TPT September 2007

Technology Update

High performance alternative to band saw

RSA, Germany, has developed a new sawing machine, Rasacut XXL, for a wide spectrum of pre-production applications. During the mass production cutting of tubes, sections, and solid bars up to 100mm diameter, circular saws provide high output, precision, and automation of preceding and follow-up processes. Band saws, on the other hand, are advantageous for the cutting of small daily quantities. According to RSA, there is still room for improvement in the pre-production of mass production cutting in the diameter range from 100mm to 170mm. Blanks for die- formed parts, pistons, shafts, drums, and axes are most likely sawn on slow band saws, though they are produced in large batches. Until now, circular saws have not been sufficiently flexible and productive for the efficient manufacture of a wide range of workpieces.

RSA has developed its new circular saw for tubes up to 15mm wall thickness and 170mm diameter, previously the domain of band saws. Cutting time is claimed to be up to 90 per cent below that of up-to-date band saws, depending on the workpiece, with an improved cut quality. The increase in productivity is mainly due to the drive

› The Rasacut XXL cuts a round tube with 4mm wall thickness and 135mm diameter in only 5.5 seconds

of the saw. With up to 40kW, the saw drive attains a rated torque of up to 1,500Nm which is consistent at any speed. During the development stage, RSA placed the focus on a part spectrum as wide as possible. Short set-up times were also

Latest range of component washing machines A new range of tunnel washing systems has been introduced to the UK by Geo Kingsbury, under a sole agency agreement with manufacturer Dürr Ecoclean, Germany. The EcoBelt machines use either a belt or a chain conveyor to transport industrial components through the various cleaning and degreasing processes. Approximately 40 variants of modular construction allow systems to be configured to support anything from entry-level use to top-end production applications. They also allow expansion at a later date by retrofitting additional units. There are four main sizes of system to suit workpiece dimensions and required throughput. Components can be loaded by hand or the machine can be integrated with a machine tool or production line for automatic feeding of components onto the belt. Various cleaning processes and conveyor speeds can be programmed using the Siemens control, based

› Either HSS or carbide blades can be used, and a saw blade change takes approximately one minute

important to ensure the flexible use of the saw. Workpieces from 20mm diameter upwards can be produced in fixed lengths between 50mm and 3,000mm. Saw blade changes (eg from HSS to carbide) are made with only a few manual movements, since the saw head is easily accessible. Setting up the entire saw usually takes an operator only around five minutes. For the singling and feeding of base lengths, a bundle loader and a flat magazine are used. After the cut, the direct interlinking to further processing steps such as the deburring is possible. Furthermore, sorting systems ensure a trouble-free removal of the material, particularly when different fixed lengths are sawn from the same base material.

on single or multiple washing, rinsing and hot air drying cycles. This allows production speed to be optimised according to how much oil, grease, swarf or dirt needs to be removed from the components. Geo Kingsbury has also been appointed to sell an additional range of Dürr Ecoclean machines – highly automated cells built at the company’s factory in Monschau, Germany. These machines suit large

› Dürr’s new Ecobelt conveyor-type, aqueous cleaning systems are available in the UK through Geo Kingsbury

RSA GmbH & Co KG – Germany Fax : +49 2351 995 300 Email : pr@rsa.de Website : www.rsa.de

volume production applications such as those found in the automotive industry. Included in this range is the EcoCFlex, a machine that incorporates a 6-axis robot for component loading and injection flood wash.

RSA Cutting & Deburring Systems Ltd – UK

Geo Kingsbury Machine Tools Limited – UK Fax : +44 23 9250 1741 Email : mtools@gkholdings.com • Website : www.gkholdings.com

Fax : +44 1952 580511 Email : rsa.gb@rsa.de Website : www.rsa.de

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S eptember /O ctober 2007