Page 24 - MetalForming February 2019

FABRICATION
Today’s fabricating technology promises the ability to produce high-quality components job after job, in a variety of applications. And, in each issue, MetalForming is committed to informing you on how fabrication equipment delivers.
Read on for some of the new and exciting technology MetalForming editors saw at FABTECH 2018 (we’ll have more in coming issues). This month we also discuss how the changing composition of dust and fumes demands a close look at your air-cleaning system’s capabilities, and why considering total cost of ownership saves money over the long term. Also, find out how a Missouri fabricator has taken advantage of the evolving capabilities of nesting software.
In Welding Well, we present tips to ensure effective implementation of robotic-welding cells.
Contents
22 News&Technology
24 FABTECH2018Delivers
...the latest and greatest in metalforming and fabricating. Here’s a sample.
31 The Real Cost
of Shop Air Quality
Don’t stop at the capital cost when assessing fume-extraction and full air- cleaning systems. Review the total cost of ownership instead.
34 Nesting-Software
Add-Ons Gain Fabricator ‘Power User’ Status
From basic nesting to Industry 4.0 efforts, SteinerZ sets the bar high.
36 Commentary: Welding Well
Seven Basic Tips for Implementing a Robotic-Welding Cell
Justin Craft
News & Technology
Telerobotic System Enables Remote Flood Welding
With the new Safety- Robot telerobotic welding system from Weld Mold Co., operators can per- form remote flood welding in a temperature-con- trolled environment, main- taining control using long- established best-welding procedures, according to company officials. Oper- ators reportedly are pro- tected from heat, smoke, fumes and radiation, as well as many health issues that may result.
A complete system
package in a 20-ft.-long container is available, with everything pre-installed and inter- connected, ready to connect to primary electrical and shop air. It includes a robot and controls with proprietary software; welding power source with associated equipment for running 0.035-in. to 3⁄16-in.-dia. wires; an operator station and office complete with air conditioning, heat and lighting; dual monitors, PC, cameras and video capabilities; all interconnecting cables; safety caging; and more. Weld Mold also offers two weeks of onsite training. The patent-pending SafetyRobot welding process, note company officials, recently passed an extensive safety-validation process.
Weld Mold Co.: www.weldmold.com
New Tooling System for V-Groover Machines
Hydrapower International Inc. has introduced a set of carbide tools for use on V- grooving machines. These tools enable rapid grooving of stainless-steel plates to 0.5 in. thick. The tools provide increased cutting speeds and extended tool life, according to company officials.
The new tool system reportedly reduces the need for operators to watch for tool wear. A redundant tool in the fourth station will produce chips when the leading tools are worn. This lets the operator know that it is time to rotate the inserts. Parts will continue to meet dimensional specifications without the need to immediately stop the process. Hydrapower International Inc.: www.hydrapower-intl.com
Quick-Change A- and B-Station Punch Drivers
Mate Precision Tooling offers its new QCT Metric A- and B-station punch drivers. These long stem punches also are known as Mate original-style or Amada-style. Designed for easier, faster setups, the punch drivers use Mate’s QCT punch-retention system, and also simplify tooling inventory, as the universal drivers may be used on rounds or shapes.
QCT punch inserts are made from Mate’s M4PM steel to provide long life, are keyed at the perimeter for improved angularity control, and have a 0.770-in. SBR (straight before radius) for added grind life.
Other standard features include driver portions (below the stem) made from high- speed steel, and us of Mate’s SuperMax coating for extended life.
Mate Precision Tooling: www.mate.com
22 MetalForming/February 2019
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