Lightweight bending tools simplify set up

The manual installation of upper tools in bending machines can be difficult and time-consuming as the tools themselves are heavy.

By the same token, heavy tools can also be a health and safety concern, especially if the job has multiple different bending requirements.
With new, patented lightweight tools from Trumpf, these problems no longer apply. The tools are over 30% lighter than the previous generation of Trumpf tools and, indeed, claim to be the lightest on the market.
All of the new tools up to 300 mm in length are also fitted with the Trumpf Safety-Click mechanism. As a result, the physical effort involved in installing the tools is considerably reduced which, in turn, leads to shorter set-up times.
These new additions to the Trumpf range are included in the new bending tool catalogue, which is available by email request from tooling@uk.trumpf.com or as a PDF download from the company’s website. As well detailing all the products in the range, the publication includes several tips and tricks from Trumpf bending experts.
For further information www.trumpf.com

Software cuts bending time by 50%

When one of the UK’s largest laser-profiling and fabrication subcontractors wanted to enhance its CADCAM capabilities for press-braking operations, the company turned to Amada UK. Duly acquiring Amada’s Production Designer CAD and VPSS 3i BEND software suites, the company has reduced its press braking cycle times by up to 50%.

Since its foundation in 2000, SSC Laser Cutting has grown to become a major UK force in precision laser profiling and fabrication, today operating across three manufacturing sites in Stafford, Derby and Bristol, with plans to expand in the northeast and northwest. Although using an array of Amada press brakes, including two HFE-130 M2 machines, a HFE-8025 model, and a HD-1703 long-stroke machine, until recently SSC had been restricted by the use of basic CADCAM software.
“To be honest, the software capability for our press brakes was a little old school,” admits SSC’s group production manager Julian Till. “It was slow and not enough information would reach the press brake operator, which in turn would lead to occasional incorrect developments.”
SSC reviewed the market for CADCAM software that would be able to streamline the press-braking process.
“We’ve had Amada press brakes for many years, and although we looked at other options, it was apparent that using Amada software was the way to go,” says Till. “The amount of time saved varies as no two projects are the same, however, with the use of Production Designer CAD and VPSS 3i BEND software, production time can be reduced by up to 50%. We simply bring in the parts, pop in the tool and away we go.”
SSC Laser Cutting now has three seats of Production Designer and VPSS 3i BEND, one for each production site.
For further information www.amada.co.uk

Press brake will make aero parts

LVD says it has been awarded an order from Japanese technology company, Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), via sales agent Itochu Machine-Technos Corp, for its Synchro-Form adaptive bending technology.

The KHI order is for a custom-built, 1000-ton class of Synchro-Form press brake equipped with special tooling to produce large panels for commercial aircraft fuselage structures. Forming such large components to a desired contour is a challenging task and one that will be simplified with Synchro-Form, which maintains angular consistency and the required geometric profile, says LVD. The machine also enables in-process automatic quality control when handling, positioning and bending large parts with multiple bends.
KHI is a key production partner for the Boeing 777X, the successor to Boeing’s popular 777 aircraft. Boeing says that the 777X will be the largest and most efficient twin-engine jet in the world.
LVD’s Synchro-Form press brake meets the tight tolerance requirements demanded of the KHI application and the need for complete automation. The order was awarded to LVD after several bending trials where strict accuracy measurements were satisfied. LVD says that the Synchro-Form press brake will be manufactured at its production facility in Belgium.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com

Why choose a steelworker?

The design of Morgan Rushworth hydraulic steelworkers is said to include many time-saving features which may not be apparent at first glance. As steelworkers have developed over time, a number of features have evolved to maximise the potential of these versatile machines.

These include optional flat-bar bending unit attachments. Many steelworkers see years of use for punching, shearing and cropping with the rectangular notch station barely being used. A more productive option for a number of users is to specify a new machine with an optional flat-bar bending attachment that can be mounted in place of the standard rectangular notch unit; these can also be retrofitted to many existing models.
Further developments of note include angle flange trim. Although many customers use the angle shearing station to crop angle iron to 45° to form a frame, not everyone is aware that for smaller sizes of angle, only one flange can be trimmed in the flat bar shear station. If one flange is sheared at 45°, utilising the notch provided in the flat-bar shear hold-down, then a frame can be manufactured with a ready-made weld prep on the outside of the angle.
Another feature worthy of mention is flat bar end bevelling. Using a different slot in the shear station hold-down, the ends of small flat bars can be offered up to the shear blades at an angle, allowing a partial shearing across the end of the bar, leaving a small bevel for a weld prep.
In addition, there are many different uses for a hydraulic steelworker, which can also be fitted with a multitude of special tools and attachments to suit special applications.
For further information www.morganrushworth.com

Tools feature magnetic safety system

Mate has expanded its press-brake tooling line with the introduction of American Precision Style tools featuring the new patent-pending Maglock magnetic safety system. Compatible with press-brake laser and optical safety systems, this full line of punches and dies is designed for press brakes configured with American-style holders and available in lengths from ½” to 18”.

Maglock uses rare-earth magnets to attach and seat the punch to the holder with no separation between the surfaces. The magnets are specifically and proportionally added along the punch shoulder so that the ‘up force’ of the magnet is localised and directed at the contact surface of the punch holder.
Safe and reliable, installation of a Maglock punch always results in the shoulder seating on to the holder, says Mate. The strong yet balanced Maglock connection is also said to simplify lateral (left or right) position adjustments. Once the punches are seated in the desired position, the holder clamping system must be engaged. Maglock does not claim to be and is not intended to be a replacement for the holder clamping system.
Unlike punches with mechanical designs (buttons, springs or pins) that become unsafe to use if the mechanism is damaged or missing, Maglock’s non-mechanical concept works safely all the time. Mate punches with Maglock offer additional safety if electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic power to the brake is cut off or damaged. In lengths over 4”, the design includes a lever to facilitate punch removal.
The reversible/symmetrical punch tang design enables the punch to be installed facing forward or backward.
For further information www.mate.com