TPT May 2020

T E CHNOLOG Y

Schwarze-Robitec delivers tube bending machine to ELB-Form SCHWARZE-ROBITEC’S intelligent

bending process is ongoing, the axes are already being prepared for the next sequences. The factory acceptance test carried out for the machine showed the benefits for ELB- Form. For one particular application, the time required for a single bending process was reduced from 35 to 16 seconds. This is a major advantage for suppliers in the automotive industry, where turnover times are key. The new machine is also helping ELB-Form to reduce production time thanks to faster tool changing times with the Quick-Tool-Unlock system for a quick and easy assembly and disassembly without any additional equipment. The system has a positive effect on the bending result, too. Users

NxG control system has been chosen by Austrian company ELB-Form, which has led to an increase in productivity and efficiency. The fully electric multi-radius tube bending machine CNC 80 E TB MR helps to ensure extremely short cycle times for the experts for cold and hot forming. Production time is reduced by 20 to 40 per cent depending on the component and the desired tube geometry. According to Schwarze-Robitec, for each bending sequence, the NxG control system automatically checks the interaction between all axes and ensures the movement sequences are optimally coordinated. This means that while a

no longer having to adjust the tensions bars themselves – eg to make them tighter or looser – increases the level of repeatability and enhances process security. In addition, Schwarze-Robitec implemented a client specific log-in system seamlessly linking the machine to other internal company processes such as clocking in and out of work. ELB-Form has been using Schwarze- Robitec’s tube bending expertise for more than 20 years and have several CNC machines in use.

Schwarze-Robitec www.schwarze-robitec.com

TubeInspect equipment installed SHARPE Products, a specialist in industrial and commercial pipe and tube bending, laser cutting and end-forming, has purchased an additional TubeInspect system to support increased production capacity. This second system, which is a larger, 16-camera model, will complement the existing 8-camera technology in use and provide added capability to inspect larger parts more efficiently. “We purchased this equipment to provide greater consistency in our quality procedures between plants,” said Randy Krickeberg, plant manager, Sharpe Products. “We’ve used an AICON TubeInspect S system for 12 years and it has proven to be the most efficient way to measure a bent tube. One hundred per cent inspection with reporting is achievable.” The equipment uses digital, high-definition cameras to visually measure the geometry and sizing of a bent tube. It verifies angles and tolerances based on the specifications in the digital file and generates a multi-dimensional image of the bent part. If adjustments are needed, they are transmitted to the CNC bending machine, resulting in shorter throughput to achieve a dimensionally accurate part. The TubeInspect S system offers real-time diagnostics and monitoring during inspection to enable faster decision-making and greater visibility to quality parameters from start to finish. 

Sharpe Product s www.sharpeproducts.com

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MAY 2020