TPT September 2008

T ube B ending & E ndforming T echnology

Increasing efficiency in truck exhaust component manufacture

There is currently an increasing drive for greater manufacturing accuracy and enhanced materials efficiency in the global automotive industry. AddisonMckee, USA, has been showing increasing numbers of vehicle manufacturers and exhaust OEMs how cost reductions can be made by investing in the latest tube bending and end- forming technologies. The company provides enhanced production capability to complex truck exhaust tube bending and manipulation requirements by using pioneering design and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.

“ We have made it our focus to provide an impressive suite of tube manipulation solutions for the truck exhaust industry, all built around proven designs and utilising the latest technology ,” comments director of global marketing, Mr Christian Rogiers. “ Where appropriate, we also offer customers the opportunity to benefit from technology upgrades, in order to fully maximise the life-potential of their existing AddisonMckee machinery. Solutions range from large

 The DB150 ESRB tube bender

diameter tube bending and end-finishing machines and associated tooling to fully automated and integrated production cells, muffler and catalytic assembly machinery. ” AddisonMckee recently demonstrated to a leading exhaust manufacturer how component production could be accelerated by 30 per cent. In this example, to assist the truck exhaust manufacturer in justifying its planned switch to AddisonMckee machinery, the tube bending specialist set up like-for-like manufacturing trials. These trials also provided an opportunity to demonstrate the technology’s accuracy, reliability and repeatability. Added Mr Rogiers, “ At a time when every minute shaved off production duration impacts on business viability, capability and profitability, we were particularly pleased to demonstrate our DataBend™ range. ” AddisonMckee also worked directly with the customer to assist in the re-development of some of its exhaust components. This enabled the reduction of various cutting and welding procedures in favour of the greater use of single piece tubing, in order to offer significantly less resistance to exhaust gas airflow. The manufacturer subsequently purchased a DataBend™ DB150 ESRB tube bender for the manufacture of numerous short-run, large diameter exhaust components. In addition, the company purchased a smaller DataBend™ DB20 ESRD – a dual capability model that will be used for the creation of smaller components, including brake lines and air-conditioning tubing. This model enables both left and right- hand tubular components to be bent using

the same bending head. AddisonMckee – USA Fax : +1 513 228 7226

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

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S eptember 2008

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