TPT September 2008

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September 2008 184 ›
Tube B ending & E ndforming T echnology
beginning to impact heavily following
recent surges in metal costs.
The Unison tube bender is a multi-stack
machine capable of bending tubing
diameters up to 4" (100mm). Uber’s
other machinery investments include two
advanced 4kW laser cutting machines with
3D capability (one dedicated to tubing).
The company has also invested extensively
in software infrastructure. It can accept
design files produced by virtually any CAD
software. Verification tools are used to help
avoid problems before parts actually enter
production, including collision detection
algorithms for the automated production
machinery. And ERP software is employed
to streamline processes.
Unison’s laser measurement module
overcomes the common problem of
variances in the springback characteristics
of materials from different metal production
batches with minor differences in grain and
temper. The new module is targeted at
manufacturers of precision and high-value
tubular parts.
The non-contact optical measurement
system measures bend angles by
monitoring changes in the reflection
distance of two laser beams. In operation
it takes a reference measurement from the
straight edge of the tubing. Then, after the
bend is made, the system automatically
commands the clamping die to move
away – allowing the material to spring to
its natural position. It then takes a second
measurement from which the actual bend
angle is calculated.
Any difference to the programmed bend
is displayed, along with a simple selection
button that commands the machine to
automatically re-grip the tube and apply
an additional force to achieve the required
angle. The system automatically calculates
the required adjustment, taking into account
the actual springback characteristics of
the tubing material from the first bend. It
ensures that angles can be fabricated the
first time to very high accuracies.
Unison originally developed the
measurement system to support a defence
equipment contractor that produces
precision tubular parts in single or very
small batches just-in-time, and often from
exotic alloys, supporting ship production.
Unison – UK
Fax: +44 1723 582379
Email:
Website:
Unison, UK, has delivered one of the
highest-specification tube bending
machines it has ever built, to Uber
Precision Manufacturing – a start-up
contract manufacturer based in Lynchburg
(VA), USA.
The machine’s electronically-actuated
bending axes are controlled by a laser
measurement system to ensure that tubing
is bent without scrap — overcoming the
common problem caused by variances in
the springback characteristics of materials.
The new machine is already repeatedly
bending tubular parts to accuracies of a
tenth of a degree or better, and in very
small batches. In contrast, traditional
tubular parts manufacturing almost
inevitably generates wastage, which is
A World Of Products And Services For A Global Industry
14424 Interdrive West—Houston, TX 77032
(281) 219-9480 ext.113 FAX: (281) 219-2317
Contact: David Steely
EDM Notch MasterTM
Metal Erosion Machine For Making
Pipe Test Calibration Standards
Scan Systems Corporation, through its operating division of
EDM SPECIALTIES, manufacturers the family of portable EDM Notch
MastersTM . Originally designed as the answer to producing flaws on the
inside diameter of pipe to meet API 5CT and 5L published
specifications, the scope of the equipment has enlarged. Continuous
improvements have made the EDM Notch MasterTM valuable to any
industry that is required to make calibration standards. Not just limited
to pipe, the Notch Master TM is used for coiled metal products, forged
products, specialty alloy metal products and used in a cross section of
industries such a oil & gas, nuclear facilities, and marine.
Laser-controlled tube bender overcomes
springback problems