FOCUS ON TUBEFORMING
The BLM ELECT 52 and E-TURN 32 add to Pendle Engineering ’ s tube bending capacity and improve efficiency with software systems and features such as laser hole alignment . compatible with Industry 4.0 requirements allowing them to be integrated not only with other BLM machines but also automation and other compatible technology ,” it added .
Productivity in focus
It is faster , the nesting capability brings a reduction in waste and we can cut more complex components
bending over many years so when it came to upgrading our 15 year-old tube laser it made sense to talk to them and put a bending and laser package together . A major advantage in doing that was the ability of the controls on the BLM benders and the Laser Tube to communicate with each other . The ease of use of BLM ’ s software and offline programming was also a significant factor . The less time a machine is idle , the better ,” he added .
The BLM Laser Tube LT-FIBER EVO is available with either a 2kW or 3kW fibre laser and the capacity to cut round tube of up to 152.4mm diameter or square tube up to 120 x 120mm section . Productivity is enhanced by the standard bundle loading facility which can handle up to 4000kg of material to a maximum length of 8.5 metres . BLM Group has also developed several patented technologies to maximise productivity .
“ These include a series of ’ Active-Tools ’, such as Active-Focus , which makes automatic adjustments to compensate for variations in material thicknesses . Active-Scan ensures accurate parts ( even with tubes that are poorly dimensioned ), Active-Speed adapts all the cutting data to achieve the highest quality cut at the highest output while Active-Pierce boosts piercing reliability and speed , especially on thicker materials ,” explained BLM .
“ The BLM Laser Tube LT-FIBER EVO machine ’ s cutting capabilities are enhanced by software systems from BLM Group . A range
Laser hole alignment .
of systems enhance production , including the patented Artube 3D CAD / CAM system which is designed to take users from concept to finished part as easily as possible . ProTube Express and Enterprise are also tools for production control , estimating and general management functions . All BLM systems are
The tube handling capability and Active-Tools further enhance performance .
“ We already seeing the benefits of increased productivity , even though we are not running at 100 per cent yet with the BLM Laser Tube LT-FIBER EVO . It is faster , the nesting capability brings a reduction in waste and we can cut more complex components yet the operation of the machine and software is much simpler , which will allow us to introduce a third shift , as and when required ,” said Chris Smith . “ We ’ re looking forward to fully understanding the potential capability and capacity before driving growth .”
The two new BLM tube benders completed the machine package and give additional capability to Pendle Engineering .
“ Our existing E-TURN 40 gave us good left- and right-hand bending capacity , but the new E-TURN 32 gives us greater flexibility for smaller diameter tube of up to 30mm in diameter , while the ELECT 52 provides a costeffective solution for tube of up to 50mm in diameter ,” commented Smith .
“ Bending is critical to what we do , so we need a reliable supplier for machines , service and support . In total , the investment in the BLM laser and tube benders was over £ 1- million and it was a big decision for us , but we are here for the long term . Having this capability ensures that we can catch any opportunities that come our way , especially as we talk to customers about reshoring and recovery from the pandemic . It was definitely a decision worth taking and we are already seeing business improving ,” he concluded . n
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