Robots as tube bending machines?
How automation can be improved and handling
concepts can provide specific benefits
The trend towards flexibility in machining
processes with a high degree of automation
is still clearly enduring in many sectors.
Nonetheless, with all the innovative strength
and performance power of such systems, we
still have the question: When and how does it
make sense to automate? And, is the robot a
means to an end or the deciding factor? applications, the focus is on cost reduction for
a process. Because a great deal of ‘know-how’
is required to be able to leverage the optimum
results from the machining components through
to operation”, explains Stefanie Flaeper.
Stefanie Flaeper, Managing Director at Transfluid,
has the answers. The specialists for high-tech
tube processing equipment have already been
developing their ‘t motion’ solution for process
automation for many years and for a great
variety of application areas. “Of course, with all
the enthusiasm for automation there is always
the question of benefits. Because the reasons
for deciding to go for an automated process,
are certainly diverse. Sometimes the objective
is to achieve process capability and quality
independent of the operator. In other sectors or Transfluid can rely on their wide product range
for the realisation of the individually developed
manufacturing cells. With the integration of well-
proven technologies for tube bending or forming,
the automation options are always consistently
exploited. For example, if it is necessary to cut at
the start, Transfluid’s chipless orbital tube cutter
provides a tidy route for direct further processing.
As a result, it is possible to carry out forming
processes at the end of the tube and bending pre-
formed tubes, for example, without any delays.
TN JULY 2017
The question of suitable handling
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