Tube bending CNC machines
4th Quarter 2011
Other technologies
Smiths Manufacturing, a manufacturer and assembler of components for the automotive industry, needed new high performance tube bending equipment to enhance capacity at its Durban facility. Italian tube bending specialist Crippa, represented locally by First Cut, provided the solution.
The installation, a Crippa CA520, is a tube bending CNC machine with five electric axes and the capability of bending tubes from 6 to 20 mm in diameter. Crippa technicians were brought out to the site for the installation, with support from First Cut’s technical team.
“This machine has a double bending head, making it possible to bend tubes with a complex left and right hand bend requirement, within a single load cycle,” says Alain Lamusse, project engineering manager at Smiths. “Every component is distinctive, with each aluminium tube needing to be specially bent for specific applications.” The CA520 is now an integral part of Smiths’ production line of pipes and hoses for motor air conditioning systems, which make use of hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical control systems.
From left: Henry Frandsen, managing director, First Cut; Andre Patrick, senior project engineer, Smith’s Manufacturing; Alain Lamusse, engineer manager, Smith’s Manufacturing
Other enhancements include a quick change tooling configuration that reduces time lost during tooling changeover and part setup, and a faster operating speed. The Crippa CA series also offers new levels in accuracy. “These bending machines make use of the latest high-tech developments in the utilisation of single components, and this leads to the accuracy, performance and reliability levels that Smiths is looking for,” adds Lamusse. The machines also have a built in facility allowing for automatic loading and unloading of raw materials.
For more information contact Andrew Poole, First Cut, +27 (0)11 614 1112, [email protected], www.firstcut.co.za
Further reading:
Next-generation motor management solution
Schneider Electric South Africa
News & events Other technologies
Schneider Electric has launched its TeSys Tera motor management solution in the West African market, combining advanced motor protection, digital connectivity and real-time diagnostics for manufacturing, mining and water applications.
Read more...
From concept to execution, unlocking renewable energy
Other technologies
Businesses already understand the benefits of renewable energy, however, as renewable energy solutions become more sophisticated, successful implementation requires a structured decision-making process that aligns technology choices with business objectives.
Read more...
Smarter, more secure electricity networks
Other technologies
As South Africa accelerates the rollout of smart prepaid electricity metering, innovative enclosure technology from PPS is helping utilities improve network security, reduce electricity theft and protect critical electrical infrastructure.
Read more...
Siemens launches SIMATIC AX WinCC Unified Elements
Pneumatic systems & components Other technologies
New engineering tool speeds automation application development, reducing the time required to bring industrial projects to market and empowering automation engineers to build, manage version control, and deploy visualisation engineering projects
Read more...
Decoupling software from hardware for future-proofed process automation
Schneider Electric South Africa
Other technologies
Legacy systems continue to perform admirably; the dilemma is that systems like PLCs, DCS (distributed control systems), SCADA and field devices were designed for deterministic, long-term operations.
Read more...
Duplex worm gears for precision backlash adjustment
Other technologies
KHK USA has introduced duplex worm gears that allow precise backlash adjustment through simple axial movement of the worm shaft, eliminating the need for gearbox housing alterations during assembly or maintenance.
Read more...
Corrosion solution for engine hot testing
Other technologies
Engine internals are at risk for corrosion from water used during hot engine testing and fill and flush activities. Corrosion affects the engine’s like-new appearance and threatens its integrity.
Read more...
Hygienic ultrasonic flow sensor
ifm - South Africa
Other technologies
The SU Puresonic Hygienic ultrasonic sensor from ifm detects flows of conductive and non-conductive media with high precision.
Read more...
Fault analysis for lifting equipment
Other technologies
Ensuring the sustained performance of capital equipment such as crane rails, ropes, hoist rails, gantry rails, and runway beams, which guide lifting equipment and support heavy loads, is essential for safety, reliability, and efficient operation.
Read more...
Bringing true mobile welding capability to SA agriculture
Other technologies
Bolt and Engineering Distributors has launched the new Fronius Ignis Battery. This is a next-generation, battery-powered welding system engineered for mobility, reliability and performance in off-grid agricultural environments.
Read more...
printer friendly version