Advanced laser cutting and forming of tube shown

Integrated tube processing systems enable users to improve labour productivity and component quality while simpler programming and fast production of prototype parts speeds product innovation

Investing in modern tube processing technology as a direct replacement for traditional multiple machine processes offers UK industry a proven cost-effective counter to competition from low labour cost countries, said BLM Group UK. Investment will be the theme of the BLM Group's stand at the UK's MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition where, for example, visitors will be able to take part in a multi-media experience that highlights the key aspects of the tube laser cutting and profiling process.

Overall, the emphasis will be on BLM Group's 50-plus years of experience in the design and manufacture of tube laser cutting, tube bending and tube end forming machines and systems.

Integrated tube processing systems improve labour productivity and component quality and, with their ease of programming and fast production of prototype parts, drive new product innovation, said BLM.

* All-electric CNC tube bending machine - a classic example of the Group's technology-driven approach is its E-Turn all-electric CNC tube bending machine.

It has been designed specifically for the bending of small to medium sized tubes, typically used for complex car and motorcycle components, hydraulic pipes and furniture.

Because the complete head can rotate through 180 deg, the E-Turn is capable of left- and right-hand bending in automatic cycle.

BLM told manufacturingtalk.com that this eliminates work-in-progress and optimises just-in-time operation, while the all-electric technology contributes a 20-50% productivity increase when compared with 'traditional' powered models of bending machine.

The E-Turn machine is available in four maximum tube OD (outside diameter) capacities (30mm, 35mm, 40mm and 52mm).

Complex components requiring radii of less than 1 x diameter can be produced using the 'bend boost' device, which can have its power modulated during the bending process to avoid unsightly stress marks on high value components.

Precise control of the E-Turn's 12-axis movements, courtesy of BLM's Visual Graphic Programming (VGP 3D) software, significantly reduces set-up times because all parameters are stored and can be re-called without further mechanical adjustment being necessary.

The electric axes automatically adjust position, which enhances accuracy and repeatability, and components are not only produced 'right first time', they are repeatable batch to batch without undue reliance on operator expertise.

Since all axis movements are set automatically, a job change-over can typically be completed within two to three minutes.

This multi-tool stack tube bender - up to eight different bend tools can be mounted at any one time - brings with it fewer bend tool changes and less downtime.

The VGP 3D software allows checking on-screen, providing a reliable guide to component cycle times and identifying any possible collision risk.

And because the PC-based control selects the correct parameters, the guesswork is taken out of tube bending and the most complex of tubular components can be completed in one cycle.

* BLM Group UK at MACH 2008, NC, Birmingham, UK, April 21-25, Hall 4, Stand 4811. Request a free brochure from BLM-Group UK....



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