Heat number tracking in pipe workshops is a critical process that traces materials from receipt through fabrication and final installation. It creates an unbroken chain of documentation linking every pipe component to its original material certification. Implementing effective heat number tracking requires moving from error-prone manual systems to digital solutions that automate data capture and maintain accurate records throughout the production process. Heat number tracking in pipe fabrication is a system for maintaining material traceability by documenting and following unique identifiers (heat numbers) assigned during manufacturing. Each pipe, fitting, flange, and welding material receives a heat number that connects it […]

Real-time Kanban visualization revolutionizes pipe fabrication efficiency by providing visual, data-driven representations of production workflows. This digital approach replaces manual tracking methods with interactive dashboards showing work status, capacity utilization, and production bottlenecks in real time. Manufacturing teams gain immediate visibility into operations, allowing for faster decision-making and smoother workflow management throughout the pipe fabrication process. Real-time Kanban visualization in pipe fabrication is a digital system that provides live, visual representations of production status and work progression through fabrication stages. It’s essentially a virtual production board that displays the current location and status of pipe spools as they move through […]

PipeCloud was featured in a USA Today contributor article examining shipyard throughput and productivity in shipbuilding. CEO Jarno Soinila shares insights on the outfitting constraint, block outfitting, and the role of digital prefabrication in improving shipyard performance.

Calculating material requirements for complex pipe bending projects requires considering multiple factors including pipe diameter, wall thickness, bend radius, and material type. Accurate calculations are essential to minimize waste, control costs, and ensure project timelines are met. The process involves accounting for bend allowances, proper material specification, and understanding how bending affects material properties. Modern approaches use CAD systems and specialized software to automate these calculations with greater precision. Material calculations for pipe bending projects are influenced by several key physical and technical parameters that directly impact material quantities and specifications. The primary factors include: Pipe diameter and wall thickness […]

PipeCloud was featured in Douglas Magazine as part of an in-depth article covering Seaspan’s new pipe-spool prefabrication facility in British Columbia, highlighting the role of digital workflows and automation in modern shipbuilding.

Quality reporting standards in pipe fabrication provide a documented framework for ensuring product safety, compliance, and traceability. These standards typically cover material documentation, welding parameters, inspection records, and testing results. Effective quality reporting helps fabricators meet industry regulations, demonstrate compliance to clients, and maintain consistent production quality while reducing rework and potential field failures. The fundamental quality reporting requirements for pipe fabrication include material origin documentation, weld parameter records, inspection results, and testing certificates. You need to maintain detailed records of material specifications, heat numbers, and mill test reports that verify chemical composition and mechanical properties. Documentation should also track […]

Integration challenges between CAD systems and pipe fabrication software typically involve data format compatibility, loss of critical information during transfers, and workflow disruptions. These issues stem from differences in how CAD systems structure design data versus how fabrication software needs to process that information for production. Common problems include missing weld specifications, incorrect material information, and dimensional data that doesn’t translate properly. Successful integration requires standardized file formats, proper validation procedures, and software solutions specifically designed for pipe fabrication workflows. Data transfer issues between CAD systems and pipe fabrication software primarily occur due to incompatible file formats, structural data differences, […]