TPT May 2007

132 / 164

Tube B ending, Hydroforming & End-Fo rming
130 May/June 2007
The Nissin Freeformbender from Neu
Machinery, Germany, enables 3D tube and
profile bending of different radii without
tool changes. Based on patented tooling
and CNC-control, products can be bent on
different planes with continuous radii and
no straights in-between.
An alternative to conventional mandrel
bending, this technology reduces cycle
times as every forward movement of
the feeder bar continually supplies the
workpiece.
Several test results have shown this
bending principle to be ideal for follow-
on hydroforming processes, as the wall
thickness remains almost untouched in the
bending range. With a coefficient power
distribution board, the machine can bend
tubes with a homogeneous wall thickness.
Pipes are now used in automotive
manufacture as design features
and line elements.
Automotive design
now relies upon
increasingly tight spaces, even closer
radii and the thinnest possible material
for lighter products. The Nissin
Freeformbender can also undertake high
precision mandrel bending of thin-walled
pipes up to a diameter of 90mm. The
smallest radius that can be produced is
close to 2DR up to infinity.
The machine has recently been improved
due to the close cooperation of J Neu with
a renowned German car manufacturer who
used the first benders in their production.
This partnership has led to advanced
bending of flat oval tubes and profiles in
addition to round pipes.
The Easy Programming Software has
various functions such as preview,
mirroring, and rotation. These functions are
combined with the option of a measuring
arm so that bent parts can be compared
and corrected automatically. The MS
Windows based PC can be connected
to LAN and uses all features of modern
computers.
J Neu GmbH – Germany
Fax: +49 6359 924257
Email:
Website :
High performance lubricants from tube-bending expert
AddisonMckee has developed a range of environmentally friendly, non-solvent based
gels that offer benefits over traditional tube gel compounds. Initially available in AmGel™
(tube bending) and AmForm™ (tube cutting and forming) variants, the product range has
been developed in association with Gramos Applied Chemicals, and will be expanded to
include AmCut™ (tube cutting) and AmWash™ (tube degreasing) formulations.
AmGel is mainly water-based, and is available in ‘standard’, ‘plus’ and ‘ultimate’
grades. The products are non-drip and can be easily applied by brush, wipe or mandrel
lubrication. They have the viscosity of a gel solution and have been developed to
provide a reliable lubrication barrier for the majority of light, medium and extremely
heavy-duty tube manipulation applications.
One considerable benefit of using AmGel is that bent tubes and components can
progress to MIG, TIG, resistance weld and other processes without the need for
washing. At the end of the manufacturing process, the oil-free gel can then be removed
by washing in a mildly alkaline, water-based solution, thus removing the need for costly,
potentially caustic, cleaning solutions.
The AmForm range is purpose-developed to provide superior lubrication during general
forming and cutting operations, and includes traditional oil-based formulations along with
high-capability synthetic products. Formulated to meet a range of specific tube forming
and cutting requirements, AmForm lubricants can be applied by brush, swab, roller,
flood, spray or misting.
AddisonMckee Ltd – UK
Fax: +44 1772 323 227
Email: • Website:
Versatile 3D tube bending without tool change
fi The Nissin Freeformbender can bend different
radii without tool changes
› High precision mandrel bending of thin-walled
pipes is possible with the Nissin Freeformbender
› A recent collaboration with a German car
manufacturer has led to improvements in
bending of flat oval tubes