TPT May 2007

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Tube B ending, Hydroforming & End-Fo rming
152 May/June 2007
AddisonMckee has extended its PowerBend
range of high-performance, lower cost tube
bending models to include solutions for
bending tube of up to 42mm diameter and
150mm diameter.
AddisonMckee’s director of global
marketing, Mr Christian Rogiers, states,
“Since launch, PowerBend models have
proved exceptionally popular with smaller,
mid-market organisations.”
The hydraulically-powered
mandrel tube benders
are capable of bending
carbon steel tube from
50mm diameter to 150mm
diameter, and models in
the PowerBend range offer
maximum bend angle and CLR
of 193º.
Machine beds and tanks
are of one integral assembly,
with the hydraulic valves and filter
externally mounted for easy access.
Electrical connections to the valves
are of the plug-in type with position
indicators. The bend head, adjusted
laterally for CLR setting by means of a lead
screw, is bed mounted on slideways.
Mounted on heavy-duty taper roller
bearings, the main spindle carries the bend
arm, while rotation is by hydraulic cylinder
connected to the spindle by chains. The
angular position feedback to the servo is
by encoder, through instrumentation grade
gearing from the main spindle.
The bend die is located on the bend arm
on double drive keys, and is retained by a
single nut if a tool spindle is used, or bolted
directly to the tooling platform for small
CLR bending. The clamp die-mounting
slide is hydraulically powered with toggle
mechanism for maximum gripping pressure,
and operated in a rise and fall motion to
clear the tube on subsequent Y-axis feeds.
The reaction arm carries the follower
slide, which takes the pressure die, and
is infinitely variable for speed via valve
adjustment. The drop-in pressure die has
simple screw adjustment for easy alignment
with the bend die. A rigid mounting post
with three axis adjustment ensures good
quality bends and long die life.
On all models, the tube carriage (Y axis)
moves along the machine bed on low
friction bearings. Linear motion is by AC
motor drive, with position feedback by
absolute encoder. The collet is carriage
mounted, with rotary motion (B axis)
provided by AC motor, with absolute
encoder position feedback for precision and
repeatability. The master collet is designed
to accept segments for the required tube
diameters, and clamping is by hydraulic
cylinder actuated mechanism.
Fitted as standard with hydraulic actuation,
the mandrel unit includes one 22mm
diameter quick-change rod. Anticipated
mandrel retraction is standard for high bend
quality.
Programming of all PowerBend models is
provided by an Allen-Bradley alphanumeric
keypad. Features available include tool
monitoring to prevent collision, inch/
imperial data input, 1,000 program storage,
maximum 16 bends per program capability.
It also offers Y, B, C axis data input and
automatic release of the tube prior to final
bend to prevent follower die/collet collision.
AddisonMckee Inc – USA
Fax: +1 513 228 7234
Email:
Website:
fi AddisonMckee’s PowerBend range has been expanded to include
bending of 42mm and 150mm diameter tube
Latest CNC tube benders with push bending
Crippa SpA, Italy, has launched a new series of CNC tube benders. These
machines feature 5-servo axes standard, with an option to have 9 servo axes for
a fully electric bender.
The CA563 is capable of bending
63mm x 3.2mm mild steel and 60mm
x 2.5mm stainless steel, while the
CA576 has a capacity of 76mm x
2.5mm mild steel and 70mm x 2.5mm
stainless steel.
These machines are designed for either
manual loading or full integration within a
work cell. The benders also feature push
bending and the ability to calendar bend
tubes that require a large or varying
radius. All machines have the ability to
use multiple bend dies for different radii or compound clamps.
Programming the benders is easy using the UII interactive graphic software from Crippa.
The software features Cartesian or Polar coordinate entry and simple tooling dimension
screens. Simulation of parts is undertaken in the software to check feasibility and cycle
time.
Crippa SpA has also revealed the International Technology Group Inc as its exclusive
representative for the United States and Canada. ITG Tube is dedicated to the service
and sale of Crippa SpA tube process equipment.
Crippa SpA – Italy
Fax: +39 031 762403
Email: • Website :
International Technology Group Inc – USA
Fax: +1 810 227 0623
Email: • Website:
› Crippa have launched a new series of CNC
benders
Increasing popularity leads to new
PowerBend models
n