TPT May 2007

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

indicators. The bend head, adjusted laterally for CLR setting by means of a lead screw, is bed mounted on slideways. Mounted on heavy-duty taper roller bearings, the main spindle carries the bend arm, while rotation is by hydraulic cylinder connected to the spindle by chains. The angular position feedback to the servo is by encoder, through instrumentation grade gearing from the main spindle. The bend die is located on the bend arm on double drive keys, and is retained by a single nut if a tool spindle is used, or bolted directly to the tooling platform for small CLR bending. The clamp die-mounting slide is hydraulically powered with toggle mechanism for maximum gripping pressure, and operated in a rise and fall motion to clear the tube on subsequent Y-axis feeds. The reaction arm carries the follower slide, which takes the pressure die, and is infinitely variable for speed via valve adjustment. The drop-in pressure die has simple screw adjustment for easy alignment with the bend die. A rigid mounting post with three axis adjustment ensures good quality bends and long die life. On all models, the tube carriage (Y axis) moves along the machine bed on low friction bearings. Linear motion is by AC motor drive, with position feedback by absolute encoder. The collet is carriage mounted, with rotary motion (B axis) provided by AC motor, with absolute encoder position feedback for precision and repeatability. The master collet is designed to accept segments for the required tube diameters, and clamping is by hydraulic cylinder actuated mechanism. Fitted as standard with hydraulic actuation, the mandrel unit includes one 22mm diameter quick-change rod. Anticipated mandrel retraction is standard for high bend quality. Programming of all PowerBend models is provided by an Allen-Bradley alphanumeric keypad. Features available include tool monitoring to prevent collision, inch/ imperial data input, 1,000 program storage, maximum 16 bends per program capability. It also offers Y, B, C axis data input and automatic release of the tube prior to final bend to prevent follower die/collet collision.

Increasing popularity leads to new PowerBend models

AddisonMckee has extended its PowerBend range of high-performance, lower cost tube bending models to include solutions for bending tube of up to 42mm diameter and 150mm diameter.

AddisonMckee’s global marketing, Mr Christian Rogiers, states, “ Since launch, PowerBend models have proved exceptionally popular with smaller, mid-market organisations. ” director of

fi AddisonMckee’s PowerBend range has been expanded to include bending of 42mm and 150mm diameter tube

The hydraulically-powered mandrel tube benders are capable of bending carbon steel tube from 50mm diameter to 150mm diameter, and models in the PowerBend range offer maximum bend angle and CLR of 193º. Machine beds and tanks are of one integral assembly,

with the hydraulic valves and filter externally mounted for easy access. Electrical connections to the valves are of the plug-in type with position

Latest CNC tube benders with push bending Crippa SpA, Italy, has launched a new series of CNC tube benders. These machines feature 5-servo axes standard, with an option to have 9 servo axes for a fully electric bender.

The CA563 is capable of bending 63mm x 3.2mm mild steel and 60mm x 2.5mm stainless steel, while the CA576 has a capacity of 76mm x 2.5mm mild steel and 70mm x 2.5mm stainless steel.

These machines are designed for either manual loading or full integration within a work cell. The benders also feature push bending and the ability to calendar bend tubes that require a large or varying radius. All machines have the ability to use multiple bend dies for different radii or compound clamps.

› Crippa have launched a new series of CNC benders

Programming the benders is easy using the UII interactive graphic software from Crippa. The software features Cartesian or Polar coordinate entry and simple tooling dimension screens. Simulation of parts is undertaken in the software to check feasibility and cycle time. Crippa SpA has also revealed the International Technology Group Inc as its exclusive representative for the United States and Canada. ITG Tube is dedicated to the service and sale of Crippa SpA tube process equipment.

Crippa SpA – Italy Fax : +39 031 762403 Email : info@crippa.it • Website : www.crippa.it International Technology Group Inc – USA Fax : +1 810 227 0623 Email : sales@itgtube.com • Website : www.itgtube.com

AddisonMckee Inc – USA Fax : +1 513 228 7234

Email : info@addisonmckee.com Website : www.addisonmckee.com

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