FEATURE ON BENDING & FORMING

CAD enhanced for smart manufacturing

LVD has released a new version of its CADMAN programming and shop management software. The v8.5 release includes enhancements for every CADMAN module, such as an improved dashboard for more intuitive use, and extends the software’s integration capabilities to include the next generation of LVD’s Touch-P punch-press control, as well as non-LVD cutting and punching equipment.

Beyond its new look and feel, there are major updates such as improved bend solution identification in CADMAN-B bend CAM software, including tool pre-selection based on active catalogue(s). Furthermore, CADMAN-B is now available for use with LVD’s Synchro-Form press brakes. Synchro-Form is the next generation of adaptive bending system designed specifically for the forming of XXL profiles.
The company’s Touch-B control software, which can be used in combination with CADMAN-B, is also improved. Here, the time between
bending parts is now said to be optimised, resulting in a significantly higher press
brake speed.
CADMAN-L and CADMAN-P CAD/CAM software modules have been upgraded with advanced nesting capabilities for laser cutting and punching. New functions such as ‘minimal heat impact’ when finishing parts one by one, as well as material thickness defined parameters, ensure more smooth and automatic preparation for laser cutting. For punching, smart functionality such as ‘avoid hits with form tools’ and ‘punch with form tools last’ ensure reliable punching preparation. In the common module, parts can be detected automatically or manually in a multiple-part drawing.
Finally, CADMAN-SDI (Smart Drawing Importer), makes generating accurate cost estimates from imported CAD files easier and more accurate with a greater number of built-in cost drivers that help fabricators identify their indirect manufacturing costs.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com

Compact, ergonomic, productive press brake

Amada has unveiled its new compact press brake. The HFE-5012M2 is designed with user ergonomics and high productivity in mind when bending small parts of medium complexity. The machine provides 50 tonnes of bending force and a working width of 1270 mm.

HFE M2 5012, presse plieuse, prise de vues le 15 novembre 2017, usine de Chateau du Loir.
(photo by Patrick Berger)

Due to the performance of the upper beam, combined with the velocity and flexibility of the new back gauge, efficiency is said to be a primary attribute of the HFE-5012M2. The open height of the frame has been increased, resulting in an optimised solution for all tooling types, and allowing for deeper box bending. Furthermore, the new, narrower lower beam increases process flexibility and combines ergonomics with crowning precision, while the back gauge with active security provides both better productivity and safety with its high-speed motion yet low-impact force.
Amada’s HFE-5012M2 has been equipped with several features designed specifically to support the comfort of the operator, including: a reclining and adjustable table; an ergonomic chair with adjustable height and back-rest inclination; a retractable foot rest; six drawers (located at a convenient height) equipped with tooling and inserts; and a workplace lighting kit.
The HFE-5012M2 is the first in a series of bending machines developed to more carefully consider actual working environments, aiding the operator’s daily activity with the benefits of comfort and enhanced productivity.
For further information www.amada.co.uk

Alpha remains on track to double turnover

Alpha Manufacturing, one of the UK’s largest precision sheet metal fabricators, has acquired a TruBend Cell 7000 high-speed robotic bending cell from Trumpf. The investment helps keep the company on track to achieve its ‘2020 Vision’ – a five-year plan to double turnover by 2020.

“We have for some time admired the TruBend Cell 7000 from afar, but had resisted as all of our existing bending machines [press brakes] are from another supplier,” explains operations director Paul Clews. “However, with press brake skills becoming increasingly hard to source, we knew it made sense to look closely at more automated solutions. At first we considered press brakes with automatic tool changers, but these did not compare with the TruBend Cell 7000. In my opinion, there is nothing else like it on the market.”
Clews and his team performed due diligence on the TruBend Cell 7000 and found the company would have no problem filling three shifts, 24-7, so the purchase decision was made. The machine is now hard at work bending a multitude of different parts.
“In comparison with a standard press brake, we are achieving 30-40% more efficiency,” says Clews. “However, it’s also about the skill set available on the machine. We now have complete peace-of-mind that no parts will be bent incorrectly. Such has been its impact that in 12 months we may look at taking another. Machines like the TruBend Cell form part of our long-term vision to deskill and automate.”
For further information www.trumpf.com

Compact hybrid press brake

SafanDarley is adding a new machine to its Hybrid brake press range with a working length of 2050 mm. This model is available with a pressing force of 110 or 170 tonnes. According to the company, the machine is compact, fast and suitable for bending small, complex, thick sheet-metal parts.

Compared with traditional hydraulic brake presses, the introduction of the new machine significantly increases the pressing capacity for each available bending length. In turn, a wide range of possibilities are available for this machine concept. This brake press can, in fact, generate a pressing force of 110 and 170 tonnes across a bending length of approximately 2 m, making it suitable for companies with limited space. Furthermore, smaller, thick sheet-metal parts no longer have to be produced on excessively long brake presses, thus improving the efficiency and usability of the machinery.
The H Brake Hybrid is characterised by its novel hybrid concept; a combination of hydraulics and electronics. A servomotor with direct drive provides efficiency and speed, while hydraulics deliver the force and sustainability. The hybrid drive is only activated when the foot pedal is operated (the pump is stationary during the intervening period). Thanks to its dynamic Y axis, with approach and return speeds of 230 mm/sec, cycle times are achieved some 30% shorter than those of traditional hydraulic brake presses, says the company.
For further information www.safandarley.com

OKW is OK with Javelin MRP software

“We don’t do anything, anywhere in the business, without it being on Javelin.” Those are the words of Ian Cox, operations director at electronics housing manufacturer, OKW Enclosures Ltd.

“Javelin has played an absolutely vital role in getting the company to where it is today, and will remain crucial as we grow,” he adds. “As there are between 15,000 and 20,000 parts set up on Javelin across our five brands, we couldn’t run a business of this size without the information and control it gives us.”
The Fareham-based company has used Javelin and its forerunner, Jobshop, for more than 20 years, currently running the 2017 release.
“We updated our entire IT system in 2011, and now that we’ve also made a sea change to meet Javelin’s SQL database requirement, our philosophy is to work with the latest releases,” says Cox.
All shop-floor operations for manufacturing the company’s Metcase-brand enclosures are controlled with Javelin. The blanks are cut on two Murata Wiedermann CNC punch presses and then folded on Amada press brakes. Each part has a Javelin job card detailing every operation and drawing records. But before that stage, the software’s MRP system comes into play, providing precise control of all supply operations, addressing minimum stock levels and showing exactly what components need to be made.
Everything is also costed in Javelin, having been created on the system with a bill of materials and routing, which produces the standard costing.
“Modifications can be built
on to that, giving an accurate price for quotations,” says Cox. “And the standard costing is used in end-of-month stock and work-in-progress valuations.”
For further information www.javelin-mrp.com