While redesigned, based on users’ preferences, this machine is unique offering individual electronic and mechanical features for increased productivity. With its user friendly CNC controller costs are kept at a minimum and equally, economical hydraulic maintenance is another highlight.
Power-Bend Pro is ideal for production where complicated, sensitive, single or multiple high speed bends are required.
Featuring optimal configuration and economic solutions for precise bending works, a perfect result for deep and full-sized bends is guaranteed. Add to this a high resolution 2D graphic screen, permanent precision with optimal crowning equipment and a CNC controlled X axis backgauge.
Specifications include a bending force of 40 to 600 ton, bending length of 1270 to 6100mm, 3 axis – Y1, Y2, X as standard and manual crowning of 220 ton and above.
For more information, please contact Machine Tool Promotions – Tel: 082 900 3538.
The Eco-Bend Expert CNC hydraulic press brake offers a wide variety of options on top of its standard features. The machine is user-friendly and provides a cost effective production solution. A high resolution controller comes standard with all Eco-Bend press brakes, while the 2D screen and high programming capacity are the two major features enjoyed by users. Available at a low investment cost the machine offers high efficiency, ergonomic and compact design, minimum space requirement, high resolution 2D graphic screen and a 1 axis (X) motorized backgauge. While the Ecobend Expert CNC hydraulic pressbrake is a durable choice for precise cutting, the machine is easily installed. Specifications include a bending force of 80 ton to 200 ton, bending length of 2600mm to 4100mm, 3 axis – Y1, Y2, X as standard and optional manual crowning.
For more information, please contact Machine Tool Promotions – Tel: 082 900 3538.
Ermaksan heavy duty press brakesmeet the needs of all sectors engaged in the production of heavy machinery such as transportation, wind turbines, power plants and the defence industry. Benefits of this remarkable machine include a 17″ 3D, LCD touch screen controller, perfect configuration for heavy tonnage bends, while offering an absolute solution for deep and full-sized bends. Continuous precision with a dynamic motorized crowning system, a 6 axis servo motor backgauge system and AP3 / AP4 front sheet support system complement each other. This machine is a durable choice for precise cutting works and special top and bottom tools with 610mm throat depth. The Ermaksan heavy duty press brake allows for work at maximum capacity putting an end to time consuming manufacturing processes.
For more information, please contact Machine Tool Promotions – Tel: 082 900 3538.
Vanderbijlpark based Machine Tool Promotions recently acquired a huge used ACME Vertical Borer from the DCD Group. While in the early nineties this machine belonged to Dorbyl Heavy Engineering, it was the largest vertical borer installed at their Brodericks works in Vereeniging.
Currently equipped with a Siemens 810T dual-path CNC system which was retrofitted in 2002/3, the machine features full C-axis capability on the table and is equipped with a live spindle in the left-hand ram. The milling spindle is capable of up to 1200 rpm and has a 1500mm vertical stroke.
With an impressive table capacity of 60 metric tons, the machine features a maximum swing of 5600mm and offers a component height of 5250mm below the tool. The turning ram has a vertical stroke of 2500mm.
MTP’s managing director, Bart Pieterse says, “We intend relocating this machine to our Vanderbijlpark works, where it will be installed and modernized with a new CNC system. The machine will then be available for subcontract machining whilst remaining for sale.
For more information, please contact Machine Tool Promotions – Tel: 016 931 1564.
The new-generation Advanced Version ROBODRILL promises unrivalled quality and precision at great hourly rates.
With an unbeatable tool change time of 0.7 seconds and a turret capable of handling tools weighing up to 4kg, the new advanced version is both the fastest and strongest Robodrill yet. With by far the shortest cycle times on most machining operations, all ROBODRILL machines offer incredible performance and unbeatable efficiency.
Designed to meet every need, the ROBODRILL α-DiB5 series comprises of six completely redesigned models in Space Saver, Medium and Long sizes, available in either standard or advanced versions. With a rigid servo drive control and a highly dynamic BT30 spindle, these high-speed all-rounders are suitable for all vertical machining applications, from short production runs requiring fast turnaround times to flawless mass production. With well over 200 000 machines installed worldwide, its future-proof versatility and easy adaptability make the ROBODRILL the best-selling machine in its class.
