Page 12 - MetalForming January 2010

Fastening/Assembly Technology
Accurate Laser Trimming
Improves Fitup, Simplifies Assembly
Contract metal
fabricator Pickwick
Manufacturing
Services, Cedar
Rapids, IA, is sav-
ing its customers
time and money
thanks to the use
of a robotic 3D
laser-cutting cell.
Its new FabriGear
300 cutting sys-
tem from Mazak
Optonics, Elgin,
IL, transforms 26-
ft. lengths of tube,
channel, beam,
angle and extru-
sions into precise, ready-to-weld or assemble pieces.
“The FabriGear’s ability to cut precise, tight joints and tabs and slots in the mate- rial saves hours of labor,” says company president Walt Corey. “A recent customer eliminated the need for a $25,000 custom welding fixture thanks to our use of the FabriGear and its ability to optimize fitup for assembly.”
The laser system (shown in the photo preparing to cut a length of 4- by 2-in. tube) automatically loads and unloads workpieces, and reduces assembly steps with its abil- ity to perform multiple tasks in one pass. “In a single operation that takes just min- utes,” says Corey, “the FabriGear can cut a tube or beam (to 11.8-in. OD) to length, provide beveled edges, cut and tap holes and more. Its automated processing pro- vides far greater precision, speed and quality than a three-step manual process of drilling, cutting and beveling. For example, the system takes only 80 min. to com- plete one structure that previously required 6 hr. to complete using three separate operations.”
Pickwick has developed applications for the FabriGear in environmental, wind-ener- gy, agricultural and other industries. “We have begun collaborating with our clients to develop methods to eliminate fixtures and tack welding, saving them even more costs and time in fitup and assembly,” Corey adds.
Mazak Optonics: 847/252-4500; www.mazaklaser.com
A Green Tapping Fluid
SafeTap Ultima, a natural-based biodegradable tapping fluid made from 100-per- cent renewable materials, has been developed by ITW Rocol North America, Glen- view, IL. The fluid’s unique composition enables improved viscosity and lubricity com- pared to oil-based products, while its natural base makes it safe for operators and metal-alloy workpieces, particularly aluminum alloys.
SafeTap Ultima is nonstaining and odorless. It prolongs tool life and creates qual- ity threads in tapped holes, and it doesn’t leave an oily residue. It comes in 16-oz. bottles and 1-, 5-, and 55- gal. containers.
ITW Rocol North America: 847/657-5343; www.rocolnorthamerica.com
Low-Profile Automatic Nut Feeder
Dengensha America, Bedford, OH, has introduced a low-profile automatic nut feeder that promises to save space and improve light and visibility on the floor, with a low initial cost and minimal main- tenance costs. Downtime reportedly is minimized with the automatic feeder because parts are stocked in the United States and available throughout North America.
Dengensha America: 440/439-8081; www.dengensha.com
Self-Clinching Studs
Introduced in
Longer Lengths,
Larger Thread Sizes
PennEngineering, Danboro, PA, has introduced a new family of its PEM large-sized self-clinching studs, ideal for applications requiring high fastener torque-out and pushout. The clinch studs—in lengths to 6 in. and thread sizes to 1⁄2 in. (M14)—are of carbon or alloy steel. They feature large-diameter and strong heads to minimize compressive stress on panels and develop full thread strength in service.
The studs can be ordered in assorted head and clinch styles, including six-lobe, multi-lug, knurl and hexagonal. They can be specially heattreated to achieve greater tensile strength (up to grade 10.9). Dog point threads will enable quick location of the mating fastener, and their anticross-threading design allows for threads to self-align to prevent jam- ming, correct off-angle installations and speed production.
The studs install easily without the need for welding, using any parallel-act- ing press or automated equipment, and will embed securely and perma- nently in sheetmetal or sections as thin as 0.036 in.
PennEngineering: 215/766-8853; www.pemnet.com
10 METALFORMING / JANUARY 2010
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