ISMR October 2021 | Page 82

FOCUS ON BENDING

THALMANN Maschinenbau AG , established in 1948 , is a Swiss equipment manufacturer that has become a market specialist in metal folding technology . It has made significant investments , over the past few years , in new capacity and an innovation pipeline , it told ISMR , focused on ‘ low operational costs ; high levels of accuracy on bent parts ; increased dimensional freedom to bend smaller angles ; higher levels of machine reliability ; safe operation and automation of the sheet metal bending process ’.
The company has been putting significant resources behind two new developments in long folding that aim to change the way that sheet metal processors operate their double folders . The prime benefit for sheet metal processors , it told ISMR , will be a significant reduction in manual labour and part manipulation using Thalmann TD and TC double folders .
The first development is a sheet metal loading unit which feeds sheets into the double folder . With the integrated sheet metal feed-in device , sheet metal is fed automatically , rapidly and flexibly into the machine . This can be done as a single or multiple sheet feed , from a stack of sheets up to 100mm high , or with material from a slitting and cut-to-length line .
Depending upon the length of the machine , the loading device can load several sheets onto the machine e . g . 4 x 2m sheets on an 8m machine , and these can subsequently be folded simultaneously . This unit is an option that can be added onto Thalmann TD and TC machines
The second development is a fully automated flipping device which turns the already folded part without any manual interference . The flipping operation is done by suction cups mounted on the upper folding beam in combination with the extendable folding table . Both developments aim to reduce the manual operation on a Thalmann TD and TC long folder , reducing cost and improving safety .
THALMANN TD double folder with automatic sheet metal feed-in device and automatic sheet metal flipping device .
Its latest innovation is an automatic part unloading unit for the folder , where finished parts are removed from the machine and conveyed to the folded parts buffer unit . They are then ready for easy removal . A major advantage of this innovative automation solution is the option to have the machine producing not just in full automation but also in semi-automation mode .
“ Within a few seconds , the entire unloading unit can be automatically folded away and ‘ parked ’ underneath the part buffer framework . The space between the double folder and the buffer unit is therefore freed again for the operator and orders can be processed without the use of full automation ,” the Swiss folding specialist explained .
The TD double folder range can be custom designed to optimise throughput , automate sheet loading and increase operational efficiencies . The maximum bending capacity is up to 2.5mm at 400N / mm ². The standard throat depth is 1250mm and the standard length of the machines can vary from 3.2 metres to 12 metres . Different machine lengths can be custom produced upon request .
THALMANN ’ s product portfolio is based around three core products for folding sheet metal up to 3mm . The THALMANN TZ single
Simplex folding technology from SWI Machinery . folder is suitable for roofers and architectural applications . The TD double folder is suitable for roofers , architectural applications and industrial processes that require high throughput . The TC double folders are suitable for heavy-duty folding of 3mm sheets at high processing speeds .
Within this product portfolio THALMANN offers a wide range of solutions , from fully automated flipping and sideloading units to a fully automated and integrated slitting , feeding and folding line : “ The Base ”, offered in cooperation with Cidan Machinery group .
Australian manufacturer , SWI Machinery , offers a range of folders .
“ Our Simplex folder is fast , simple and flexible enough to be used by the most inexperienced , as well as the most experienced , operators ,” it told ISMR . “ Barcode scanning and integration with the ShopLink & eBend app is available and the machine boasts a recessed fold apron geometry with 23 ” touch-screen controller . A sleek clamp and apron design eliminates catch points when folding flashings and slitter light curtains provide positive finger detection during slitter operations ,” it explained .
SWI ’ s range includes Simplex and Duplex folders ; Marxman slitters ; integrated cutto-length lines ; uncoilers ; recoilers ; multistation uncoilers ; rollformers and complete customised process lines . Its customers include the world ’ s largest roofing companies as well as hundreds of family-owned enterprises around the globe . SWI ’ s latest model Duplex folder incorporates dozens of advancements in control and mechanical design .
“ Our Duplex folders are built for speed and durability . When designing the Duplex , we listened to what our customers wanted from an up & down folder . We listened to what they didn ’ t like about other machines on the market ,” it added .
UK-based Warco offers a range of small bending machines and folders for sheet metal applications , including box and pan folders ; a 3-in-1 universal sheet metal machine and mini slip rolls for sheet metal . n
82 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR October 2021