TPT September 2008

T echnology U pdate

Specialized machines for permanent product embossing

ASD Automation und Sondermaschinenbau GmbH, Germany, is the specialized manufacturer and supplier of stamping and embossing machines for marking a variety of steel and metal parts. The company offers a new generation of ULU-standard- universal machines that claims to cover around 90 per cent of user requirements. With largely identical parts and modules, these machines remain universal while allowing further optimization. They have additional functional units and parts, allowing the machine to provide extra fields of application and optimal adaptation of the machine(s) to the product sizes. This increases the efficiency of the production throughput, reduces cost and boosts productivity. A highlight of the ASD capability is the innovative roll-on embossing machine range – branded ULU 80/170 – which is universal, longitudinal and circumferential. This machine provides a range of functions for state-of-the-art embossing and marking technology.

The ULU 80/170 offers longitudinal (continuous) roll-on embossing for strips, coils, metal sheet, pipe (plastic/metal), thin-wall pipe, and sections of all kinds (eg round, square, hexagon, oval, flat, formed). Embossing is carried out along the longitudinal axis, with specified distances, to an accuracy of approximately 0.1mm. Full and variable feed-through speeds are possible, up to approximately 200m/min. The machines can also be used for round (circumferential) roll-on embossing of short and long pipes, pipe fittings and one-sided form bent pipes. The roll-on embossing machines are universal, enabling marking of a variety of cylindrical parts on the circumference, multiform, and in one or more lines, or with reductions. Marking can also be carried out on coils and long metal sheets in varying widths on cut-to-length machines (eg they are ideal for steel service centres). The machine also enables fully automatic feeding and conveying of large throughputs. This can be applied to marking on the

circumference in single or more lines, eg for fittings, sockets, hose casings, ferrules and threaded bushes and other mass- produced short round parts and thin-wall products. The feeding devices can be modified and adjusted accordingly. Each feeding and unloading stroke of a/m mass-produced parts occurs without any compressed air consumption (presently the most expensive energy source). Consequently, there is a constant guarantee of high efficiency – particularly in cases of larger batches. These four capabilities (longitudinal, circumferential, universal and automatic) equate to four machines in one. They lead to high flexibility and variety, resulting in numerous and versatile possibilities of application. This enables rapid set up and accommodation of products up to Ø 80/170mm. With a modular extension, the machine can even be used for circumferential marking of flange rings and pipe sections up to around Ø 1,000mm. With rapid change of embossing types, two sizes are available as standard machines, enabling optimal adaptation to different products. The machines have many configurations, ensuring versatile and flexible modular systems with an upwards compatible design. Upgrading can be carried out as required, together with future retrofitting. Accessories include special embossing types for thin-wall pipes, flexible pin designs, and various cleaning devices. Round profiles can also be marked longitudinally  ASD’s high performance tube pass unwind press (Rdpm 5-160)

Latest vision system software for tube production Xiris Automation Inc, Canada, has developed a software package for vision systems that it plans to introduce to the tube industry. The software, Laservision ™ , is at the heart of the company’s newest solution. The system runs on Windows ® 2000/XP using VB or Visual C++ ® . Laservision is a 3D machine vision software package designed for tube applications in which highly accurate, repetitive measurements are required. The software can function as a precision measurement tool, a locating system, a feature presence/ absence inspection system, or pattern matching system. When integrated with the appropriate hardware, it can perform machine vision tasks on the production line, providing 100 per cent inspection of high-speed production volumes. This tool set will also be geared for a number of OEM partners as part of their products. Xiris has used this software to develop a vision system, which is currently in beta testing, to evaluate the V angle, mismatch, edge presentation during forming in welded tube production. The company plans to finish beta testing and have the final product ready for October 2008. Says Mr Pierre Huot, vice president at Xiris, “It has by no means been an easy endeavor to clear the technical hurdles to meet the market needs; nevertheless we are quite excited about the value Xiris and the platform will bring to the industry.” Xiris Automation is a specialist in optical quality control, and offers expertise in ‘in focus’ measuring. Xiris Automation Inc – Canada Fax : +1 905 331 6661 • Email : phuot@xiris.com • Website : www.xiris.com/tube

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S eptember 2008

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