FOCUS ON TUBE FORMING or rotary draw bending , are used to form the workpiece 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 . Freeform-bending 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 at the end of the process . In addition , the tube end-forming process can provide improved tube strength , better connectivity between components and improved sealing capabilities .
In Part One of this article , we highlight a selection of some of the latest global tube and pipe processing innovations , including cutting and bending . They have been listed in alphabetical order ( A-N ), with Part Two of this article ( alphabetical listings O-Z ) appearing in the April issue of ISMR .
The tube end-forming process can provide improved tube strength , better connectivity between components and improved sealing capabilities
Tube and pipe processing
AICON 3D Systems , part of Hexagon since 2016 , offers TubeInspect , an update of its turnkey tube and wire inspection solution which is compatible with Industry 4.0 . Powered by the BendingStudio XT software platform , a TubeInspect system can become the central hub for controlling and analysing the entire tube production process .
The TubeInspect range is available in four system configurations , the industrial-sized P16.2 model and the smaller P8.2 ( both of which are available in a high-end HRC – highresolution camera – version ). The TubeInspect P8.2 models are suited for tubes of less than 1000 millimetres long from end-to-end and with a maximum diameter of 125mm . TubeInspect P16.2 models can measure tubes less than up to seven metres long and with a maximum diameter of 200mm .
The platform also delivers full automation capabilities , with high-resolution models ready for complete integration as the quality
Akyapak profile processing .
assurance step within a larger robotic tube production cell . There is also an option to measure end holders and fittings with CAD- Adaptors through image analysis , rather than with mechanical adaptors .
Alma ’ s AlmaCAM 3D / Tube software is dedicated to the programming of all 3D cutting machines and robots . The software pilots all tube and profile cutting installations : 3- , 4- or 5-axis machines with one or more mandrels and robotised cells for tube and profile cutting . It covers all programming process steps : CAD import or modelling of tubes and profiles , management of manufacturing orders , automatic nesting of tubes or profiles plus creation and automatic scheduling of trajectories with generation of ISO codes .
Akyapak Machinery offers profile bending and tube-cutting systems , as well as drillingcutting machines . Its portfolio includes plate / profile rolling and tube-bending machines . Its ABM range of tube and pipe bending machines includes the ABM-E25 all-electric system .
Portuguese manufacturer , AMOB , offers a comprehensive range of tube-bending machines . Its right and left fully electric CNC tube-bender eMOB series processes tube from 6mm up to 52mm OD and has multi-stack capability . Machines are divided into
Alma ' s AlmaCAM 3D / Tube software .
two different concepts ; eMOB 2Bend series , which changes bending direction using a rotative head , and the eMOB LR Series which positions automatically and in cycle in a right and left bending configuration . The eMOB series fully electric tube bending machines can be integrated into fully automatic cells , with AMOB 3D software .
The AMOB team developed a fully automated cell based on the eMOB 100 model that bends tubes of up to Ø100mm with integrated high-precision magnetic welding detection , automatic tube feeding , robot unloading and even automatic palletising . The eMOB Super Heavy-Duty Series fully electric tube-bending machines can bend tubes of up to 225mm in diameter .
Autopulit showcased its “ centre-less ” machine for grinding and polishing round tube and bar at the EuroBLECH 2022 exhibition in Hanover , Germany . It has three working units as well as loading / unloading tables . Innovations included an HMI with touch-screen interface and gull wing doors for easy front and rear access .
At EuroBLECH 2022 in Hanover , Germany , BLM Group showcased its LT8.20 Lasertube system with a 3D laser-cutting head for standard and special section tubes from 12-240mm in diameter .
Image : Kayseri processed section .