TPT September 2008

176 / 204

September 2008 174 ›
Tube B ending & E ndforming T echnology
The Nissin Freeformbender, produced
by Neu Machinery, Germany, makes it
possible to bend tubes and profiles with
different radii in three dimensions, without
tool change. The machine uses patented
tooling in combination with a CNC-control
system.
Radii can follow each other without a
straight length in-between, and can
be in different planes. Compared with
conventional mandrel bending, a reduction
of cycle times can be obtained, since every
forward movement of the feeder bar moves
the workpiece on.
The machine’s bending principle makes it
well suited to any consequent hydroforming
process. The wall thickness remains almost
untouched in the bending range, and bent
tubes with homogeneous wall thickness can
be achieved.
The machine has been developed in
close cooperation with a German car
manufacturer. Automotive manufacturing
applications, where pipes can be used as
design features and line elements, demand
ever-smaller building areas, ever-closer
radii, and ever-thinner material (for weight
reasons).
Thin-walled pipes up to a diameter of
90mm can be bent with high precision on
the Nissin Freeformbender. The smallest
achievable radius is close to 2DR.
The machine can bend not only round
pipes, but also flat oval tubes and profiles,
extending its range of applications.
Functions of the machine’s software include
preview, mirroring and rotation.
An optional measuring arm is also
available. Bent parts can be compared and
corrected automatically. Programs can be
easily stored and saved, and the Windows-
based PC can be connected to LAN.
J Neu GmbH – Germany
Fax: +49 6359 924257
Email:
Website :
Tube manipulation technology
and equipment
Silkmead Tubular Ltd, UK, is the provider
of tube manipulation plants and equipment,
together with an advanced tubular
components service.
The company’s tube bending machines
operate without hydraulics, and only require
limited pneumatics. On one model offered
by the company, no electrics are needed at
all. Within the range up to 30mm diameter,
the machines provide equivalent multi axis
precision results for medium batch work of
up to 200 components per hour.
Silkmead’s machines are of simple
modular construction and limited power,
which means that users can carry out their
own repairs and maintenance, offering
additional cost saving.
The equipment is used for component
development in a number of industries
including defence, car racing and other
general engineering companies.
Silkmead Tubular Ltd
Fax: +44 1582 609930
Email:
Website :
Bending in three dimensional radii