TPT November 2007

Technology Update

Specialised machines for permanent product embossing

widths on cut-to-length machines (eg they are ideal for steel service centres). Also fully automatic, the machine enables fully automatic feeding and conveying of large throughputs. This can be applied to marking on the circumference in single or more lines, eg for fittings, sockets, hose casings, ferrules and threaded bushes and other mass-produced short round parts and thin-wall products. The feeding devices can be modified and adjusted accordingly. Each feeding and unloading stroke of a/m mass-produced parts occurs without any compressed air consumption (presently the most expensive energy source). Consequently, there is a constant guarantee of high efficiency – particularly in cases of larger batches. These four capabilities (longitudinal, circumferential, universal and automatic) equate to four machines in one. They lead to high flexibility and variety, resulting in numerous and versatile possibilities of application. This enables rapid set up and accommodation of products up to Ø 80/170mm. With a modular extension, the machine can even be used for circumferential marking of flange rings and pipe sections up to around Ø 1,000mm. With rapid change of embossing types, two sizes are available as standard machines, enabling optimal adaptation to diverse and different products. The machines have many configurations, ensuring versatile and flexible modular systems with an upwards compatible design. Upgrading can be carried out as required, together with future retrofitting. Accessories include special embossing types for thin-wall pipes, flexible pin designs, and various cleaning devices. Round profiles can also be marked longitudinally and on the circumference while in the same position, by using a conveying device with a rapid 90° pivot. Universal machines (ULUs) of a larger size can also be supplied. In addition to the universal machine, other standard machines are available. The company also has in- depth knowledge of feeding, conveying, handling and automation of parts. ASD is also an expert in the field of drive technology, low backlash and highly dynamic positioning drives for robots, machine tools, handling, automation, gearboxes and gear motors.

ASD Automation und Sondermaschinenbau GmbH, Germany, is the specialised manufacturer and supplier of stamping and embossing machines for marking a variety of steel and metal parts. The company offers a new generation of ULU-standard- universal machines that claims to cover around 90 per cent of user requirements. With largely identical parts and modules, these machines remain universal while allowing further optimisation. They have additional functional units and parts, allowing the machine to provide extra fields of application and optimal adaptation of the machine(s) to the product sizes. This increases the efficiency of the production throughput, reduces cost and boosts productivity. A highlight of the ASD capability is the innovative roll-on embossing machine range – branded ULU 80/170 – which is universal, longitudinal and circumferential.

This machine provides a range of functions for state-of-the-art embossing and marking technology. The ULU 80/170 offers longitudinal (continuous) roll-on embossing for strips, coils, metal sheet, pipe (plastic/metal), thin-wall pipe, and sections of all kinds (eg round, square, hexagon, oval, flat, formed). Embossing is carried out along the longitudinal axis, with specified distances, to an accuracy of approximately 0.1mm. Full and variable feed-through speeds are possible, up to approximately 200m/min. The machines can also be used for round (circumferential) roll- on embossing of short and long pipes, pipe fittings and one-sided form bent pipes. The roll-on embossing machines are universal, enabling marking of a variety of cylindrical parts on the circumference, multiform, and in one or more lines, or with reductions. Marking can also be carried out on coils and long metal sheets in varying

Mexican delivery for latest 2K mill with quick-change system

Abbey International, USA, has been awarded a contract for a 2K-3.0 mill with entry equipment by a customer in Mexico. This new installation can produce squares, rectangles and tube with an OD minimum of 15.8mm (0.625") to 79.3mm (3.125"). The main feature on this mill is that changeover times for changing the forming, fin, and sizing sections of the mill is approximately ten minutes using two people. This mill is

capable of a quick changeover because it incorporates the Abbey patented third stand quick-change system and driven continuous cart transfer (CCT) system.

This system is the one of the most productive systems offered by the company for quick change. When using the automatic or semi-automatic mill quick changeover systems, all mill driven stand spindles are automatically disconnected and reconnected to their respective drive units. To accomplish this, a third stand design is incorporated with proprietary automatic coupling location features. This design consists of conventional front and rear stand housing assemblies which are mounted on the exchangeable sub-bases and third stand assemblies that are mounted on the fixed mill bases. The conventional stand driven spindles are interconnected to the third stand spindles through the use of specially designed quick disconnect type couplings. The patented continuous cart transfer (CCT) is a driven cart system designed to receive sub-plated mill sections during semi-automated changeover of the mill. This eliminates the use of an overhead crane for sub-base exchange. The cart is a fabricated structure with an integral drive system to motivate it parallel to the mill line. Abbey International – USA Fax : +1 419 874 8200 • Email : info@abbeyintl.com • Website : www.abbeyintl.com › The 2K-3.0 mill with quick-change system

ASD GmbH – Germany Fax : +49 211 65 64 68 Email : info@asd-gmbh.de Website : www.asd-gmbh.de

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N ovember /D ecember 2007