BENDING AND FOLDING
TD + TC DOUBLE FOLDER : Fully automated 2 sided folding operation flow reduces Operator Activities .
Sheet feeding to loading table
Sheet feeding to folder
Positioning sheets in folder
THALMANN TD and TC double folder operation .
One side beam bending
significant reduction in manual labour and part manipulation using Thalmann TD and TC Double folders .
The first development is a sheet metal loading unit which feeds sheets into the double folder . With the integrated sheet metal feed-in device , sheet metal is fed automatically , rapidly and flexibly into the machine . This can be done as a single or multiple sheet feed , from a stack of sheets up to 100mm high , or with material from a slitting and cut-to-length line .
Depending upon the length of the machine , the loading device can load several sheets onto the machine e . g . 4 x 2m sheets on an 8m machine , and these can subsequently be folded simultaneously . This unit is an option that can be added onto Thalmann TD and TC machines
The second development is a fully automated flipping device which turns the already folded part without any manual interference . The flipping operation is done by suction cups mounted on the upper folding beam in combination with the extendable folding table . Both developments aim to reduce the manual operation on a Thalmann TD and TC long folder , reducing cost and improving safety .
The TD double folder range can be custom designed to optimise throughput , automate sheet loading and increase operational efficiencies . The maximal bending capacity is up to 2.5mm at 400N / mm ². The standard throat depth is 1250mm and the standard length of the machines can vary from 3.2 metres to 12 metres . Different machine lengths can be custom produced upon request .
OPERATOR ACTIVITY
NO OPERATOR ACTIVITY
FULLY AUTOMATED 2 SIDE FOLDING OPERATION
Table pushed out
Flipping by bending beam
Table pulled in
Discharge from the machine
Other side beam bending
Positioning sheets in folder
THALMANN ’ s product portfolio is based around three core products for folding sheet metal up to 3mm . The THALMANN TZ single folder is suitable for roofers and architectural applications , The TD double folder is suitable for roofers , architectural applications and industrial processes that require high throughput . The TC double folders are suitable for heavy duty folding of 3mm sheets at high processing speeds .
Within this product portfolio THALMANN offers a wide range of solutions , from fully automated flipping and sideloading units , to a fully automated and integrated slitting , feeding and folding line : “ The Base ”, offered in cooperation with Cidan Machinery group . THALMANN told ISMR that , in Europe , investments in green energy ( the ‘ green
Above : Simplex folding technology from SWI Machinery .
deal ’), supported by the European Union , will open up opportunities for the use of folded sheet metal for solar panels . The construction industry will also focus more on energyefficient solutions .
“ The use of folded sheet metal for architectural applications will definitely play a part in this transition ,” it explained .
Australian manufacturer , SWI Machinery , offers a range of folders .
“ Our Simplex folder is fast , simple and flexible enough to be used by the most inexperienced , as well as the most experienced , operators ,” it told ISMR . “ Barcode scanning and integration with the ShopLink & eBend app is available and the machine boasts a recessed fold apron geometry with 23 ″ touch-screen controller . A sleek clamp and apron design eliminates catch points when folding flashings and slitter light curtains provide positive finger detection during slitter operations ,” it explained .
SWI ’ s range includes Simplex and Duplex folders ; Marxman slitters ; integrated cutto-length lines ; uncoilers ; recoilers ; multistation uncoilers ; rollformers and complete customised process lines . Its customers include the world ’ s largest roofing companies as well as hundreds of family-owned enterprises around the globe . SWI ’ s latest model Duplex folder incorporates dozens of advancements in control and mechanical design .
“ Our Duplex folders are built for speed and durability . When designing the Duplex , we listened to what our customers wanted from an up & down folder . We also listened to what they didn ’ t like about other machines on the market ,” it added .
UK-based Warco offers a range of small bending machines and folders for sheet metal applications , including box and pan folders ; a 3-in-1 universal sheet metal machine and mini slip rolls for sheet metal . n
56 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR April 2021