TPT May 2009

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May 2009 42
Technology Update
›
Unison has developed an all-electric
end-former machine for automating
refurbishment of automotive steering
rack mechanisms. The machine uses
programmable servomotors to drive the
end-forming dies into position. The company
claims that the machine provides a more
flexible and efficient means of handling
the process than traditional manual and
hydraulic methods, which involve changing
dies between different forming operations.
Re-Go Autoparts, a specialist steering
component remanufacturing company, has
taken delivery of the first machine, and
reports that the entire end-forming process
has been reduced from 2-3 minutes to
less than 10 seconds – a productivity
improvement of around 1,500 per cent.
The company remanufactures high quality
components for automotive power steering
systems, under the Lenco trade name.
The company is a recent convert to the
versatility of all-electric tube bending
technology. Following purchase of a new
tube bending system, it subsequently
invested in a multi-stack version of one
of Unison’s 16mm Breeze tube bending
machines. This machine is
used to produce a variety of
small complex parts, such
as hydraulic brake pipes and
power steering tubes.
According to Gary Martin,
one of Re-Go Autoparts’
directors, “The machine’s
programmability enables
us to accommodate small
production batches without
incurring the delays associated
with changing tool sets on traditional tube
bending machines, and its accuracy and
repeatability help ensure product quality.”
Unison’s new end-former machine is a fully
integrated three-axis system, housed in a
compact standalone cabinet. It provides
software-controlled four-stage end forming,
by automatically flaring, compressing and
reducing the ends of the steel tube, ranging
from 6 to 10mm, used in vehicle steering
racks.
The motive power for the machine’s main
drive is provided by a Baldor servomotor.
The four stages and clamp are actuated by
SMC pneumatic cylinders, all connected to
a Baldor MintDrive intelligent drive with a
built-in motion controller. Overall machine
control is handled by a PLC, with all user
input commands and operational status
feedback provided by a Baldor HMI panel.
The all-electric end-former machine offers
numerous advantages over conventional
hydraulic end formers – it is quick and easy
to set up, and is more energy efficient,
quieter and faster. The machine’s use of
closed-loop servomotor control ensures end
forming accuracy and repeatability.
Unison Ltd – UK
Fax: +44 1723 582379
Email:
Website:
Re-Go Autoparts Ltd – UK
Fax: +44 1892 837648
Email:
Website:
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Multiple part tube bending via
robot, electro servo bend axis
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UTE Inc, a manufacturer of rotary draw
bending machines and automated bender
workcells, has been making servo electric
CNC benders since the early 1990s. The
company’s servo electric benders now
extend through the 90mm range of tube
sizes, with hydraulic bend axis utilised
through 150mm.
UTE has won a contract from a major HVAC
customer to develop a unique combination
of a 5 axis robot, an electric bend axis from
one of its CNC benders, and a specially
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 Unison’s new all-electric end-former machine
End-former accelerates refurbishment process for
automotive parts specialist