TPT July 2017

T E CHNOLOG Y

Integrated double end finishing and length inspection

in tube manufacturing. In a particular application, Haven

IN the world of zero-defect require- ments, visual inspection is not adequate. Even 100 per cent visual inspection is only 80 per cent effective. Automotive suppliers must incorporate reliable methods that will ensure their products consistently meet the rigorous demands of the industry. Modern electronics allow companies such as Haven Manufacturing to be imaginative in solving quality issues

requires additional handling equipment and a separate length inspection machine, which adds cost and consumes more floor space. The answer to this challenge was the integration of two processes into a single frame and controls, so the tube does not lose its orientation from machining to inspection. Haven engineers designed a walking beam style transfer system for this purpose. Tubes are positioned precisely in the machining station, where opposed precision bearing spindles perform ID and OD chamfers and end face to a very close and repeatable length tolerance. From there, the part is walked to a chip blowout station, followed by the length inspection station. Good parts are released and escape the machine, while rejected parts are automatically diverted to a holding bin beneath the machine. If the machine experiences three rejects in a row, it stops and signals the operator to investigate.

was asked to develop an integrated length inspection module directly after double end finishing. Adding length inspection sounds simple, but the standard machine drops out the finished part immediately after machining. In order to incorporate length measuring, the tube must be reorientated into a stable position. This

Haven Manufacturing – USA Fax: +1 912 264 9001 Email: sales@havencut.com Website: www.havencut.com

Combining double end finishing with length inspection

Process monitoring 4.0 from Germany PRECISION, economic efficiency and plant availability are the criteria that characterise Bültmann equipment. In order to control and to permanently ensure the fulfilment of these criteria, the machines are provided with testing and measuring equipment, and specifically tailored to the customer’s requirements. Diameter measuring and surface inspection systems are used with peeling machines; straightness and straightening force is measured on straightening machines; and drawing lines are equipped with measuring devices for drawing force and wall thickness. This combination of mechanical and electronic components forms the basis for controlling production processes. However, it only partly represents contemporary process monitoring. In the context of advancing industrial digitisation and the associated versatile applications, process monitoring systems are increasingly used to meet the requirements of ‘Industry 4.0’. Consequently they ensure a holistic process control, including not only quality assurance but also further process evaluations. Further room

for improving plant availability is, among others, a consequence for increasing production or for applying intelligent, preventive maintenance and service strategies. These measures are combined with accessible and user-friendly visualisation systems, offering usability and quick fault diagnosis.

Bültmann GmbH – Germany Fax: +49 2394 18 171 Email: info@bueltmann.com Website: www.bueltmann.com

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JULY 2017