TPT November 2016

T E CHNOLOG Y

Cycle time and environmental benefits of new tube processing system

greater, importance was the fact that they are far more energy efficient compared to hydraulic machines, and this was key to our purchasing decision.” The BLM 4-Runner is a modular-based machine that can be configured to include de-coiling, straightening, end-forming, bending, cutting off and unloading. The machine at Worcester is fully configured in this way, delivering finished components from coiled copper tube up to 22mm in diameter. The bending capability of the 4-Runner allows left- and right- hand bends to be formed, as well as fixed and variable radii bends in single and 3D planes. The machine is also capable of completing compression and draw bending techniques. For end-forming, the BLM 4-Runner features a multi-station end-forming unit with either four or six ram-type forming stations or four ram stations and one rotary station. A variety of cutting devices can also be specified; depending on the material being processed, these include internal or external orbital swarfless cutters, or conventional saw blades. A key benefit of the BLM 4-Runner’s all-electric system is its consistency of bend. With servo-driven positioning every bend is the same. “The variations that we find on our hydraulic benders have been totally eliminated since the switch to the 4-Runner,” said Rob Crane, production engineer. Commenting on the environmental gains of switching from hydraulic to all-electric, production leader Adam Timms said, “The total lack of hydraulic oil makes it much easier to maintain the quality of the working environment. The cleaner working environment also makes it much easier to maintain our Five S, total productive maintenance (TPM) and planned maintenance initiatives (PMI).” In addition to the 4-Runner, Worcester has taken delivery of a fully electric BLM Tube-Form ELE end-forming machine. With a ram capable of applying eight tonnes of pressure, the machine allows the company to produce more complex forms, with up to six punches available, and also on larger diameter tube than could previously be achieved.

AS part of its ongoing programme of replacing machines deemed to have reached a natural end of life, Worcester, Bosch Group, has introduced its first BLM 4-Runner tube processing system. The new machine is designed to deliver cycle time savings of between 25 and 30 per cent compared to the machine it replaced, as well as delivering environmental benefits to the company. As a manufacturer of domestic heating and hot water appliances, one of Worcester’s key targets is energy efficiency, as demanded by its customers. The company has a corporate policy of ensuring that any machine tool purchases reflect this energy/environmental remit. Previously, tube processing at Worcester had been carried out by hydraulic-powered machinery. The switch to the BLM 4-Runner, with its all- electric, servo-controlled operation, provided a step forward in environmental terms, with the added advantages of improved quality and consistency and reduced cycle times. “It is part of our long-term vision to replace all of our old hydraulic BLM Planet machines with modern all-electric, servo-driven tube processing systems,” said Chris Packer, group leader – manufacturing. “The 4-Runner’s servo control is important for a number of reasons, such as improved accuracy of bends, consistency and cycle times, but of equal, if not

BLM Group UK Ltd – UK Fax: +44 1525 402 312 Email: sales@blmgroup.uk.com Website: www.blmgroup.com Tube bending on the BLM 4-Runner

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N OVEMBER 2016