m.

Finding good talent and keeping them!

Why are Gen Z choosing manufacturing?

The lack of qualified applicants remains manufacturers’ #1 concern, and the skilled labor shortage is expected to worsen, leaving as many as 2 million positions unfilled. Employers are eager to understand what benefits or incentives appeal to Gen Z that could attract and encourage them to consider a manufacturing career. Hear real-world perspectives from young professionals as they talk about what inspired them to pursue technical education and the factors that most influenced them to choose a job in manufacturing over alternative career paths.

4:30 p.m. - 5:00 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.

4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Networking Reception with Exhibits

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Session Name

Time (CT)

Breakfast

6:30 a.m. - 7:15 a.m.

Exhibits Open

6:30 a.m. - 7:15 a.m.

Travel to Valmont Industries Inc

Bus Transportation provided and will go directly to Acieta immediately following.

7:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Plant Tour – Valmont Industries Inc

Valmont Industries Inc
28800 Ida St | Valley, NE 68064

Valmont is here to modernize vital infrastructure and increase agricultural productivity, sustainably and reliably. We galvanize steel to last a century with minimal environmental impact. We modernize irrigation to feed a growing population by utilizing the latest technology. We harden the electrical grid to enable the delivery of reliable power to millions of homes around the world. And we help make communities everywhere safer, cleaner and more connected through our smart infrastructure technology.

Valmont serves two primary segments — agriculture and infrastructure — and seven diverse product lines: Utility, Lighting and Transportation, Telecom, Solar, Coatings, Irrigation and Ag Tech. We manufacture products in 84 facilities spread across six continents, and we do business in over 100 different countries.

That’s what Valmont does. We conserve resources and improve life, finding ways to make innovation and technology beneficial in the real world.

8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.

Travel to Acieta

Bus Transportation provided from Valmont Industries Inc to Acieta.

9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Plant Tour – Acieta

Acieta
2906 21st Ave | Council Bluffs, IA 51501

With 100+ years of combined expertise in industrial robotic technology, their newly formed automation powerhouse is recognized as a leading force in the industry, integrating over 10,000 automation systems across North America. Theye go beyond robotic integration—offering tailored solutions, training, and 24/7 service designed to meet the long-term needs of manufacturers. Their expertise is enhanced by the combined knowledge and skills of Capital Industries, Mid-State Engineering, RoBEX, and +Vantage Corporation, all championing innovation and integration. Together, their mission is to bolster North American manufacturing with state-of-the-art automation solutions. As a FANUC Authorized System Integrator (ASI), Certified Service Integrator, and A3 Certified Robot Integrator, Acieta is at the forefront of setting industry standards. Acieta is a leading FANUC Authorized System Integrator and is part of the RIA Certified Integrator Group.

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Travel back to Kimpton Cottonwood

Bus Transportation provided from Acieta back to the hotel.

12:00 p.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Lunch

Conference ends after lunch for those not attending Lozier tour.

12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Travel to Lozier

Bus Transportation provided from the hotel to Lozier.

1:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Plant Tour – Lozier Corporation

Lozier Corporation
6336 John J. Pershing Dr | Omaha, NE 68110

Capacity: 30

During the tour, the guests will walk a 500,000sf metal fabrication operation. It is a 3-shift operation with over 300 employees. 1st & 2nd shift are the primary production operations with 3rd shift focused on preventative maintenance to prepare 1st & 2nd shift for production. The tour will start with 25,000lbs steel coils and follow the WIP throughout the plant. Cut, bend, punch, weld, paint, box and ship. Lozier primarily works with 13 thru 2 gauge cold rolled steel. The company has several operations that include:

• 250 ton punch and forming presses
• Robotic welding operations
• Automated resistance welders
• Fiber optic lasers (3)
• Powder Paint Lines (3)
• Tube saw & welder

Lozier makes up to 25,000 metal retail shelves per day. You see these shelves in your local Target, Walmart, Dollar General stores, and many more.

1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Travel back to Kimpton Cottonwood

2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Drop off at Hotel - Conference Concludes

Thank you for attending Pipe and Tube 2024!

3:01 p.m. - 3:05 p.m.

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

Hotel Info

Kimpton: Cottonwood

302 S. 36th St.
Omaha, NE 68131
PH: 402-810-9500

Reserve a Room

To reserve your room at the group rate of $159, book a room online Pipe and Tube Omaha Booking Link or call 1-800-546-7866 and reference code PTC by 5:00 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. The group rate is good for three days prior and three days post conference subject to availability. An early departure fee of one night’s rate plus applicable taxes will apply if checking out prior to the confirmed checkout date.