INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Electric sheet lifters for press brakes

Gasparini has introduced its new press-brake electric sheet lifters, which are completely controlled by the CNC. The lifters are available in single- or dual-axis versions, with optional interpolation for better sheet tracking and support.

In dual interpolated axis configuration, the device continuously follows the part during bending, reducing the risk of scratches and counterbends. A counterbend can occur during the bending of very large, heavy or thin plate. The overhang generates a torque that makes the sheet bend around the die edge under its own weight. To overcome this issue, the sheet lifter supports the plate during the entire bending cycle.
An optional optimisation of the bending process consists of raising the ram before lowering the sheet lifter. This operation avoids, in case of a U-shaped bend, the return flange getting caught on the punch. When the ram goes up, the plate is lifted and then falls down, with potential damage to the part, tools and operators.
Sheet lifters are available in two sizes, providing a torque of 600 or 1200 Nm for the largest and heaviest sheets. Parts that needed two operators, can now be bent by just one person, in complete safety and without physical strain. In many cases, the use of forklfts and overhead travelling cranes may also be reduced.
Extended stroke allows bending angles as closed as 70° to be achieved. Height can be adjusted from -30 to +170 mm, to match dies with openings as wide as 100 to 160 mm. The resting surface is equipped with ball transfers and allows the installation of several options such as brushes, anti-scratch cladding, rulers, adjustable stops and telescopic extensions.
For further information www.gasparini.it

Why invest in custom press brake tooling?

According to Wilson Tool, deciding whether or not to invest in special tooling for a particular job is likely to give any fabricator food for thought.

While it’s true that custom press-brake tooling can be more expensive and may require a bit more lead-time than standard tooling, there are also significant benefits over standard tool sets. For instance, custom press-brake tooling makes it possible to solve challenging bending and forming applications while reducing material handling, minimising set-up time and improving the quality of parts.
Working with a tooling manufacturer to determine the best way to form a part can result in a positive ROI in terms of increased productivity and fewer reject parts. Whether faced with a unique part design, the need to simplify a complex bend or improve press brake performance, tooling manufacturers have the experience and knowledge to help shops determine the best way to make a part.
Tooling manufacturers also understand there is more to improving press brake performance than simply reducing the amount of time or number of strokes it takes to form a part. For example, consider the process of forming a channel. With a standard punch and die set, forming a channel requires two strokes of the machine. In contrast, using a custom channel tool, it is possible to produce two bends in one stroke. While certainly reducing the amount of time it takes to produce a part, the added benefit of choosing a channel tool set is the consistency gained in the finished component. As the part is now produced in a single stroke, it only needs to be gauged or located once rather than twice. After all, every time a component needs to be repositioned, re-gauged or relocated is an opportunity for something to go wrong, increasing the likelihood of producing a reject part.
For further information www.wilsontool.com

Bystronic set to take over TTM Laser

Swiss sheet-metal equipment manufacturer Bystronic is to take over the Italian manufacturer of laser-based tube- and profile-cutting machines, TTM Laser SpA.

The move follows the strategic partnership jointly agreed by the two companies last November. Bystronic is thereby enhancing its existing range of technologies with the addition of 2D and 3D laser systems for cutting profiles and tubes from 12 to 815 mm in diameter, as well as with equipment for welding large-format metal sheets. Active on the market since 2001 and headquartered in Cazzago San Martino, TTM Laser has 40 employees and achieved a turnover of approximately €14m in 2017.
For further information www.bystronic.com

Five-axis portfolio expanded at 2D CNC

Available through UK distributor 2D CNC Machinery is the new German-built Alzmetall GS 1400/5-FTD five-axis bridge-type machining centre. The Alzmetall GS 1400/5-FTD is able to provide a complete in-cycle production sequence involving 3D turning, boring, milling, contour milling and five-sided machining on complex components, including those with customised gear forms.

High orders of precision, contouring form and geometry are aided by the machine’s patent-pending ‘4-Guideway System’, where the bridge is carried inside the structure of the GS 1400/5-FTD. The more traditional method is to mount the bridge on top of the side supports with just two guideways. Thanks to the 4-Guideway System, the machine is able to maximise the benefits of the latest control software technology.
By way of example, when producing customised gear tooth forms, such as those found on compact double helical, herringbone and bevel gears, the machine has the ability to automatically compensate for factors such as residual deviation found within the workpiece material. This compensation is achieved by utilising Heidenhain’s TNC640 control and its Load Adaptive Control (LAC) package. LAC is able to optimise control parameters and enable any possible deviations or minor errors in the cycle to be maintained within 10 µm.
Weighing in at 31,000 kg, the GS 1400/5-FDT machining centre has strokes of 1200 mm in X, 1300 mm in Y and 800 mm in Z, with a rapid traverse of rate of 82 m/min in each axis. Positional accuracy is within 5 µm. The A axis offers ±140°, while both swivel and rotary axes are powered by direct-torque drive motors delivering 30 m/min pivoting speeds.
An 82 kW, 14,000 rpm, 500 Nm spindle is supported by tool magazine options between 33 and 250 pockets.
For further information www.2dcnc.co.uk

High surface finishes on milled parts

The latest Mikron CrazyMill Cool tool available from Floyd Automatic Tooling made its exhibition debut at MACH.

Developed for milling small dimensions, the CrazyMill Cool Ball Z4 four-tooth finish-milling cutter with shank-integrated cooling is available in the diameter range of 1 to 8 mm for milling depths of up to 5xD. The tool is suitable for machining materials up to a hardness of 54 HRc, and its development has been focused on stainless steels, titanium, heat-resistant alloys and nickel and cobalt-chrome alloys. A flute angle of 30° is deployed on the shorter tools with 2xD cutting length, whereas longer versions have a progressive flute angle
from 30 to 40°.
For further information www.floydautomatic.co.uk