TPT May 2015

Technology News

Tools for maximising capacity MANY tube and pipe processing companies exclusively use custom- made bending machines to achieve maximum precision and productivity. However, full machine capacity is often only possible in combination with a high- quality tool solution. Multi-radius bending tool

Market requirements rise continuously, whether through global competition, more complex tube geometries, or more exotic materials. The requirements placed on production processes and production machines also change. High-quality tool solutions contribute to faster throughput times, reduced non- productive times, and improved total productivity. “Those making false economies usually invest double – in the form of time and money,” commented Hartmut Stöhr, managing director of pipe and tube bending machine company Schwarze- Robitec. Tube bending machines are high-tech products, which offer constant high quality only with the corresponding tool outfit. Questions regarding the geometry of the tubes to be processed, their material and their output quantity determine the dimensioning of machine and tools. A lack of know-how can then quickly take its toll in the form of high reject rates, lack of quality, and complaints. “Those who don’t buy the tools from the bending specialist should check carefully whether the initially lower investment

user industries. Specialised know-how has been available for decades for the automobile, boiler and power plant industries, plant and shipbuilding, as well as the offshore industry. Common to all material solutions are the use of high-quality materials and special hardening processes, which optimise the precision, wear resistance, dimensional stability and endurance of the tools. High repeat accuracy is also ensured. Schwarze-Robitec GmbH – Germany Fax: +49 221 89008 9920 Email: sales@schwarze-robitec.com Website: www.schwarze-robitec.com

costs can actually be maintained across the complete production cycle,” advises Mr Stöhr. “I recommend users to play it safe in this sensitive area and to benefit from the advice and experience of the machine manufacturer.” For this reason, Schwarze-Robitec does not sell any ready-made tool series products. Instead, the company offers a modular-configurable accessories programme that is adapted flexibly to the specific project requirements. This comprises single-stack tools and multiple-radius bending tools both for series and high-volume production. Schwarze-Robitec designs material equipment especially for the respective

Manufacturing program: Production lines for processing tubes, bars and profiles of all metals

-Peeling equipment -Drawing equipment -Straightening equipment -Pointing equipment -Cutting equipment -Chamfering equipment -Packing equipment -Testing equipment -Magnetic billet heaters

Bültmann GmbH Hönnestr. 31 58809 Neuenrade Germany Phone: +49 2394 180 Fax: +49 2394 18171 E-Mail: info@bueltmann.com www.bueltmann.com

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M ay 2015