PRODUCT REVIEWS
Stamping and forming
Bihler will introduce its new LM 2000-KT and LM 2000-NC linear machines at the EuroBLECH sheet metal exhibition in Hanover , Germany ( Hall 27 , stand E104 ). These two machine platforms offer an array of new manufacturing dimensions using highly standardised , linear tool technology .
The LM 2000-KT and LM 2000-NC are the latest developments in Bihler ’ s portfolio of stamping and forming machines . These are linear machine tools that use cams or servo units in the production of stamped and formed parts from strip material . The LM 2000-KT is designed for use in medium- and large-size batches , while the LM 2000-NC is for smalland medium-sized batches .
“ Where classic mechanical stamping and forming machines are limited to the use of only individual tools , the LM 2000-KT and the LM 2000-NC are fully tool-compatible with standard linear tools — such as LEANTOOL Linear — or with parts from LEANTOOL Linear , or with the user ’ s linear tool standard ,” outlined Bihler .
“ This standardisation capability will benefit manufacturers who , for example , are producing medium-sized quantities of a job on the GRM-NC , but who now have to deliver higher volumes ,” explained managing director , Mathias Bihler . “ In accordance with the ‘ plug & produce ’ concept , the manufacturer can
simply transfer their stamping and forming tool , one-to-one , to the LM 2000-KT , and then immediately continue production .”
Standard interfaces , along with quick toolclamping capabilities on the LM 2000-KT and the LM 2000-NC , are designed for rapid and safe set-up , with 100 % reproducible results .
The LM 2000-KT and the LM 2000-NC are designed to offer a wide range of applications and capability in stamping , forming and coining , while using “ the simplest and most essential ” basic machine configuration . The integral design of the compact machine body contains the infeed module ; the press module ; three forming modules ( cam- or servocontrolled ) and two central mandrels .
The machine body also contains the electrical hardware for the machine , the drive elements and the VC 1 control system . If needed , the LM 2000-KT and the LM 2000-NC can also be expanded to add up to five forming modules or to add welding , thread-forming and screw-joining processes .
“ For added value , corresponding process
New LM 2000-KT linear machine for the production of stamped and formed parts made from strip material in medium and large batch sizes ( image : Bihler ).
modules can be seamlessly integrated into the basic machines and into the production sequence . A total machining length of 2,000mm is available on the machine plate , enabling fast set-up and rapid changeover ,” added Mathias Bihler .
Meusburger standard cutting frames , types SBH and SBP , can be used in the standardised press installation space . Sensors that are integrated into all machine and processing components offer the possibility of predictive maintenance . All machining units are connected to a circulating oil lubrication system , and the use of direct drives offers more energy-efficient parts production . n
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Automated material storage and retrieval
BLM Group USA has announced its new automated tube storage and retrieval solution that fully integrates with the company ’ s tube-laser systems , using special cassettes that can be loaded directly inside the machine . The storage system automatically retrieves the correct material , bringing the material to the machine where it is automatically loaded .
When jobs are complete , the system will automatically remove the used cassette with any remaining stock placed back into the tower . It automatically checks the stock level and updates the warehouse management software . Automating these tasks helps to improve workplace safety and productivity by reducing the amount of downtime caused by moving raw material between jobs or restocking unused materials .
For additional flexibility , BLM Group offers a second retrieval system style for use with a central warehouse . The required bundle is automatically extracted from the storage tower and staged near the machine in a queue for either crane or forklift
Automated storage solution .
loading . This system is suitable , said the company , for manufacturers who have older legacy machines which can ’ t use the fully automated system .
“ In the past , tube lasers have featured integrated bundle loading -- which always required the use of overhead cranes or forklifts for loading raw material -- and finished-part unloading systems . Given the variable tube specifications ( such as length , profile shape , size and weight of
raw material ) automating this process is more difficult than in a 2D application . Additionally , with tube stock , maintaining a stable tube position during movements and separating the tubes is challenging . Despite these issues and some potential limitations , automating the storage and retrieval functions will increase manufacturing efficiency for tubular components , as well as improving workplace safety . As in the flat-sheet industry , as soon as an automated system is created , the possibilities and configurations are almost limitless ,” explained BLM Group USA .
The Group has a 60 + year history of providing solutions for tube and pipeprocessing , as well as manufacturing sheet laser-cutting systems for the past 30 years . Its portfolio includes flat sheet , tube and 5-axis laser cutters ; tube benders ; pressbrakes and tube end-forming , cutting , sawing and turning solutions . n