Page 28 - MetalForming January 2010

Fabtech/Welding Show/METALFORM
firm’s Power Wave welding power sup- plies called WeldScore. WeldScore is quality-monitoring software that scores each weld based on a trained sample of an acceptable weld, so that managers can easily monitor weld conditions and variability—on the plant floor or in a training environment. Metalforming companies can use WeldScore to evalu- ate the consistency of repeat production welds, monitor actual conditions at the welding arc, and train welders when taking on new jobs.
www.lincolnelectric.com
Trumpf
Because metalforming shops con- tinue to get leaner and more responsi- bilities and work load are falling on the shoulders of those highly skilled oper- ators that remain, I’m constantly on the lookout for suppliers focused on improving the ergonomics of their machines. Not because OSHA says to do so, but because refined ergonomics in the manufacturing environment con- tributes mightily to productivity and profitability. One supplier that gets it is Trumpf, Farmington, CT, which debuted the Fabtech crowd its new ergonomically optimized TruBend Series 7000 press brake.
Nestled away in a corner of the huge Trumpf booth, which featured six new products in all, the new TruBend machine showcases Trumpf ’s innovative spirit with several design features devel- oped to enhance operator comfort and
gas-spring-supported adjustable foot pedals with the machine.
www.us.trumpf.com
T. J Snow Co.
While state-of-the-art control tech- nology has brought outstanding relia- bility and repeatability to the resist- ance-welding process in terms of precise weld timing and current, not until the addition of servo-actuated welding machines has the variable of welding pressure also enjoyed such precision. And T. J Snow Co., Chattanooga, TN, has accomplished just that with its new servo-actuated press welders that offer a slow approach of the upper welding electrode to minimize electrode wear and optimize weld appearance; improved weld-force repeatability; and instant generation of weld force—no need to wait until air pressure builds as with a pneumatic system.
While servo-actuated robotic resist- ance-welding guns have been used for
(High Performance) line of punch-press tooling. HP2 spring packs now feature quicker and simpler adjustment, with punch-length adjustment in 0.005-in. increments without the use of tools or buttons. And, the company has modi- fied the punches to ensure maximum grind life. www.wilsontool.com
MF
working conditions. Among them: bright LED lighting in front of an behind the ram for optimum lighting conditions without creating heat, and a tilting control panel and height- adjustable worktable to allow the oper- ator to run the machine sitting or stand- ing. Trumpf even includes
years in automotive plants, T. J. Snow now makes the technology available for standard pedestal-type machines for spot and projection welding.
www.tjsnow.com
Ross Controls
To optimize the performance of press clutch and brake systems on small gap- frame presses, cylinder presses and even small shears, Ross Controls, Troy, MI, introduced to show attendees its DM2 Series D double valve, a Category 4 Size 2 unit with dynamic monitoring and memory functions, optional status indi- cator for valve feedback and several fault-reset options. Port sizes—1⁄4 and 3⁄8 in. Valves will lock out due to asyn- chronous movement of elements during actuation or deactuation, resulting in a residual outlet pressure of less than 1 percent of supply; overt action is required to reset the unit.
www.rosscontrols.com
Wilson Tool
Wilson Tool, White Bear Lake, MN, explained to MetalForming that the 2009 edition of the exhibition welcomed the most number of new products it has ever introduced at one show. Among the tooling the firm unveiled in Chicago was an upgraded edition of its HP
26 METALFORMING / JANUARY 2010
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