Spreading your machining work across several ROBODRILLs instead of relying on a dedicated transfer machine, allows you to benefit from cheaper production and higher flexibility in the face of changing production numbers. Inherently adaptable, FANUC ROBODRILL also represents a great addition to your production facilities, since you can use it to absorb extra demand, thereby freeing up your larger vertical machining centres for bigger jobs.
Spreading your machining work across several ROBODRILLs instead of relying on a dedicated transfer machine, allows you to benefit from cheaper production and higher flexibility in the face of changing production numbers. Inherently adaptable, FANUC ROBODRILL also represents a great addition to your production facilities, since you can use it to absorb extra demand, thereby freeing up your larger vertical machining centres for bigger jobs.
The Advanced Version offers many unique improvements:
Improved swarf evacuation
To maximize uptime, the ROBODRILL α-DiB5 series can be fitted with a number of swarf evacuation options: from the coolant tank and chip flush methods to a piping system for wall coolant. Advanced versions minimize swarf interference with a mountain-shaped Y-axis front cover. It also offers an optional fully-enclosed spindle cover that separates the machining area from the mechanism.
Stronger Turret for bigger Tools
At the heart of every ROBODRILL is a patented high-speed tool changer that can carry up to 21 tools and offers the best reliability in its class. Its manufactured efficiency lies in its solid metal construction and optional BIG-PLUS BBT30 spindle.
This makes it extremely resistant to radial forces and enables it to deliver unbelievably efficient machining.
Advanced version ROBODRILLs feature an even stronger turret. Offering even more versatility, this enables the tool changer to handle heavy, customized cutting tools weighing up to 4kg while still realizing ultraquick tool changing times.
Power Failure Backup Module
Power interruptions can be costly. Avoid unnecessary workpiece damage or tool damage with FANUCs Power Failure Backup module. This will prevent the tool from dropping into the workpiece or the axis from slowly decelerating to a stop potentially causing a collision with the spindle, or jigs and fixtures.
All of the new model ROBODRILLS can be fitted with the improved Direct Drive 4th axis with built in brake. For ultra high speed indexing, or 4 axis simultaneous work, the new DDRiB offers unrivalled speed and accuracy.
When you have longer workpieces or want to put many on the table at the same time, the new DDR-TiB offers a factory built 4th axis with tail support, base plate, and angle brackets for a swing plate. Available in 300mm, 500mm or 700mm in X direction, this allows maximum use of the ROBODRILLS travel space.
Need a 5 axis machine? No problem!
ROBODRILLs are available with 5 axis simultaneous control allowing machining of complex workpieces. Control functions like Tool Certer Point Control and smart smoothing functions mean you can manufacture high quality parts quickly and accurately.
Smart Automation and Robotization
As the worlds largest manufacturer of Industrial robots, FANUC offers the advantage of full automation and robotization from a single supplier.
Through a single Package called QSSR, or Quick and Simple Start of Robotization, robot loading can be quickly configured.
IoT and Information Management
In todays world information is everything. FANUC offers a solution for production monitoring for the factory floor. Information from each machine is gathered and presented graphically. Production count or time, tool life information, alarm diagnosis, program details, feed & speed details etc can be viewed and stored for every machine connected to the system.
FANUCs legendary reliability coupled with easy preventative maintenance procedures keeps downtime to an absolute minimum. And thanks to their extreme longevity, ROBODRILL machines also provide an unbeatable return on investment.
FANUC ROBODRILL is proudly made in Japan and comes with a 2 year mechanical and control warranty.
The Durma HDF/HDFL 3015 fiber laser machine features a rigid stress-relieved welded steel frame construction with a stiff gantry axis system moving the cutting head. Highly accurate parts even when cutting with fastest speeds and under highest accelerations are guaranteed. An integrated shuttle table maximizes productivity and minimizes material handling times. The shuttle table and pallet change system allows convenient loading of new sheets or unloading of finished parts, while the machine is cutting another sheet inside the working area. The available shuttle table is fully electric and maintenance free; there are no hydraulic oils to handle and table changes are fast, smooth and energy-efficient. An optional lateral automatic scrap conveyor allows the removal of scrap pieces from the working area without the need to interrupt the cutting process. The sideways operation of the short conveyors allow for easy maintenance and trouble-free running. The Durma HDF/HDFL 3015 fiber machine achieves highest dynamics and fastest laser processing cycle times thanks to the combination of rigid mechanics and a state-of-the-art numerical control and drive system. Programmes can be loaded easily into the machine with a USB stick or over a fast Ethernet connection with the company network.
