Innovative Pipe Bending Solutions

In Booth N-8103, tube bending machine manufacturer Schwarze-Robitec America Inc. (Big Rapids, MI) will display their entire lineup of modular, configurable high-performance tube cold bending machines from 1/8 in to 16 in, bending tools and application-specific equipment, along with a newly developed CNC control system and innovative accessories. These state-of-the-art solutions will demonstrate specifically how shops in the automotive industry can supply high-performance series production of tube systems ever faster and more cost effectively.

On display will be the “Quick Tool Unlock” rapid clamping system that provides more time-saving potential by allowing quick change of the bending formers without tools that reduces set-up time noticeably The rapid clamping system is comprised of a split tension rod with clamping lever, as well as a swivel device. While in traditional models the continuous tension rod to the swivel cross arm must be unscrewed at the top of the bending former for a tool change, the procedure is much simpler with the Quick Tool Unlock, where only the clamping lever is actuated to disconnect the connection and disengage the swivel cross arm. The swivel device can subsequently be opened so that the bending former is exposed to the top. In interaction with the automatic tool clamping, the bending former can be removed without any difficulty. There is no longer any need for the previously necessary unscrewing of the bending former. This work-saving technology is simple and quick. Another plus of Quick Tool Unlock is that all connections from static to rotating parts are carried out via rolling bearings that contribute to the durability of the machine.

The central tensioner makes changing bending equipment fast without the use of any additional tools. If different radii are required, or bend-in-bend systems or tube systems (manifolds and exhaust pipes) must be produced, Schwarze-Robitec recommends tool bending machines with multi-radius bending tools that can be adjusted individually.

A new accessory on display is the innovative cutting tool that reduces tube waste by up to 90 percent and shortens production times considerably. While the previous process required the use of an external shear in order to separate the component from the tensioning or support device after the bending process, this new tool requires only one work step to complete the bending and separation process. One more highlight at the trade show is the new CNC machine control system. During the execution of the current process, this control system prepares already the subsequent work step. The operation of the system is intuitive and the relaunch of the state-of-the-art design contributes to an ergonomic and efficient procedure.

Schwarze-Robitec GmbH has sold more than 2,400 Tube Cold Bending Machines worldwide, many of which have been in unrestricted production runs for more than 35 years. Founded in 1903, the long-standing German company develops and manufactures tube bending machines for the automotive, shipbuilding and offshore industry, power plant construction and the chemical industry, as well as special bending solutions for many other branches of industry. To improve service for their continuously rising number of customers from North America and Mexico, the company has now opened its own U.S. subsidiary in Michigan. Chris Dorgan, the president of Schwarze-Robitec America, and his team, together with experts from Germany, will present the entire product line during the show. Regular customers and new customers from the U.S., Canada and Mexico can now benefit from the shorter delivery times for spare parts, customer-specific machine inspections and maintenance, and advisement with regard to modifications, major overhauls of existing machines and optimization of bending processes.

Schwarze-Robitec America Inc., 18770 Windingbrook Road, Big Rapids, MI 49307, 231-598-9125, [email protected], [email protected], www.schwarze-robitec.com.