Automation experts adapt to product development

The innovative CUTET soil and drainage pipe cutter, devised and marketed by Cutting Edge Technology Limited, represents a fresh direction for process automation specialists Barr & Paatz. Rather than utilising its cutting-edge 3D engineering analysis and CAD/CAM tools for configuring automated workcells, in this instance the company has optimised the design of the product by eliminating excess weight, complexity and cost, produced the prototype in just ten days and is now assembling the cutters.

Launched earlier in 2007, the CUTET is designed to cut PVCu pipe commonly used for soil drains, vent pipes, storm water and drainage systems, by using a standard cordless drill as a power source. Not only is it said to be faster, more convenient and reliable than rival pipe cutters, it virtually eliminates the risk of leaking pipes through its use of high-precision cutting, and puts the operator literally at arm's length from the contents of a 'live' sewage pipe. This has significant health and safety implications.

Ben Shepherd, founder and chief executive of Cutting Edge Technology, had ample practical experience of sewer and drainage pipes on his farm, as well as a major property restoration project and an industrial development, so felt there must be a better, more accurate way of cutting PVC pipe. Having sketched some ideas, he carved the basic design from a solid block of polystyrene and recruited a local engineering firm to design and build the product.

Total redesign

Unfortunately these early units suffered from poor reliability and high manufacturing costs so, through his network of contacts, Ben got in touch with Barr & Paatz. After an intensive programme of remedial work to meet the deadline for the product's debut at a major trade show only two weeks away, the Totnes firm then recommended a total redesign, since the original was heavy, complex, cumbersome in operation and potentially unsafe.

Grasping the challenge, Barr & Paatz applied its engineering design skills, 3D modelling software and finite element analysis tools to reworking the pipe cutter, taking just ten days to produce an elegant and innovative prototype that is the basis of today's CUTET product range.

The first model, CUTET 110, is designed to cut standard 110mm (4inch) PVC pipe and consists of two hinge-linked components - the clamping section and the blade carrier - each of which is machined from solid aluminium. The base easily removable so that the cutter can be lowered into a trench and clamped around 'live' pipework.

The patented cutting action, which produces a chamfer on both cut faces of the pipe, is driven by a combination of a geared assembly and a cordless power drill, continuously advancing the cutting head at a controlled rate, then returning it to the start position, interlocked and ready for the next cut. Barr & Paatz employed FEA for optimising the blade assembly and cutting edge, which is precision made from tungsten carbide, and for designing the lightweight gearing system that features a phosphor bronze worm gear and Ertalon extruded nylon bearings for outstanding toughness and abrasion resistance.

The whole construction is designed to be easily assembled, using bolt- and push-together components, to satisfy all current health and safety requirements, to be easily washed down after use and virtually maintenance-free.

Ben Shepherd comments: "With expert design input from Barr & Paatz, we have developed a tool that makes pipe cutting the easiest it has ever been and that is one of the safest cutters on the market. Having been involved in the industry for many years, we saw a clear gap in the market and expect to become a major player in pipe cutting. Barr & Paatz like the product and I liked the way they operate, so the partnership has proved highly productive, bringing a totally new concept to market in record time."

A second model, the CUTET 160, designed for cutting 160mm (6inch) pipe, has already been designed and the product will now be developed for handling larger PE pipes in the 180-630mm range, for the utilities and gas/oil exploration markets. The CUTET 110 is currently being tested by two major equipment hire companies, with a view to it being made available nationally. Cutting Edge Technology (www.cutet.co.uk) is seeking agents and distributors for its patented cutter, both at home and overseas.