TPT May 2007

T ube B ending, H ydroforming & E nd- Fo rming

Bending machine simulation with machine-independent software

3R Software Solutions, Germany, have developed a piece of machine-independent software for the simulation of bending processes, branded Kolli. It examines whether individual pipes can be fabricated on a bending machine and supports the operators by calculating the necessary data.

Only the machine type that is to be used for bending is defined. It is also possible for Kolli to be integrated into the 3R software framework. Kolli can provide solutions for potential collisions. One approach is to extend the straight part between two bows, which will be cut out after bending. This can lead to just one weld which is less effort than two welds, the result of using an elbow.

When linked to a CAD system, entire pipe systems can be checked with the software.

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Tube bending,

the main machine features guaranteeing a long service life even with multi-shift operation. The machine is able to safely and precisely bend tubes up to OD 30mm, with a maximum bending radius of 200mm. The Tubotron 30 has a maximum tube feed of 1,600mm/s, while the maximum bending speed is 150º/s. The machine also operates with a positioning accuracy of ±0.05º (mm). All functions are automated, and the axis speed can be programmed arbitrarily. The tube bending machine has an exposed, compact bending head that leaves a maximum free bending space. The hydraulic long-necked collet chuck, with bent tube re-feeding feature, can be positioned safely within the sliding piece area, ie before the last bow. After bending, the steel tube frame is taken out by a gripper and transported to the deposit table while the next tube is already available for feeding into the bending machine. This manufacturing cell enables the customer to produce complex tube bending parts almost automatically (ie without operator) at minimal lead time and maximum machine and repeat accuracy. Due to the sophisticated combination of robustness, rapidity, precision and reliability a maximum rationalization and automation of the tube fabrication process is achieved. Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co KG – Germany Fax : +49 2725 9540 33 › All integrated manufacturing cell components are operated via a Simatic panel PC with touch screen and menu-driven user-guidance

as it should be.

More productivity and precision… Less set-up time and scrap

Unison’s all-electric tube bending machines will revolutionise your tube fabrication operations. Servomotor bending axes give you complete software control of the process. You can bend with enormous precision. Scrap is virtually eliminated! And anyone can set- up the machine automatically, and repeat configurations at will. The all-electric machine will also slash your electricity costs, as it only consumes significant energy when actually making a bend. On a customer comparison with an equivalent hydraulic bender, our machine consumed 90% less electricity! Choose Unison - the inventor of the all-electric tube bender - and you will see a genuine return on your machinery investment. We have a large range of machines for 10 to 150 mm diameter tubes.

t: +44 (0) 1723 582868 e: sales@unisonltd.com w: www.unisonltd.com

Email : tubomat@tracto-technik.de Website : www.tracto-technik.de

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