TPT September 2014

Technology News

transfluid does clever tuning of automation systems

and robot after bending can work hand in hand for additional handling tasks. The control of both systems can of course be coordinated. Gripper changes are already optimised in both systems. To do this, transfluid developed special interior and exterior grippers that cover a wide spectrum of production requirements. Rotating and turning mechanisms round out the automation line for complex requirements. transfluid is sought after worldwide as a partner for manufacturing tube bending machines and tube processing machines. Since 1988 transfluid has been further developing its technologies for tube machining, so that it can provide customer-orientated, tailor- made solutions – for plant and machine construction, the automotive and energy industries, shipbuilding and medical device manufacturing. As a world- renowned brand, the company is present in Europe and with its subsidiaries in Asia. transfluid – Germany Website: www.tube-processing-machines.com high and medium frequency generators designed and manufactured for the heat treatment by induction. In addition to the design and manufacturing of equipment for tube welding, Termomacchine deals with design and manufacturing of induction heating systems with manual or automatic loading, robotic cells for single element or high production heat treatments. Since 1976, Termomacchine has constantly been engaged in the design, manufacturing and sale of electromagnetic induction heating installations to meet the demand of a continuously evolving market. Termomacchine – Italy Website: www.termomacchine.com

THE optimum tuning and interplay of different systems is where processes can really be made efficient. That is especially true with powerful automation systems for pipe processing. transfluid Maschinenbau GmbH has developed specially tuned automation systems into efficient standards. They permit the accurate, rapid separation of components even when they are already assembled with additional components or are going to be assembled. The development work effectively implements all performance-enhancing functions. High output in complex production very often requires intelligently tuned handling systems that are fast and can ensure that pipe processing machines next to each other can be operated simultaneously. “This should be considered entirely separately from the overall cycle time,” explained Stefanie Flaeper, managing director at transfluid. “The important point is that the main part of a takt cycle time is available for the processing of parts. Handling isn’t the determining factor for cycle time.” To ensure the ideal utilisation of the processing machines in the production TERMOMACCHINE, which designs and manufactures systems for induction welding of metal tubes, has developed a new generation of welding heads. Termomacchine’s technical staff have analysed the requests arising directly from the end customer, from operators and maintenance men of installations, in addition to the information received from the collaboration with world leading manufacturers of forming machines. With more than 1,000 installations manufactured over 40 years of activity the company has set itself the main target to reduce the sizes of both welding head and power supply unit and to improve the aspects related to maintenance. For welders with powers up to 450kW and frequencies up to

Efficient automation systems with t motion by transfluid

cell, transfluid relies on the newly developed servoelectrically controlled 4-axis handling system. It reliably meets all handling requirements, even with bent pipe. Pipe lengths between 30 and 3,000mm can be processed at top speed. Because the usual handling time of a robot, at approximately 8 seconds, can usually be beaten by half with this system. The different characteristics of sys- tems also make combination a practical option, depending on the production task. Then the 4-axis handling system

New improvements on HF tube and pipe welders

400kHz a number of modifications have been made: reduction in the volume of the heating head by 50 per cent; reduction in the volume of the power supply unit with access from one side and thus more flexibility for positioning and electrical and hydraulic connections; reduction in the connecting cables between the power supply unit and the welding unit; improvement and optimisation of internal cooling systems; modularity and interchangeability of inside cards for upgrade or downgrade of output power; and optimisation of the internal layout to facilitate and speed up maintenance activities, minimising interruptions of production. Technological and structural innova- tions have been implemented in the

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S eptember 2014