3-RUNNER, SMART, E-FORM: roll bending, with mandrel

When processing thin tube, the technological requirements (average radius, diameter, thickness) become more rigid and aesthetic requirements higher therefore the integration of various systems can be the solution. At INTUBE XVII we will display a full machining process starting from the coil, bending with core and performing a final shaping. 3-RUNNER, SMART and E-FORM, three systems working in a single process, a specific example of integration between the various metal tube machining technologies.

Levico Terme September 18, 2017. In various sectors, manufacturing quality bends (with the help of a mandrel) using a small size tube starting from the roll is a requirement. For many years, BLM has provided an efficient answer with dedicated applications that integrate the use of multiple systems in sequence. At INTUBE XVII, we will present a specific example of starting from a roll, the copper tube is straightened, shaped on one end, cut to measure, curved and shaped on the other end. This process is another example of the All-In-One concept. It reflects the extensive knowledge BLM GROUP has over all metal tube machining technologies and the ability to integrate them in a single efficient process that focuses the finished piece and not the individual machining steps.

The process: three machines working in parallel

The 3‑RUNNER systems feeds the tube from the roll, straightens it, performs shaping of the first end, cuts it to measure and automatically feeds the loader of the tube bender.

SMART, multi-radius tube bender, right and left in process, performs a bend with mandrel, automatically unloading the piece on a conveyor belt.

E-FORM performs the shaping of the other end of the tube according to the typical tolerances in the automotive sector.

The solution proves extremely efficient from various points of view. The parallelization of some work stages on various systems allows optimizing the cycle time and reduce the piece cost. The ability to work from a coil, also allows optimizing the consumption of material. Finally, all machining is integrated into a single process which simplifies logistics, removing all intermediate steps, eliminating the transfer of the piece to other devices, eliminating intermediate material stocks, ensuring maximum repeatability and quality of production.