TPT March 2024

INDUSTRY

Tube drawing efficiency without chatter marks THE German company QASS has been a reliable partner in the automotive industry for nearly two decades. It is known for its advanced inline crack detection systems based on structure borne sound analysis. Over the past three years, QASS has filed for a patent for its tube drawing and implemented its sensors in 10 facilities across Europe and north America. Major industry names, including Bueltmann, Voestalpine and Mannesmann Precision Tubes, are now benefiting from the innovative acoustic emission analysis of the QASS Optimizer4D. “The optimisation of the tube drawing process through the fully automatic control of the machines has not only significantly increased the average drawing speed, but also allows for perfectly adjusted breaking actions thanks to our specially programmed software,” said Ulrich Seuthe, CEO of QASS GmbH. The QASS software focuses on maximising the drawing speed, allowing users to set the maximum speed for different types of tubes. By gradually increasing the speed to the maximum and adjusting for increased chatter tendencies, using advanced AI and machine learning approaches, the system ensures a robust manufacturing process that combines high drawing speed with reject prevention. By using special structure-borne sound microphones, which are installed close to the drawing tools via a simple screw, QASS analyses forming and friction noises in real-time. The systems’ advanced spectral analysis enables the suppression of normal working sounds and the first detection of chatter tendencies. This early intervention, far before chatter noises become noticeable to humans, allows for an immediate adjustment of the drawing speed to stabilise the process. Furthermore, breaking and acceleration values are individually adjusted to the customers‘ machines and tube types to completely avoid chatter. QASS has identified indicators that occur before actual chatter begins and has designed the measuring process to detect these as early as possible. Enormous forces are exerted during pipe drawing. The entire plastic deformation takes place at the drawing die. QASS structure-borne sound sensors record everything that happens in the tube material

Three QASS sensors mounted on a tube drawing machine

and between the tools and the tube. Thanks to the ability to capture frequencies far beyond the human hearing threshold, even the smallest forming steps can be detected. “We carry out a spectral analysis of the machine vibrations 25,000 times per second and use this to compile a complete image of the drawing process. Our algorithms detect the earliest signs of chatter in these images, well before the signals become so strong that they are even noticed by the employee,” said Mr Seuthe. With data storage capacities of two terabytes and more, QASS measuring devices are capable of storing all data and analysing it through automatic training. This allows the system to detect the smallest indicators of chatter tendencies and respond accordingly. The support of common fieldbus systems and current standards in machine learning additionally enables a quick retrofitting of machines that were previously not equipped with a digital control unit. Furthermore, the integrated statistics modules provide a clear overview of drawing speeds, chatter tendencies and other process optimisations. Due to this innovative measuring technology and analysis using self-developed software, QASS has helped to revolutionise tube manufacturing and is increasing efficiency in the production process. For more information visit QASS at the Tube trade fair in Düsseldorf in at stand 6 C10.

QASS GmbH www.qass.net

Tube, container and battery company to tour global trade fairs during 2024

for cell contacting and the new positioning system for multi-track applications when punching fins for power coolers. It will also be showcasing its innovative solutions with laser, clamping and automation technologies in the field of container, tube and sheet production.

followed by the Hannover Messe in April, where it will also be exhibiting with its partners from the German Fuel Cell Cooperation and showing its production line for bipolar plates from metal strip to fuel cell or electrolyser stacks. In the field of e-mobility and battery technology, its trade fair presentations will focus on systems for laser welding metal bipolar plates and cooling plates,

WEIL Technology GmbH will once again be present at numerous trade fairs and congresses worldwide in the field of tube and container production, e-mobility and battery technology, for sheet metal assemblies and other applications in the field of sheet metal processing. It was recently in Japan for the first time at the H2 & FC Expo in Tokyo at the end of February 2024. This will be

Weil Technology GmbH www.weil-technology.com

10

www.read-tpt.com

MARCH 2024