TPT July 2017

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T E CHNOLOG Y
36 JULY 2017
Integrated double end
finishing and length
inspection
IN the world of zero-defect require-
ments, visual inspection is not adequate.
Even 100 per cent visual inspection is
only 80 per cent effective. Automotive
suppliers must incorporate reliable
methods that will ensure their products
consistently meet the rigorous demands
of the industry.
Modern electronics allow companies
such as Haven Manufacturing to be
imaginative in solving quality issues
in tube manufacturing. In a
particular application, Haven
was asked to develop an integrated
length inspection module directly after
double end finishing.
Adding length inspection sounds
simple, but the standard machine drops
out the finished part immediately after
machining. In order to incorporate
length measuring, the tube must be
reorientated into a stable position. This
requires additional handling equipment
and a separate length inspection
machine, which adds cost and
consumes more floor space.
The answer to this challenge was the
integration of two processes into a single
frame and controls, so the tube does not
lose its orientation from machining to
inspection. Haven engineers designed a
walking beam style transfer system for
this purpose.
Tubes are positioned precisely in
the machining station, where opposed
precision bearing spindles perform ID
and OD chamfers and end face to a very
close and repeatable length tolerance.
From there, the part is walked to a chip
blowout station, followed by the length
inspection station. Good parts are
released and escape the machine, while
rejected parts are automatically diverted
to a holding bin beneath the machine. If
the machine experiences three rejects in
a row, it stops and signals the operator
to investigate.
Haven Manufacturing – USA
Fax:+1 912 264 9001
Email:
Website:
Process monitoring 4.0 from Germany
PRECISION, economic efficiency and
plant availability are the criteria that
characterise Bültmann equipment. In
order to control and to permanently
ensure the fulfilment of these criteria, the
machines are provided with testing and
measuring equipment, and specifically
tailored to the customer’s requirements.
Diameter measuring and surface
inspection systems are used with
peeling machines; straightness and
straightening force is measured on
straightening machines; and drawing
lines are equipped with measuring
devices for drawing force and wall
thickness. This combination of
mechanical and electronic components
forms the basis for controlling
production processes. However, it
only partly represents contemporary
process monitoring.
In the context of advancing industrial
digitisation and the associated versatile
applications, process monitoring
systems are increasingly used to meet
the requirements of ‘Industry 4.0’.
Consequently they ensure a holistic
process control, including not only quality
assurance but also further process
evaluations.
Further room for improving
plant availability is, among others,
a consequence for increasing
production or for applying intelligent,
preventive maintenance and service
strategies.
These measures are combined with
accessible and user-friendly visualisation
systems, offering usability and quick fault
diagnosis.
Bültmann GmbH – Germany
Fax:+49 2394 18 171
Email:
Website:
Combining double end finishing with length inspection