Making Parts that are Impossible to Fabricate

The all-electric DH4010VGP wire bending machine from BLM GROUP USA Corporation (Novi, MI) features twin turrets and twin heads capable of doubling productivity and/or completing highly complex wire bending jobs. It is especially well-suited for medium-to-long part lengths with multiple bends, symmetric parts, and parts that close back onto themselves. This machine cuts wire free from the coil prior to the bending operation, eliminating twisting that can occur when working from coil to deliver perfectly flat bent wire parts. The DH4010VGP can be fed via coil stock or pre-cut straight lengths of wire in diameters up to 10 mm (.39 in). The system can accommodate tools that produce superior surface finishes, making the DH4010VGP ideal for furniture and design applications. By working with two heads at the same time, the unsupported length of wire is reduced as well as the potential flex that can occur during the bending operation. This allows for the machine to bend parts faster. The retractable 3D handler feature enables the last bends to be made with the bending heads in mutually adjacent position, minimizing the intermediate stretch between the two bending branches so that parts can be made that would otherwise be impossible to fabricate.

With the DH4010VGP, the electric axes are managed by the CNC and all position and power parameters are saved together with the part program for quick setup and highly accurate positioning. This helps eliminate the need for a dedicated specialist to run the machine. Since there are no hydraulic parts, maintenance is greatly reduced while reliability and safety are improved. These machines are extremely quiet and clean, providing high performance while only requiring 4 kW of energy. A key differentiator is the VGP3D three-dimensional programming software that manages the entire system from a single point. Using part geometry data or 3D CAD data, VGP3D creates a part program, checks for part feasibility and calculates the real cycle time. By simulating the machine, tooling and the part bending sequence, it eliminates the risk of collisions, which typically occur during a first test run.

The machine automatically considers material composition and calculates the behavior of the part to minimize waste and guarantee part repeatability, process control, and accuracy even for complex parts. Part marring that can be caused by slippage at the end of a bend or wear tool is also reduced. All part bend positions, tooling information and power parameters are saved within the part program, providing easy recall of the recipe when a job is repeated. This guarantees quick setup and changeover and provides lot-to-lot repeatability.

BLM GROUP USA Corporation, 46850 Cartier Drive, Novi, MI 48377, 248-560-0080, [email protected], www.blmgroup.com/en/wire-bending.