TPT September 2008

T ube B ending & E ndforming T echnology

Increased component repeatability with mandrel bend monitor

In the process variation system offered by AddisonMckee and OES, the process involves monitoring the pressure placed on the mandrel during each and every bend cycle. This is achieved via use of a piezoelectric force transducer located at the mandrel reaction component of the bender. Any change in mandrel pull force or tension that falls outside pre-set control parameters is then highlighted as a process variation of degradation. Variations can result from loss of lubrication, galling, tube misalignment or slippage, change in material hardness, or even use of a material that falls outside of specification. Mr Rogiers adds, “In simple terms, this process monitoring solution acts by alerting the process operator to any production changes that might lead to mandrel failure. This is unlike traditional mandrel failure systems that may allow considerable quantities of faulty components to be produced before failure is detected. By monitoring the pull force during the bend and withdrawal stages, it becomes relatively straightforward to maximize machine set-up and reduce machine downtime.” OES Inc – Canada Fax : +1 519 652 3795 Email : oes@oes-inc.com Website : www.oes-qualityassurance.com

AddisonMckee has launched a highly advanced mandrel force monitor designed to improve finished component quality when working with the company’s tube bending machines. The advanced monitoring process is able to highlight even small variations in mandrel performance. “Typically, the problem with mandrel failure sensor systems,” comments AddisonMckee’s director of global marketing, Mr Christian Rogiers, “is that, while being effective, they can lead to increased maintenance and machine

downtime caused through non-relevant warnings. We have, consequently, been reluctant to embrace such solutions.” “Following the signing of an agreement with process monitoring devices company, OES Inc of Canada,” he added, “I am delighted to announce that AddisonMckee is now able to offer a highly advanced, robust and far superior process variation solution. One that is not simply a proven way to detect broken mandrel links that can result from excessive pull forces, but is also able to identify the issues that result in such a force taking place.”

 The mandrel bend monitor from OES and AddisonMckee

AddisonMckee – USA Fax : +1 513 228 7226

Email : crogiers@addisonmckee.com Website : www.addisonmckee.com

The world market leader in tube and pipe technology

Please visit us:

Fabtech International & AWS Welding Show in USA, 6. – 8.10.2008, Tube & Pipe area, Booth 8202

Euroblech in Germany, 21. – 25.10.2008, Hall 11 Booth F24

HAEUSLER AG Duggingen Baselstrasse 21 CH-4202 Duggingen Switzerland

Tel.: +41 61 755 22 22 Fax: +41 61 755 22 00 sales@haeusler.com www.haeusler.com

171

www.read-tpt.com

S eptember 2008

›