TPT July 2011

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July 2011 63 ›
Technology Update
THEmarketrequiresincreasinglyefficientand
diverse machines for pipe-end processing.
There are already various machines with
very different concept approaches that try
to meet customers’ needs. However, the
same thing may be an advantage for one
customer and a disadvantage for another.
Rosenberger AG says it has found the
perfect solution – the pipe forming machine
flexFORM® RU8-12-18.
Many pipe connection points (traditional
solder contours) were previously produced
as a turned part and welded or soldered to
the final product (eg hose profiles, O-ring
seats and various flange connections). The
machines previously used for this require
high investments, lots of space, cause
hazardous waste, quality and wage costs
and must be monitored and corrected
continually.
The previous work steps – for solder
contours, negatively affect costs and the
quality of the final product. The answer to all
of these production problems is consistent
further development of “solder batch
contours”, which can be implemented using
the forming technology of Rosenberger
AG. Both axial forming technology on the
new forming machine generation flexFORM
RU8-12-18 and radial profile rolling
technology on the rolling machine series
RW20 guarantee the highest of quality and
performance in rough industrial everyday
operation or in development centres.
Technical feasibility is now provided by
servo-electrical drives, since they are able
to move along complex ramps, in contrast to
the “blunt” moving forwards and backwards
of hydraulically driven tools. The flexFORM
RU8-12-18 is not just a further development
and merger of Rosenberger’s predecessor
models RU8-12 and RU18, but rather a
completely new machine concept that
combines the advantages of its respective
predecessors while also containing many
years of experience and insights of the
company’s customers.
The PLC-based CNC control enables
free programming of all dimensions, paths
and motions up to 0.01mm, forming force
and speed. Servo controllers ensure soft and
precise running through the programmable
speed profiles for best material flow control.
Any and all material properties can be
included in programming of the flexFORM
RU8-12-18 and considered in the production
process. Thus, not only simple flanges,
beads, reductions or expansions can be
produced, but complex pipe end shapes
can be generated as well.
Tool and programme changes can be
implemented in less than five minutes
and are measured fully automatically. The
servo-electrical asynchronous drives with
an axial working force of up to 180kN are
low-noise and -maintenance, energy saving
and do not generate great exhaust heat,
which leads to additional benefits in the
ergonomics and energy results.
A globally unique novelty is the compact
build and machine concept with its vertical
tool alignment (no more than 16, also multiply
rotating tools) and no use of hydraulics at all;
this makes the machine easy to transport
and saves a lot of footprint space. The
offer includes the machine as a single,
hand-operated version, master-machine and
fully automatic forming device. The robot
connection can be used to best integrate the
machine into a fully automated system and
to use it flexibly. The fully automated joining,
eg, of flanges, U-nuts, U-bolts, O-rings,
holders is a standard application. The model
version DT (DoubleTool) enables concurrent
processing of two parts, which doubles the
daily output or cuts the cycle time in half.
Depending on task and parts geometry,
the clamping jaws can be installed to act
vertically or horizontally. The clamping unit,
type of tool change and force of the axial,
servo-electrical asynchronous drive can be
selected and set up in modules.
Rosenberger AG – Germany
Website:
The magical word “axial” and the
balancing act in pipe forming technology
The pipe forming machine flexFORM® RU8-12-18