PRODUCT REVIEWS Precision pipe bending
Unison Tube LLC of Danville , VA , USA , has assisted Morse Hydraulics , a U . S . -based provider of high-pressure hydraulic hoses and fittings , in removing its reliance on external suppliers for the bending of specialist pipe fittings and , in doing so , reducing the volume of bent components that it holds in stock .
Morse Hydraulics required a pipe bending machine that would offer “ uncompromising levels of accuracy and repeatability and would also be well suited to a manufacturing environment specialising in both one-off and small batch runs .”
“ Our goal was two-fold ,” said Richie Damian , owner of Morse Hydraulics . “ First and foremost , we wanted to carry out pipe bending in-house , to enable us to respond even more quickly to the varied needs of our customers . Secondly , as a knock-on benefit , we also wanted to reduce the significant levels of bent pipe fittings that outsourced production meant we were having to hold in stock .”
Listening to Morse Hydraulics ’ pipe bending requirements prompted Stuart Singleton , VP of Unison Tube LLC , to recommend one of Unison ’ s EvBend 2000 power-assisted CNC machines . Recently introduced by Unison to assist precision manufacturing companies that require low-volume tube and pipe production and prototyping , EvBend machines are CNC-controlled , manually operated three-axis models designed for precise multi-plane bending .
“ Since the Unison EvBend 2000 was installed at our facility in Portland , Oregon , we have completely removed our reliance on outsourced pipe bending and have been able to significantly reduce our stockholding ,” added Richie Damian . “ With bending on-site , we are better placed to deliver the high-quality hydraulic tube fittings that our customers demand , as well as custom bend even the most hard-to-find fittings and connectors . Unison ’ s training ensured that we were producing saleable bent components from day one , and they are never more than a phone call away should we need them for guidance .”
Unison EvBend machines are widely used across aerospace , Formula One and the oil & gas industry . The EvBend 1000 machine will precision-bend tube and pipe of up to 16mm OD , while the bigger EvBend 2000 machine ,
purchased by Morse Hydraulics , will precisionbend tube and pipe of up to 50mm OD .
VIDEO
20 countries globally . n
The EvBend 2000 .
A magnetic design
The palletising magnet design recently modified by Goudsmit Magnetics in Waalre ( The Netherlands ) consists of modules that vary in design . The low-maintenance magnet is suitable for palletising and de-palletising cans , aerosols , canisters and glass jars with steel lids . The palletising magnet will be displayed at the Automatica 2022 show in Munich , Germany .
“ The modular construction offers users various choices that save on an extra robot and manpower . For example , a lightweight version or the choice of a spring suspension unit . This is a spring suspension unit that provides a flexible spring path , prevents product damage and enables correct positioning . The vacuum system and / or pallet gripper options ensure that actions ( such as removing a pallet or laying down / removing an intermediate sheet between a layer of cans ) can be performed by one robot . The costs saved by the user ensure a quick return on investment for this new system ,” explained the manufacturer .
The central scissor mechanism consists of two cylinders that ensure even switchon and switch-off of the palletising magnet and drive the sheet in one ‘ go ’. This ensures parallel force distribution , which is not always the case when four cylinders are used . The integrated vacuum system is designed to pick up and process any format and type of intermediate sheet .
The parallel switching mechanism aims for a low-maintenance , trouble-free production process , even when loaded unevenly ( for example , when picking up an uneven layer ). The magnet can be equipped with several pole systems . This makes the field stronger at the surface for light cans or aerosols and deeper for heavier loads , such as filled ( canning ) cans .
“ The palletising magnet is easy to operate with pneumatics and is equipped with sensors for on / off detection . The spring suspension unit makes positioning easy and prevents product damage . In addition , it is equipped with sensors that prevent tilt ( canting ) and jamming , as well as the
robot crashing in case of irregularities . In an automated environment , safety is an important aspect . The use of a permanent magnet means that the load remains on the magnet even when energy is lost . This greatly reduces the chance of unsafe situations and damage . Switching with only an air pressure pulse also makes it a very durable and energy-efficient solution ,” added Goudsmit Magnetics .
According to the manufacturer , the palletising magnet has a long life , is very “ maintenance-friendly ” and uses little air . Wear parts , added the company , are easy to replace .
62 | www . ismr . net | ISMR July / August 2022