Tube machinery
E-TURN: In-process right-hand and left-hand bending
E-TURN is the BLM GROUP family of all-electric tube bending systems known for their flexibility, speed and accuracy in making complex shaped parts. The family of machines comes in four models, for tubes up to 30, 35, 40 and 52 millimetres in diameter and in-process right-hand and left-hand bending: the systems are all-electric with fixed and variable multi-radius capabilities and integrated loading and unloading systems.
The E-TURN stands out among the BLM GROUP bending systems for the variety of applications it can successfully tackle to bend complex parts fast and accurately. In-process right-hand and left-hand bending, 15 “All-Electric” axes, integrated to automatic loading and unloading systems, the VGP3D programming system and the B_Tools and B_Right functions to get it right from the first part: these are the strengths of a system which can often succeed when the others simply give up.
Each of the two bend heads for in-process right-hand and left-hand operation can mount up to four tools for creating various fixed and variable bending radii. In many cases, this means that a variety of jobs can be performed without the need to change the tools between each one.
The clever bend head design is capable of applying up to 2000 kilograms of pressure making it possible to bend complex radii less than 1D, on tubes ranging from 6 to 52 millimetres (.250”- 2.0”) in diameter. Being able to modulate the torque during bending according to the clamping force means creating unblemished parts with perfect quality.
All machine movements, including the clamps, are controlled via CNC by means of electric axes to guarantee accuracy and repeatability. The tools are calibrated automatically using pre-stored parameters. This drastically saves setup and job changeover times.
The powerful 3D visual graphic programming system, VGP3D, is a key element of the E-TURN and, all BLM bending systems. The programmer can see the 3D simulation of the part being created simply by entering the bent tube’s geometric data. Once the data is entered, the part can be simulated to calculate real processing times and accurately check for collisions prior to bending the first part.
The B_Import option can be used to directly import 3D models in IGES or STEP format.
No rejects: the first part is good. With the B_Tools option the E-TURN system can store the elastic characteristics of a material to compensate for spring back and tube elongation automatically ensuring that the part is right from the first go. B_Right is a tool for automatically measuring spring back and tube elongation while processing. These values are stored and applied to the tube being processed.
The E-TURN bending system can be integrated in an ‘All-In-One’ process with a Lasertube system to generate accurate laser cut and bent parts. Data is exchanged between the systems to resolve and correct for the issues inherent to each technology such as tube elongation caused by bending.
Automatic tube loading and unloading are functions included in the E-TURN system operating logic. Loading or feeding systems can be positioned to either the right or left side of the machine. Finished parts can be unloaded by releasing them onto an exit conveyor.
The environment impact is very low: The E-TURN electrical consumption less than one tenth of a conventional hydraulic bender. It only draws electricity only when the axes are actually in use. The elimination of the hydraulic system means no need to dispose of waste oil and ensures very quiet operation.
High performance, extreme flexibility and high accuracy means that E-TURN can satisfy the demanding bending needs of a variety of industries: metal furniture components, complex automotive parts (such as exhaust manifolds), system components, bicycles, motorcycles and all sectors in general.
