PRODUCT REVIEWS
Opt2Sim tube simulation software launch
Visitors to FABTECH booth C10217 were able to discover the latest all-electric and hybrid tube-bending machines from Unison Ltd ., a pioneer in all-electric tube manipulation . Unison , known for its control systems and advanced tube simulation software , used the event to launch Opt2Sim Tube ( the latest addition to its Opt2Sim software suite ). Delegates visiting Unison ’ s FABTECH booth also had the chance to win one of several Opt2Sim Tube software licenses .
“ In developing Opt2Sim Tube , our goal was to offer a tube simulation product that would make it simpler and more straightforward than ever before to create virtual parts ready for bending data to be uploaded to the bending machine ,” commented Unison Ltd ’ s joint managing director , Alan Pickering .
“ In Opt2Sim Tube , we give users the ability to 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 quickly converted into printable reports and individual tube data can also be extracted . Opt2Sim Tube is also incredibly intuitive ,” he continued .
Unison ’ s new Opt2Sim Tube software sits within the company ’ s wider Opt2Sim suite of 3D simulation software programs . Created for
‘ Design to Manufacture ’ production strategies , 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 .
Products within the Opt2Sim software suite include a version where both CAD modelling capability and control engine are used to not only provide accurate simulation , but also enhanced collision detection . Simulated bending takes place on an exact CAD representation of the Unison Breeze or Synergy machine that will be used .
Additional options include advanced Artificial Intelligence ( to find a solution to complex tube geometry , or whenever a potential collision between tube and machine is simulated ), processing multiple files ( Opt2Sim WPS Work Processing System allows multiple users to batch process multiple parts at once ) and rapid scanning of tube geometry .
Opt2Sim Tube Scan is an advanced tubemeasurement tool . Opt2Sim Tube Scan provides rapid scanning of physical tube geometry and extraction of tube data , and incorporates ‘ Compare to Master ’ and intuitive functions if corrections are required .
“ Unison Opt2Sim makes importing and extracting tube data easy and offers stepped software enhancements that take simulating the bending process , creating batch files and scanning tube coordinates to the next level . It provides users with a complete end-toend solution , from taking 3D STEP files to bending tube within a single software suite . Opt2Sim Tube Scan takes the functionality of measurement software further than ever before ,” added Pickering .
Unison Ltd is a leading manufacturer of tube and pipe-bending machines . Available in single-stack , multi-stack and right / left varieties , Unison machines are delivered to more than 20 countries globally . Its tube-bending software is designed as a user-friendly control system for tube-bending machines . The software is written and supported by Unison . n
. unisonltd . com
Precision slitting line
CAMU Srl was set up in 1980 by two young brothers and entrepreneurs from Vicenza , Italy ; Loris Basso and Fabio Basso . In over four decades , the company has become a specialist in the construction of slitting and cut-to-length lines , thanks to continuous innovation .
“ An important service centre recently commissioned us to build a precision slitter for high-strength steels and stainless steel , with strengths of up to 650N / mm ², material thicknesses of 0.2-3mm , material widths of 2050mm and speeds of 200m / minute . This slitting line , customised to specific needs , has achieved the goal of efficiency , productivity and quality of the slit coils ,” said CAMU .
The slitting line features a loading coil car ; decoiler ; paper rewinder ; sliding base , snubber roll holder ; telescopic peeler ; pinch roll ; crop shear ; edge guide ; PVC applicator ; circular shear and automatic blade change . The consolidated CAMU system for automatic change of the cutting set is designed to ensure speed , ease of execution of the operation , productivity and comfort for the operator .
The mobile shoulder of the shear can be opened at 90 °; a hydraulic transfer arm allows the rapid expulsion and introduction of the blade set from the shear to the four-arm unloading turnstile ( each equipped with two shafts for engagement in the shear arbours ) to facilitate cutting formation composition .
“ The braking unit with mobile frame , with the option of semi-automatic and automatic operation , enables high levels of efficiency , productivity and flexibility . Below there are press rollers ; a scrap recoiler ; tables for looping ; separator shafts and a tensioner with felt and rolls , which keep the sliding strips in counter-stretch to enable perfect rewinding of the strip ( without scratching the surface ),” outlined the coil-processing specialist .
“ After the tensioner is positioned : an oil separator ; deflector rollers ; recoiler ; separator shaft ; coil expulsion plate ; paper decoiler ; four-arm unloading carousel and unloading L-shaped coil car , equipped with a pressure arm to keep the coils in place , swing into action . Off-line strapping allows rapid restart of the slitter . A high level of automation completes the supply of the new line , together with advanced control systems ,” it added .
CAMU is present in five continents and 97 countries . It has supplied over 730 installed lines . For over 42 years , it has aimed to supply “ the complete coil experience ”. n
114 | ismr . net | ISMR November 2022