In the high-pressure auto-focus cutting head for the fiber laser the cutting lens is shielded from the laser process by an exchangeable lowcost protection window. The 1μm wavelength light is very sensitive to dust or other contamination produced in the cutting or piercing process, therefore the cutting head is being well protected in an additional cover to ensure that all critical parts remain as clean as possible. The integrated capacitive distance sensor is capable of having the head follow height differences in the sheet even at the extreme high cutting speeds that can be achieved with the fiber laser technology, while stateof- the-art linear motors promote accuracy and increase productivity. The CAD/CAM software provided has all the tools to import or draw parts, prepare and optimize automatically different geometries for the laser cutting process and make efficient nests. The all-solid-state fiber laser technology reduces maintenance requirements, and offers the lowest possible running cost with a wallplug efficiency of 30% and without the need of any laser gas. When the application requires a broader spectrum of material types to be cut and the maximum thickness range is limited, the fiber laser is the ideal solution and it will cut faster at lower cost than any CO2 laser at the same laser power.
For more information, please contact Spectrum Machine Tools – Tel: 011 865-4090.
EG 6013 with light weight robotics for bending automation
HG1003 ATC – Automated tool loading unloading and robotics for automated bending
Amada has over 70 years of experience in the sheet metal industry and boasts many ‘state of the art’ products that represent Amada’s achievements and technological advances.
While sheet metal production can be divided into various categories, including laser cutting, CNC punching and bending, the use of machinery, obviously increases production, but this certainly doesn’t mean that quality and repeatability will increase or change with it.
In order to ensure that these factors are taken care of, it is important that the equipment being used is of a good quality and reliability. By relying on good quality machinery, the human error factor is removed from the equation. By combining machinery with good programming software such as the Amada AP100 (2D) as a base programming package, parts can either be drawn up or part drawings imported and manipulated as required before production starts. Various additional software modules are offered for each machine type, providing streamlined design and programming capabilities.
Sheetworks 3D Model
The Amada Sheetworks package is one of the strongest 3D sheet metal design packages available. This package utilizes all the sheet metal attributes when developing a part or assembly, including material stretch. Most other packages use the “K Factor” which is a generalized formula but not always as accurate. By using the Sheetworks software, proto-typing is done in a virtual environment which is not interfering with production on the shop floor. Once the product is designed and developed, the customer is able to view it in operation by being able to open and close doors, drawers etc. All locks, hinges, rivets, screws, forms, bends etc. are shown in the 3D model.
Nesting software is another module offered which takes the components to be produced and lays them out in the most efficient way on the sheet before processing begins. By utilizing the different settings in the nesting software, parts can be fully rotated or not rotated at all if needed. Your pre-set parameters and part shape determine the sheet utilisation percentage.
Once this programming process is completed and the parts are in the blanking process being laser cut or punched, the next step can be started – bending. With the aid of the Amada VPSS3i Bend software, all bending sequencing, tool selection, tool fitting and tool layouts are done in the office. This eliminates the need for the operator to waste time deciding on the next step needed. All information is sent to the machine via network enabling the operator to open the program with data readily supplied. The “teach function” indicates where each tool piece should be mounted as well as which bend is to be executed next. This way, the knowledge and skill remains the property of the company. All programs together with tooling info etc. is stored in the software database (SDD) for future use. When needed again, it is simply called up, transferred to the machine and used again.
Another factor which many people take for granted is the bending process. This is normally one of the last processes on parts and determines the ultimate quality of the component. If a component is blanked to a poor quality, the bending, if performed correctly, will be able to hide most impurities. Bending thus becomes an integral part of the process.
In order to obtain a quality bend, countless details have to be considered, including beam parallelism, beam stability, beam control, tooling selection and tooling quality. Obviously the most important factor is the material quality to begin with.
Amada CNC bending machinery ranges from the simpler entry level “single axis” controlled machines, to the intermediate 3 and 4 axis controlled machines and the high end 7 axis controlled machines. All these machines are built to the same quality standards, yet offer different options on operability. The Amada range of benders has evolved over time and new concepts are constantly being incorporated, which is clearly evidenced in the new “intermediate” bender called the HM Series.
