TPT November 2014

Technology News

Induction bending equipment from the UK

speed drive during the bending cycle and the other for high speed positioning of the rear carriage during bend set up. Overload protection limits the inverter drive maximum output current to ensure the system never exceeds the design parameters of the drive mechanism. This system is superior to a hydraulic cylinder drive at lower speeds, providing smoother control throughout the low bending speed range and eliminating “stick slip” (judder). The system is compact and, whilst more expensive, reduces the cost of operational spares and the overall footprint of the machine. GIB can supply machines in a timely manner, typically within five months from order for machine sizes up to 16" and ten months for machines over 16". Gregson Induction Benders – UK Website: www.t-pbm.com

customers’ specifications and over the years has developed various packages to suit customer budgets and cash flow requirements. For all GIB machines, the bending moments are contained within the machine chassis enabling the machines to be free standing. Therefore, foundation requirements are reduced to a few simple trenches for drainage and services (and optionally elbow formation). Consequently, installation costs and time are greatly reduced. GIB can offer both electro-hydraulic and electro-mechanical machines to suit the customer’s preference and budget. Electro-hydraulic: this drive system comprises an induction motor driving the pumps to the hydraulic cylinders, which in turn move the rear carriage of the machine. Accurate feed speed is achieved via an electronic invertor, which controls the AC frequency of the induction motor current. The machine provides both low speed drive during the bending cycle and high speeds for positioning of the rear carriage during bend set up. This system is superior to a traditional hydraulic cylinder drive, providing smoother control throughout the bending speed range. Electro-mechanical: this drive system comprises an induction motor gearbox assembly driving two lead screws, which in turn move the rear carriage of the machine. Accurate feed speed is achieved via an electronic inverter which controls the AC frequency of the induction motor current. The machines’ gearbox provides two ratios: one for low

GREGSON Induction Benders Ltd (GIB) is a UK-based family business with thirty years’ experience in the design and manufacture of CE-certified induction bending equipment with quality control to ISO9002 standard. The company is managed by Nigel Gregson, a senior engineer/ manager with proven experience in the management of engineering projects and production teams, with hands-on experience from design to manufacture and installation. Nigel is supported by Gary Gregson, a senior technologist with key strengths in strategic analysis, vision creation, proposal development, partner liaison, research and full lifecycle development. The company designs and manu- factures a full range of induction bending machines that can bend from 2" (50mm) to 48" (1,219mm) diameter pipe with wall thickness from 0.197" (5mm) to 4" (100mm). All machines are free standing and offer both spool bending and weld elbow bending capabilities. The machines are also capable of bending structural shapes and processing a wide range of materials. GIB continues to undertake research with technology partners to provide new control systems for existing machines and advanced controls systems, telemetry and quality assurance technologies for future machines. It can also provide consultancy packages tailored to the customer’s requirements with regards to installation of the machinery and development upgrades on equipment. GIB designs machines around its

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Tubes with a diameter of up to up to 48" can be bent

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N ovember 2014