FOCUS ON TUBE FORMING
ACCENT ON TUBE
We highlight a selection of some of the latest global tube and pipe processing innovations , including cutting and bending .
“ Many new features on tube processing machines are designed to minimise downtime , aid user-friendliness and increase tube cutting output .”
Tube operations are generally viewed as
complementary to general sheetmetal forming and fabrication , and tubeforming / bending machine tools can often be employed by sheet metal manufacturers and job shops .
Tubes are measured by their outer diameter and are usually smaller and less rigid than pipes . Bending involves metal forming processes used to permanently form pipe or tubing . The objective is to obtain a smooth bend without flattening the tube or pipe . Bending processes include form-bound and freeform , as well as heat-supported and cold forming . Factors such as material wall thickness , tooling and lubricants used all affect the bending process . Generally , round stock is used in tube bending . However , square and rectangular tubes and pipes may also be bent to meet job specifications .
Form-bound bending , such as press bending or rotary draw bending , are used to form the work-piece into the shape of a die . Straight tube stock can be formed using a bending machine to create a variety of single or multiple bends and to shape the piece into the desired form . These processes can be used to form complex shapes out of different types of ductile metal tubing . Freeformbending processes , such as three-roll-push bending , shape the workpiece kinematically so that the bending contour is not dependent upon the tool geometry .
Tube end forming machines use hydraulic or mechanical presses . Often these presses use a repeated hammering motion to shape the tube . Because tube end forming is a shaping process and requires no cutting , there is no wasted metal that needs to be thrown out at the end of the process . In addition , the tube end forming process can provide improved tube strength , better connectivity between component , and improved sealing capabilities .
In this article , we highlight a selection of some of the latest global tube and pipe processing innovations , including cutting and bending , in alphabetical order .
Tubes are measured by their outer diameter and are usually smaller and less rigid than pipes
Tube and pipe processing
AICON 3D Systems , part of Hexagon since 2016 , has launched its new TubeInspect , an update of its turnkey tube and wire inspection solution which is compatible with Industry 4.0 . The new TubeInspect range is available in four system configurations , including HRC versions boasting higherdefinition camera resolution for improved measurement functionality . These new ‘ highresolution camera ’ models will also deliver full automation capabilities , due to advances with version 7.0 of its BendingStudio software platform . BendingStudio 7.0 also delivers digital CAD-Adapters , allowing the accurate measurement of holders and fittings without mechanical adapters .
ALMA and ASCO DATA , two major European players in sheet metal / tube CAD / CAM software , with their head office in Grenoble ( France ) and subsidiaries in Blaubeuren and Bremen ( Germany ), have been part of a leading CAD / CAM software group since 2017 .
AKYAPAK Machinery offers profile bending capacity of up to HEB1000 and tube capacity of up to Ø610 x 30mm , as well as drillingcutting machines .
36 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR March 2021