This latest addition to the Amada bending line-up is available as a 100 ton x 3 meter capacity machine, equipped with the well-known Amada AMNC touch-screen control that offers a graphical interface, which allows operators to quickly retrieve programs generated by the bending software.
Tooling is tailor-made according to customers’ needs and manufactured by Amada. The superior quality of Amada press brake tooling is evident in the fact that it is through-hardened to 65 rockwell and supplied in various profiles and manageable lengths. Through-hardening ensures a far superior tool life when compared to other tools that are “case hardened”. Life expectancy of Amada press brake tooling can easily exceed 10 years if stored correctly. The newer Amada AFH (Amada Fixed Height) tooling now also allows for different profile tool pieces to be utilised together in one machine set-up – yet different shapes. All centre points are the same, too, which will assist in streamlining production by reducing tool changes drastically.
With the average tool change time on a press brake being anything from 15 minutes and above, production planning is of extreme importance. Far too often though, the production planner does not have bending experience. This results in excessive tool changes being done in one day.
Amada has looked at this inefficiency and introduced the ATC (Automatic Tool Changer) system on the HG Series of machines. This ATC holds the various tools in its magazine and loads or unloads tooling as required for each component to be bent. The ATC is able to load 3 meters of tooling within 80 seconds. This includes the rotation of any tools before insertion if needed. The setup speed makes the HG-ATC ideal for smaller batch runs as well as production runs. The operator can continue with other preparation work, while the machine “readies” itself with tooling and settings.
Tool life on the HG-ATC is extended considerably as there is no need for the operator to handle the tooling physically. The tool magazine stores all tooling and only those pieces required for the specific set-up are maneuvered in and out of position by the tool gripper. Hydraulic clamping secures the tools in place once positioned.
Speed and versatility will drastically reduce the need for multiple bending machines on the shop floor, thus reducing space, labour and electricity. As with any job, planning is important, but this machine is very forgiving when it comes to a “quick’ job in between production runs thanks to the fast tool changing capabilities.
Our Amada showroom is open for demonstrations of this machine and many others. We are confident that we will be able to increase your throughput, quality and profitability by utilizing our sheet metal solutions.
For more information, please contact Amada – Tel: 011 453-5459.
Recently, the Bodor Laser 40kW ultra-high power fiber laser cutting machine made its global debut at the Bodor Laser Innovation and Research Center. Over the years, Bodor Laser has been at the forefront of the industry with its strong R & D capability. Now, the world’s first 40kW laser cutting machine has been unveiled, redefining laser cutting.
During a press conference, Mr. Yang Xuguang, General Manager of Bodor Laser Research and Development, presented the new machine and demonstrated the 40kW cutting process. He said, “The ability of 40kW laser cutting breaks through the bottleneck of cutting thickness and creates new standards. With the all-round upgrading of cutting thickness, cutting accuracy and cutting speed, Bodor Laser 40kW makes more laser applications a reality and becomes a new benchmark in the laser cutting industry.
“While the maximum cutting thickness of Bodor Laser 40kW can reach 200mm, the comprehensive processing efficiency of Bodor Laser 40kW is increased by 50%- 80%, the cutting of 20mm carbon steel can reach 6m/min and 30mm carbon steel can reach 2.4m/min
“In 2019, Bodor Laser completed its 25kW and 30kW global debut, becoming a weather vane for ultra-high power laser applications in the industry. Today, we are gathered here to witness once again the global debut of Bodor Laser 40kW. As the saying goes, what ordinary people can imagine, there must be someone who can realize it.
“40kW can make laser cutting technology improve a big step as a whole, break more limitations of laser cutting processing and make laser processing have a more extensive use scene. What users can experience is not only that they can cut thicker, but also that they can cut faster, more finely, better and more cheaply and help enterprises improve efficiency, reduce more costs and expand a wider market,” he concluded.
