TPT March 2016

T E CHNOLOG Y

Bending production with BendingStudio 3.0 AICON 3D Systems has launched a new version of the software platform BendingStudio, offering new features to facilitate daily work in bending production, and with a new control concept. measurement and analysis. The menu structure of the different applications has also been regrouped, so the user will find all relevant process steps neatly arranged.

In the new software, it is possible to repeat analyses of a measurement afterwards, making multiple measure- ments easier. The user can either delete measurementsorchangetheparameters of the analysis. This is especially useful in partial measurements, ie if the part cannot be measured in a single step. Larger components are measured by overlapping repositioning section by section, and the partial measurements are then combined. If the overall measurement is not successful, new single measurements are added, defective measurements deleted or single measurements re- evaluated with changed parameters. This allows for a more effective workflow, as the part does not have to be completely re-measured in case of errors. The first version of BendingStudio had its world premiere at Tube 2012 in Düsseldorf, Germany. Since then, it has been continuously optimised. BendingStudio connects all data and processes around production of bent parts, from production and process planning to manufacturing and quality control. Holders of appropriate licences and a valid software maintenance contract will receive the new BendingStudio version 3.0 with the next software update. Aicon 3D Systems GmbH – Germany Fax: +49 531 58 000 60 Email: info@aicon.de Website: www.aicon3d.de

BendingStudio 3.0 also offers extended measurement options. Any connected measuring device, such as Aicon’s TubeInspect or MoveInspect, only provides the measured centre line. A special wizard guides the user through the steps of the bending point model, and the user can intervene when needed. The analysis is usually automated, but manual interference is now more transparent and graphically supported. In Reverse Engineering, different bending radii can easily be taken account of.

In BendingStudio 3.0, user-friendliness has been totally revised, with the aim of a clearer structure and easier handling. The set-up of inspection plans is now separate from the measurements, so the user sees only the information that is relevant, and comparative measurements become easier. The set-up of new parts (eg creating bending elements from CAD files) is completely integrated into the application ‘part editor’. This new arrangement optimises the process of

The new BendingStudio 3.0 helps the user make fast fault detections

Double order for ERW tube mills FD Machinery has received orders for two CNC-CFS (direct form square) ERW tube mills from APL Apollo Tubes of India. These mills are designed and patented by FD Machinery and are fully automated. performed automatically and only one set of tooling is required to produce the mills’ entire size range.

order for a dual-cart flying cut-off from APL. This cut-off will be used for tubes with diameters of 12 to 50mm and wall thicknesses of 1 to 3.2mm, and will allow the mill to run at speeds up to 200m/min. FD claims that its dual-cart cut-off increases blade life by 30 per cent, gives better end finishes, and reduces blade changeover time compared to a 100m/min single-cart cut-off.

The mills will be equipped with automated strip entry sections and automated bundling/strapping machines. Only three operators will be required to run an entire mill. The addition of these mills is expected to significantly increase APL’s production capability. FD Machinery has received enquiries for its direct form square mill from US and European tube producers. The company also recently received an

Making a size change takes only five minutes and is done by simply entering four parameters into the touchscreen. The size range of the mills is 80x80 to 200x200mm square, with wall thicknesses ranging from 3 to 10mm. The tube length can be 4-8m and the mill speed is 20-60m/min. All adjustments, except welding and straightening, are

FD Machinery – USA Email: sales@fdmachinery.com Website: www.fdmachinery.com

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M ARCH 2016