TPT September 2016

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September 2016 79
T E CHNOLOG Y
New combination machines for
axial and rolling pipe forming
THE engineers at transfluid have
developed a new generation of com-
bination machines that effectively
combine the benefits of the axial and
rolling forming.
The plants are characterised by their
diversity in forming of parts, as Stefanie
Flaeper, managing director at transfluid,
explained: “Geometries in pipe end
machining can be formed directly on the
pipe, replacing usually complicated and
expensive turned parts.
“No soldering or welding is needed.
The pipe and its end form are virtually
from a single cast.”
The benefits of this kind of process
are clear: implementation of the com-
bination can be specified by the user
directly, or based on the forming
geometry. “Usually, up to six axial
forming stages and at least one rolling
unit are used. If trimming, axial and
rolling forming are needed, two rolling
stations may be required as well,” said
Ms Flaeper. “We also call this ‘powered
axes’.”
Pipe machining may include a simple
trim or deburring at the pipe end after
forming.
Because this is not a demanding
process-technical challenge, it is
sensible to use compact units for this.
transfluid has made it
possible to equip all
axial forming machines
and all combination
machines with one or
several single-drive
axes. These axes
have a servo-electrical
drive and can be used
for the forming stages
in each of the holders.
This makes the system
very compact and
particularly flexible.
Because the transfluid combination
machines have electrical drives, all
forming tools are positioned very
precisely and the machines can be used
much more diversely.
transfluid – Germany
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