Hacois introducing new bending software, HacoBend Pro,which includes both an in-house developed CAD module and CAM software. With the CAD software, users can draw 3D parts for bending or import and modify external files (STEP/IGS) smoothly and accurately. The CAM module automatically generates a bending program and a correct unfolding of the workpiece.

HacoBend Pro is a software package for the offline programming of press brakes. Through a highly visual easy-to-use interface, Haco says that users can create efficient bending programs in a simple and fast way, allowing operation of the machine in a more optimal way. A smart and fast bend sequence calculation with automatically generated back-gauge positions and an optimised tool set-up contribute to faster machine set-up and cycle times.
In addition, a correct unfolding of the sheet takes into account the type of material and tool selection.

With the integrated CAD module, it is possible to create technically correct bent 3D parts, taking into account the correct bending radii and the required corner cut-outs. Thanks to HacoBend Pro, the company says that users can enjoy greatly reduced programming times, minimised set-up times and right-first-time components.

New features in the HacoBend Pro include: an easy-to-use interface; bend sequence determination with automatic back-gauge calculation; optimised tool set-up; suitability for special bends such as Z bends; dynamic simulation; a user-friendly CAD module for both 2D and 3D design; and correct unfolding in DXF.

Throughout the entire process, the operator/setter receives assistance in selecting tooling, calculating an optimal bending sequence and positioning the back-gauge.
For further information www.kingsland.com

Around 400 km of tube, 52,000 individual pieces, are installed in a single cruise ship: this is the sheer quantity that the Meyer Werft tube centre manufactures for every ship that Meyer Werft in Papenburg launches. Here, the German shipbuilder is once again relying on two new machines from Schwarze-Robitec. The machines ensure fast, safe and high-quality processing of tubes of various dimensions due to the use of multi-stack tooling, which eliminates a major part of the time-consuming tool-change process.

For more than 17 years, the Papenburg shipbuilder has relied on the tube bending machines from Schwarze-Robitec. Now, the tube bending expert has put two new machines into operation at Meyer Werft: a CNC 100 HD MW bends steel and stainless steel tubes with diameters ranging from 42.2 to 88.9 mm, while a CNC 220 HD MW handles the 114 to 219 mm range.

Both machines are equipped with a so-called five-stack tool tower in the respective diameter range, which allows the majority of the tools to remain set up simultaneously thanks to the multi-level tool design. It is thus possible to bend tubes of different diameters and wall thicknesses without changing tools.

Components such as the pressure die and clamping jaws, as well as the massive bending former, are very large and heavy for the tubes required by the shipbuilding industry. Changing by crane costs time and energy and involves quality risks for the bending outcome, as the tool needs re-adjustment each time. Only the bending mandrel and the collet inserts in the index head require changing by Meyer Werft for a different tube size. The company therefore benefits from enormous setup time savings and a steady, consistently high-quality bending result.
For further information www.schwarze-robitec.com

Following the success of Amada’s ATC press brakes, with more than 1000 units installed globally, Amada has expanded its proprietary ATC technology to its mid-range line-up for the first time. Previously only available on high-end press brakes such as the Amada HG-ATC and its predecessor the HD-ATC, the new Amada HRB-ATC mid-range model features a full size ATC, offering exactly the same number of tool storage racks as the company’s HG-ATC.

The new machine comes with a package of Amada tools based on an assessment of the customer’s manufacturing requirements. Importantly, the HRB-ATC is completely compatible with Amada AFH/Promecam standard tool sets. As a result, any existing customer using these tools can load them manually to the new machine if desired.

A CNC press brake with ATC capability brings many advantages to companies that want to increase the amount of time their machine is engaged in actual bending activities. The ATC can reduce set-up times by up to 80% in comparison with an operator loading a tool manually, which is a clear benefit for subcontractors or companies that undertake several tool layout changes a day. Additionally, while the ATC is functioning, the operator can simultaneously complete other tasks, increasing overall efficiency.

The presence of the ATC and its rapid set-up potential makes the new press brake particularly ideal for those processing small batch sizes. Subcontract fabricators serving markets such as refrigeration, kitchen equipment, retail display, furniture and construction, for instance, will certainly benefit, reports Amada.

Customer advantages also arrive from the reverse punch system. Amada says that its ATC is the only solution on the market that can reverse tools automatically.
For further information www.amada.eu