FOCUS ON TUBE FORMING
Unison ’ s Synergy hybrid multi-stack model .
Car exhaust catalytic converter from a TT Engineering line .
Developed in collaboration with storagesystem manufacturer STOPA , the new solution automatically transfers tubes from the storage system to the tube-cutting machine . This reduces non-productive time and is designed to boost overall productivity on the shop floor .
“ The new method also makes it quicker to switch between different materials and offers economical processing whatever the batch size . It is available today for new TruLaser Tube 7000 fiber machines from TRUMPF and can also be retrofitted to existing machines . The automated system is suitable for tubes of up to 8.05 metres in length ,” explained TRUMPF .
Italian manufacturer , TT Engineering , produces stand-alone machines , semiautomatic systems , fully automatic lines and solutions for the production of pipes . It has launched a new cutting unit , re-designed to meet the latest requirements of the market . Working with a laser source , its new standalone TOP cuts pipes with diameters up to 400 and 500mm , with a thickness range from 0.4 to 3mm and a maximum pipe length of 1,550mm . The TOP-S version processes tube diameters of up to 600mm and the TOP-S XL processes tube diameters of up to 770mm .
Its 3D pipe cutting machines have been developed to cut pipes with diameters up to 820mm by laser technology . It also offers a wide range of pipe-end forming machines . They are produced in two versions ; either stand-alone or integrated into robotised lines .
Tubela Engineering offers a range of tubing bender tools and tube working equipment . It supplies hand-operated portable machines and heavy-duty tube bender equipment ( like steel tube benders or hydraulic benders ). Some of the main types of tube benders that it stocks are hand tubing benders , metal conduit benders , hand / electric hydraulic tube benders ; electric rotary tube benders and CNC tube / pipe benders .
In 1995 , Unison Ltd developed three ‘ allelectric ’ tube bending machines with 20mm , 40mm and 65mm tube capacity . The very first machine went into service in 1996 and is still in production . Since then , it has increased the range to cover tubes from 4mm to 180mm diameter with the ‘ all-electric ’ technology capable of running machines of over 275mm . Available in single-stack , multi-stack and right / left varieties , Unison machines are delivered to more than 20 countries .
It recently launched a new version of its free Tube Bending Application app . The app is designed to make it simple and straightforward for tube bending machinery operators to establish the required tooling type , mandrel style , size and material , as well as bend torque and machine size . As an additional benefit , a clear , simple indication of ‘ application difficulty ’ – the difficulty of bending virtually any metal , wall thickness and diameter – is also provided .
“ Where customers are looking to bend new components or start new projects , but do not have the correct tooling or machinery , the app provides a valuable feasibility / viability check , detailing essential data regarding the equipment they will need to use ,” explained Unison .
Unison machines on show at FABTECH 2022 included an all-electric Unison Breeze Twin Head tube bender and one of the company ’ s new ‘ Synergy ’ hybrid multi-stack models . In addition to showcasing several of its CNC machine tool technologies at
Unison ’ s bending app .
FABTECH , Unison also used the event to launch Opt2Sim Tube , the latest addition to its Opt2Sim tube simulation software suite .
With the opportunity to benefit from speed enhancements of up to 25 per cent , depending upon the component being bent , Unison ’ s recently upgraded Unibend CNC also caught the attention of some FABTECH delegates .
Opt2Sim tube bending simulation software uses machine and component data to provide a precise , virtual insight into the tube bending process before a single part is bent . Users can drag and drop STEP files into the software program and extract tube data instantly . Parts can also be drawn by simply entering XYZ or YBC coordinates and viewed in 3D . Bend data is converted into printable reports and individual tube data can be extracted .
Officially launched at the UK ’ s MACH machine tool show last year , Unison ’ s new Synergy machines combine electric and hydraulic operation with high levels of control . Developed for organisations that carry out
ISMR May 2023 | ismr . net | 55