Next-Gen Tube-Bending Machines Make Debut
UK-based Unison Ltd., represented in the United States by Horn Machine Tools, Madera, CA, introduces a new family of all-electric tube-bending machines. Incorporating a real-time Ethernet control-system architecture and a major new release of programming and control software, the machines take the advanced shape-forming capability and flexibility of servomotor-controlled bending to a new level.
Company officials say that the new Breeze machines bend more quickly than previous generations of electric benders; exploit advanced multi-axis synchronization capabilities to support very sophisticated rollforming; improve the tool adjustments that can be employed during the bending cycle to generate ultra-precise part shapes; and offer a visual collision-checking programming feature as standard. The machines also feature an open architecture that is easily adapted to integrate application-specific capability or to build workcells.
At the heart of the Breeze machines is a real-time machine and motion system based on the Ethernet-compatible Powerlink protocol. The speed of the network makes it possible to rapidly coordinate the movement of the various servomotor axes used during bending, such as the carriage, plane of bend and clamp roller. Also, bend quality and wall thickness can be improved thanks to finer real-time control over the motion profiles used by key bending axes which move as the rotary draw bending process takes place, such as the carriage and the follower die. Other benefits include much-improved diagnostics and data collection which can assist with programming and maintenance; and easy connection to factory networks for changing programs, reporting production metrics, etc.
Among dozens of new and improved features in v10 of Unison’s Unibend software package is a collision-checking feature that helps users program the machine for new parts. Bending operations are visualized using a 3D model of the machine. If they note any potential collision problems, bend sequences can be reversed, and intervening carriage and rotation movements can be employed to ensure the part can be easily manufactured.
Horn Machine Tools: 559/431-4131; www.hornmachinetools.com
The Future of Slit-Coil Packaging
Bushman AvonTec, Milwaukee, WI, has developed the Coil-Trac coil-tracking system that tracks slit coils as they pass through each station of a packaging line. Coil-Trac is flexible and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each customer and packaging-line configuration. Coil data and customer specifications are manually input as coils enter the packaging line. The system can collect a variety of key data such as customer identification, lot numbers, coil weight, required skid type and spacer patterns.
By automating the coil-packaging process, Coil-Trac facilitates efficient processing decisions and tasks, and allows for real time record updates. It provides for seamless transfer of physical coils and their accompanying data. An operator can view the data on any coil at any time and at any location.
Bushman AvonTec designs and manufactures material-handling equipment in three product segments: below-the-hook lifting attachments for cranes, including C-hooks, coil grabs, spreader beams, sheet and plate lifters and lifting tongs; floor-based equipment such as scissor-lift tables, upenders, inverters, die carts and transfer cars; and slit-coil packaging Lines for metal-processing facilities.
Bushman AvonTec: 800/338-7810; www.bushmanavontec.com.
Press-Brake Trio Covers a Range of Applications
MC Machinery Systems, Inc., Wood Dale, IL, introduces three new machines in the Dener press-brake lineup. The line offers a machine for every sheetmetal-fabrication shop need, covering the tonnage range of 40 to 2000 tons and offering three- to more than 11-axis capability.
The Smart model is an entry-level three-axis CNC press brake with an optional fourth axis, and offers advanced proportional valve control that synchronizes its hydraulic cylinders for optimum parallelism. The brake also offers automatic tonnage and stroke adjustment.
The Puma model comes standard with four axes with the option for additional axes, and brings a more sophisticated 2D color, 15-in. touch-screen control. It also adds more ram and backgauge speed to increase production efficiency.
Finally, the Tiger press brake model (shown) comes loaded with six standard axes, CNC crowning, linear-guided front sheet supports, 15-in. stroke and 200 mm/sec. ram speed.
MC Machinery Systems, Inc: 630/616-5920; www.mitsubishi-world.com
