BLM GROUP, leader in tube processing technologies such laser cutting to cold saw, bending, end-forming, measurement, with a worldwide presence showcased its three revolunetiory technologies at recently concluded Tube & Wire 2014 exhibition. The company showcased 4-RUNNER – New system for manufacturing tubular components in Copper and Aluminum, E-Flex – An addition to the family of wire bending machines and LT-FREE – An ideal system for laser cutting of pre-formed tubes and 3D sheet metal components.
4-RUNNER
4-RUNNER provides a complete production process on tubes starting from a coil: straightening, end-forming (up to six stages including facing and rolling), bending, cutting and controlled unloading of the finished part, all in one. The unquestionable advantage of this system is that it can be configured as per user requirements (only bending or complete with end-forming) to provide the optimal manufacturing solution. The 4-RUNNER has the capability of bending with fixed and variable radius in 3D. One can also combine the draw bending with multiple radii and flex bending on the same component. 4-Runner is an ALL Electric machine, this means higher productivity and accuracy while having lower electrical consumption, reduced set-up time and maintenance.
E-Flex
The E-FLEX is the new automatic single-head, all-electric, CNC wire bending machine to complement the double head wire bending machine DH2010. The machine is equipped with two clockwise and anticlockwise bending turrets; it is perfect for 3D bending and allows multiple bending technologies to be combined on the same part within the same cycle. Coil feeding ensures fully automatic operation. A chamfering option can be added for perfect, burr-free cuts. The cutting device is a controlled axis. Programming direction and stroke can be programmed to minimize cycle time.
LT-FREE
The LT-FREE five-axis laser cutting system is ideal for three-dimensional parts, bent, hydroformed or pre-assembled tubes or flat and deep-drawn sheet metal components. Traditional cutting, drilling, piercing, milling and deburring operations, which are normally carried out in sequence can now be performed on a single machine in a single cycle. Finished parts are produced without ‘work in progress’ inventory, consequently reducing material handling costs and streamlining the entire production process – as well as downsizing the space needed for storage.
The system is equipped with a fibre laser capable of processing any type of metallic components (copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, galvanized steel, mild steel etc.) at high speed with excellent quality. 3D visual graphic programming (VGP3D) and constant visual monitoring of the bending zone by means of a camera make the machine easy, comfortable and safe to use.