A leading technology firm for process & quality control and pioneers of NDT (non-destructive testing), ISEND, is helping the companies in their transition to Industry 4.0 in the most efficient and optimized way. This was revealed by Mr. Francisco Moretón, Business Development Manager – Asia, ISEND, during his interaction with the Tube & Pipe India magazine.
Tube & Pipe India: Briefly describe the business activities of ISEND S.A. and its core area of expertise catering to the tube and pipe industry.
Francisco Moretón: ISEND is a leading and pioneer NDT (non-destructive testing) technology firm for process and quality control, spearheading digital transformation towards smart factories through Industry 4.0 integration. Our innovative approach combines Eddy Current technology (ECT) with computer vision and artificial intelligence, generating extensive process data. By leveraging big data analysis, we identify and address processes & products to improve surface quality. Our comprehensive software suite provides accessible information and research tools, serving global clients.
TPI: How has the implementation of Industry 4.0 evolved over the years? Do you think the tube & pipe industry is ready to adapt to Industry 5.0?
FM: There are no doubts about the enormous challenges that Industry 4.0 has brought to the current production practice, consumption, and global value chain. Firms need to consider adequate strategies to better implement the Industry 4.0 systems, re-organize business activities by considering new contexts and take other caution for the long-term growth of the fourth industrial revolution and reap profit from it.
At ISEND, we help companies in the implementation of systems that favor the transition to Industry 4.0 in the most efficient and optimized way, so that they do not fall behind. It is important to emphasize the importance for our company to train human capital and transfer our knowledge to create a symbiosis between human beings and the systems involved, aligning with Industry 5.0.
TPI: What specific NDT solutions does ISEND S.A. offer for inspecting tubes and pipes?
FM: We design NDT solutions based mainly on the Eddy Current technique as a core basis, comprehensive computer vision, and advanced artificial intelligence algorithms and information analysis for online and offline metals inspection for metal producers. For example, in tubes, we can identify and help to prevent potential defects in the welding area or full body. In the specific sector of tubes, we have solutions for seamless tubes, welded tubes, and solutions for 360° inspection of the tube or for welding inspection, in ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials.
All the data is processed in a digital way and our R&D department works in close collaboration with our customers to continuously improve ISEND’s solutions. We offer solutions for each need such as the EDDY Eyes, our flagship solution for process and quality control in hot rolled long products, being the only solution all over the world that can integrate ECT with artificial vision fully synchronized.
HOTdiscover detects surface and sub-surface defects in hot rolled rod products by ECT. ROTOdiscover detects longitudinal defects in cold-formed long products by using rotating probes. WELdiscover detects defects in the welding area of the tubes. ENdiscover detects punctual and transversal cracks in cold formed long products.
TPI: What is your USP that keeps you ahead of the competition?
FM: ISEND is a forward-thinking technological firm committed to advancing process, product, and quality control standards. Our collaborative approach entails close partnership with clients, enabling us to glean insights and tailor our systems to address their most rigorous requirements, effectively resolving challenges and fostering continuous improvement.
TPI: What future developments and innovations can we expect from ISEND in the coming years?
FM: Our business strategy revolves around consistently introducing state-of-the-art NDT technologies to digitize our customers’ process control to achieve successful production by improving the quality of their products effectively, reducing costs and increasing profits. On the way, new developments are coming such as a new generation of EDDYeyes solution that includes dimensional measurement saving space in the mill.
TPI: Please share some light on the market footprint and clientele of your company.
FM: Presently, our solutions are adopted by key industry players, fostering a symbiotic relationship, wherein mutual support yields valuable insights for continual enhancement to address evolving demands effectively. While our presence spans Europe, America and Asia, currently we are focused on high quality producers.
TPI: Kindly describe your outlook on the tube & pipe industry.
FM: The tube and pipe industry is indeed experiencing profound changes due to the urgent need for decarbonization and the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability. This shift is prompting innovations in materials, manufacturing processes, and energy sources to reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impact. Quality control is a key area because it allows reducing waste and improving profitability.
ISEND is aware of this reality and focuses on bringing remarkable innovations that lead to improved efficiency by reducing energy and material waste in production. Our NDT solutions help companies to reduce non-production times and claims, and take advantage of artificial intelligence to predict & avoid problems in production lines.
