Page 22 - MetalForming June 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.
This month we turn our attention to efficient production methodology, with a look at how robotic welding results in a 50-percent improvement in cycle times for producing seat frames. Key is the use of coordinated motion software.
Also on tap: a survey of new tooling developments that allow CNC punching machines to manufacture parts that conventional wisdom might route to stamping presses, press brakes and standalone secondary operations.
Contents
20 News&Technology
24 DoThisinaCNCPunching Machine?
You bet! Tool technology enables a variety of actions once thought viable only in stamping presses or press brakes, or as secondary operations.
28 3DMetalPrintingExperience and Tech Tour
Plan now to be in Detroit August 6-7 for this important event dedicated to AM’s fastest-growing segment: metals. How fast? Read on.
30 Robotic Welding Workcell Sets New Pace at Freedman Seating
Robotic automation, combined with a diverse and experienced workforce, contribute to optimized production efficiency and product quality.
32 Stampers: Consider Adding CNC Punching Machines
No need to turn down profitable lower- volume runs, as flexibility and tool capabilities make this technology a press- shop complement.
News & Technology
Combilift Pallet Truck Nominated
for Prestigious Material-Handling Award
Combilift has been nominated as a finalist for the 2019 IFOY Award (International Intral- ogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year), one of 15 products selected from a large pool of applicants for the international honor. The company’s submission, the Combi-PPT powered pallet truck with 8000-kg capacity, is one of three products shortlisted by the jury in the Warehouse Truck category.
The Combi-PPT, a pedestrian-operated pow- ered pallet truck available in a range of capac- ities to 16,000 kg, enables safe and secure transportation of heavy loads without the need for a ride-on forklift, and its maneuver- ability enables productive operation in confined spaces. The truck’s design and features, including Combilift’s patented multi-position
tiller arm (pictured), ensure optimum operator visibility of the load and surroundings, and enable safe operation in areas where other personnel may be present, according to company officials.
Combilift: www.combilift.com
12-kW Fiber Laser with Newly Designed Cutting Head
Bystonic’s new ByStar Fiber 12kW, a fiber laser cutting machine boasting 12 kW of power, offers higher speeds and an expanded spectrum of applications, according to company officials. A newly designed cutting head enables the BeamShaper option that reportedly ensures consistent cutting quality on various materials in thicknesses to 1.125 in. With the 12-kW laser, the
ByStar Fiber's cutting speeds increase as much as 20 percent on average—when laser cutting with nitrogen—as com- pared to the previ- ously available 10- kW laser source.
The cutting head, the core element for a stable cutting process and consistently high part quality, explain Bystronic officials, applies all the more with increasing laser power, which must be delivered to the cutting material precisely and reliably. To enable this, a slimmer design for the new cutting head decreases the possibility of contact with cut features during the cutting process. Bystronic also has reduced the number of components and accommodated important technical functions in the interior of the cutting head. The new design reportedly also decreases maintenance and operating costs, as integrated technology is better protected from contamination occurring from cutting dust, for example. And, optimal cooling in the cutting head ensures consistent
20 MetalForming/June 2019
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