For more information, contact WD Hearn – Tel: 021 534 5351
The technologically-advanced 42 Series Rotary Brush machine adds more value to steel processing businesses, with the all-new add-on underside finishing machine. This add-on machine is placed in front of the machine, and serves to remove burrs from the underside of workpieces before they enter the main deburring process. The advantage of this is that deburring can be done with one single pass – in half the time it previously took. In the world of fabrication today, there is overwhelming demand for increased speed of production, while still meeting quality requirements. The 42 series meets these requirements in full. With modern fibre laser technology, in some clients’ fabrication centres, the output of newly cut components has reached unprecedented rates. With the add-on machine, Timesavers has therefore ensured that the process of deburring and edge-rounding effectively eliminates any production bottlenecks and increases productivity and profitability accordingly. In addition, the add-on machine allows the 42 Series to be more easily integrated into fully automated processing lines. Not only does the 42 series offer improved deburring, rounding and finishing in one processing step, it is also able to process a large variety of sheet thicknesses and metal types. This machine is very versatile, as it can deburr and grind small parts from 30mm to large parts up to 1600mm, while being capable of processing a large variety of materials including stainless steel, aluminium, zincor, zinc and laser film products. The machine features a centrally installed and user-friendly control panel and an automatic table opening of 0 – 100mm. To ensure a perfect finish, the machine has a carousel rotating brush head equipped with eight brushes, four rotating to the left and four to the right.
The frequencycontrolled conveyor belt feeds at speeds ranging from 0.2 to 8 m/min. Window panels and a well-lit interior make it easy to keep a visual check on processing. The brushes have an extremely long service life of approximately 3,000 hours. However, when brushes or belts need to be replaced, there is a quick replacement system for virtually uninterrupted production. To monitor feed status, the machine is equipped with LED beams on the infeed and outfeed and the vacuum table has an automatic cleaning cycle. While the most common finish achieved by the Timesavers wide belt machine is the straight line or grain finish for decorative or aesthetic For more information, please contact First Cut – Tel: 011 614-1112. purposes, some customers may require a random, circular or orbital scratch pattern. Timesavers offer machines for each of these requirements and will run samples to demonstrate the required finish results accordingly. Alternatively, the component can be given a finish with the surfaces prepared for painting or for receiving a specific micro-finish. If any customer has a specific deburring challenge, the First Cut and Timesavers teams are always ready and willing to consult, in order to find an optimal deburring or grinding solution. Many Timesavers customers have found that switching from timeconsuming manual deburring to an automated Timesavers machine has not only saved them a substantial amount of operational time – but substantial costs as well. Ultimately, for unmatched high-end finishes, the 42 Series is the ideal solution for the fabricator or manufacturer dedicated to supplying their customers with premium standard, quality-cut and finished components
For more information, please contact First Cut – Tel: 011 614-1112.
The STUDER favorit is offered with centre distances of 400, 650, 1000 and 1600mm. While it is suitable for short to long workpieces, it can be used universally. This CNC universal cylindrical grinding machine is designed for grinding in individual and batch production and can be automated. It can subsequently be easily adapted to other grinding tasks using various accessory kits such as in-process gauging, balancing system, contact detection and length positioning. The favorit is a very cost-effective machine. As with all STUDER cylindrical grinding machines, the proven solid Granitan® machine base ensures the highest precision, performance and reliability. The full enclosure ensures an optimal view of the grinding process. The wheel-head, which can be automatically positioned every 3°, can take one belt-driven external and internal grinding spindle respectively. Thanks to a 370mm long X-axis the dressing spindle can be placed behind the workhead or tailstock, without colliding with the grinding head. Geometrical clarifications are now a thing of the past. The dresser position can be manually adjusted in the T-slot. The STUDER favorit has an integrated coolant tray and a machine base with temperature control. Potential deformations of the slide on the Z-axis are eliminated. At the same time the “active temperature control” option brings the machine to operating temperature faster. The practical STUDER grinding software with its proven StuderPictogramming means that even less experienced users can quickly and practically program grinding and dressing cycles. The modern and user-friendly design is complemented with a touch-screen panel, which allows the operator to easily and directly control the machine. Service doors at the rear and on the right of the machine ensure high ergonomic efficiency during machine operation. Development, production, assembly and inspections of STUDER products all takes place in a process-oriented manner and complies with the stringent directives stipulated in VDA 6.4 and ISO 9001.
For more information, please contact Retecon – Tel: 011 976-8600.
The all-solid-state fiber laser technology reduces maintenance requirements, and offers the lowest possible running cost with a wallplug efficiency of 30% and without the need of any laser gas. When the application requires a broader spectrum of material types to be cut and the maximum thickness range is limited, the fiber laser is the ideal solution and it will cut faster at lower cost than any CO2 laser at the same laser power.
