Page 22 - MetalForming January 2020

FABRICATION
Today’s fabricating technology promises the ability to produce high-quality components job after job, in a variety of applications. And, in each issue, MetalForming is committed to informing you on how fabrication equipment delivers.
This month, read about a Tier One automotive supplier that augmented its operations with five-axis laser blank cutting and part trimming, leading to a drastic reduction in lead time and outsourcing. Also, find out how to help ensure consistent waterjet cutting production through predictive maintenance, thus eliminating the worries and expenses associated with unplanned downtime.
And, with the American Welding Society’s resistance welding-cert. program in place, learn what to expect on the test.
Contents
20 News&Technology
26 Five-Axis Laser Simplifies Complex Part Production
28 It’sOfficial:AWSSetto Certify Resistance Welding Technicians
30 Waterjet Cutting―Predictive Maintenance Cuts Costs, Downtime
News & Technology
Fully Electric Multi-Radius Tube Bending Machine
Schwarze-Robitec has introduced its fully equipped, fully electric multi-radius tube bending machine, the CNC 80 E
TB MR. From the company’s High Performance series, this machine
can bend tubes in diameters to approximately 3 in., and cut them in the same process step thanks to an integrated fully electric cutting unit.
At FABTECH, Schwarze-
Robitec presented the fully elec-
tric version of this feature to a U.S.
audience for the first time. By com-
bining bending and cutting processes,
the machine enhances efficiency and
saves resources during processing, lead-
ing to shorter turnover times and a reduc-
tion in material waste by as much as 90 percent, according to company officials. Despite featuring a multi-stack bending tool, the machine can cut tubes directly due to its extended vertical transport carriage. A vertically adjustable pressure die moves to the individual levels in sync with the tube. Reportedly, this means that the contact pressure can be optimally gauged, while tool costs and tool changing times are reduced.
Additional features of the machine help to ensure a more rapid production process. For example, for each bending sequence, the NxG control system assesses the interaction between all axes, operates them simultaneously and prepares the next sequences. This reportedly reduces production time by 20 to 40 percent depending on the component and the desired tube geometry. In addition, faster refitting times are ensured thanks to the Quick-Tool-Unlock system in combination with a rapid clamping system for the bend former. As a result, tension bars can be opened and closed for simple tool changing, without the need for bolts to fasten the bend former to the turntable. This helps to increase repeatability and process security. Schwarze-Robitec: www.schwarze-robitec.com
Flexible Laser Tube Cutting System
BLM Group USA has debuted the LT8.20 laser tube cutting system, allowing users to choose their preferred laser source, loader/unloader style and positioning of the peripheral equipment to maximize floor space. The LT8.20 can handle cutting diameters to 9.5 in. and bar weights to 27 lb./ft.
Featuring a 3D tilt cutting head, the LT8.20 performs high-precision angular cuts in round, square, triangular, I-beam and other special shapes. With a tilting axis of 45 deg., it can handle complex cutting patterns, reach hard to access locations, and is well-suited for weld-preparation cuts in thick-walled tubes.
The system is available with a 3.5-kW CO2 laser source for cutting mild and stainless steel as well as some aluminum alloys, or with a 3- or 4-kW fiber laser that, additionally, cuts highly reflective materials such as copper, brass and galvanized steels.
The LT8.20 provides users with flexibility in their loading and unloading systems. The machines accommodate step-by-step loaders for constantly changing bar shapes,
20 MetalForming/January 2020
www.metalformingmagazine.com