TPT September 2008

T ube B ending & E ndforming T echnology

Laser-controlled tube bender overcomes springback problems

beginning to impact heavily following recent surges in metal costs. The Unison tube bender is a multi-stack machine capable of bending tubing diameters up to 4" (100mm). Uber’s other machinery investments include two advanced 4kW laser cutting machines with 3D capability (one dedicated to tubing). The company has also invested extensively in software infrastructure. It can accept design files produced by virtually any CAD software. Verification tools are used to help avoid problems before parts actually enter production, including collision detection algorithms for the automated production machinery. And ERP software is employed to streamline processes. Unison’s laser measurement module overcomes the common problem of variances in the springback characteristics of materials from different metal production batches with minor differences in grain and temper. The new module is targeted at manufacturers of precision and high-value tubular parts. The non-contact optical measurement system measures bend angles by monitoring changes in the reflection distance of two laser beams. In operation it takes a reference measurement from the straight edge of the tubing. Then, after the bend is made, the system automatically commands the clamping die to move away – allowing the material to spring to its natural position. It then takes a second measurement from which the actual bend angle is calculated. Any difference to the programmed bend is displayed, along with a simple selection button that commands the machine to automatically re-grip the tube and apply an additional force to achieve the required angle. The system automatically calculates the required adjustment, taking into account the actual springback characteristics of the tubing material from the first bend. It ensures that angles can be fabricated the first time to very high accuracies. Unison originally developed the measurement system to support a defence equipment contractor that produces precision tubular parts in single or very small batches just-in-time, and often from exotic alloys, supporting ship production. Unison – UK Fax : +44 1723 582379 Email : enquiries@unisonltd.com Website : www.unisonltd.com

Unison, UK, has delivered one of the highest-specification tube bending machines it has ever built, to Uber Precision Manufacturing – a start-up contract manufacturer based in Lynchburg (VA), USA. The machine’s electronically-actuated bending axes are controlled by a laser measurement system to ensure that tubing

is bent without scrap — overcoming the common problem caused by variances in the springback characteristics of materials. The new machine is already repeatedly bending tubular parts to accuracies of a tenth of a degree or better, and in very small batches. In contrast, traditional tubular parts manufacturing almost inevitably generates wastage, which is

EDM Notch Master TM Metal Erosion Machine For Making Pipe Test Calibration Standards Scan Systems Corporation, through its operating division of EDM SPECIALTIES, manufacturers the family of portable EDM Notch Masters TM . Originally designed as the answer to producing flaws on the inside diameter of pipe to meet API 5CT and 5L published specifications, the scope of the equipment has enlarged. Continuous improvements have made the EDM Notch Master TM valuable to any industry that is required to make calibration standards. Not just limited to pipe, the Notch Master TM is used for coiled metal products, forged products, specialty alloy metal products and used in a cross section of industries such a oil & gas, nuclear facilities, and marine.

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S eptember 2008

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