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BLM GROUP will be taking centre stage at TUBE & WIRE, the most important opportunity, post the global quarantine, for tube industry leaders to gather, discover and discuss the latest solutions and technology.
The BLM GROUP will be showcasing a wide range of its technological solutions, along with its complete service portfolio at the exhibition in Düsseldorf from June 20 to 24. “At last, we are back to meeting customers in the setting of a major international trade fair. We are ready to welcome visitors to our booths where they will be able to see our key technologies at work, talk to our specialists and discuss the production solutions best suited to their needs," said BLM GROUP Sales Director Maurizio Toselli. “Of course, contact with our customers never stopped during these difficult and uncertain times but having the opportunity to get together, exchange views and plan the future together is very important," Toselli concluded.
The BLM GROUP solutions will be on display at Stand J22 in Hall 5 and Stand F21 in Hall 10.
The following systems will be on show at the TUBE exhibition:
LT8.20, the most complete Lasertube of them all
The LT8.20 has the largest number of configurations, loading and unloading lengths, technical solutions and available options to effectively meet the broadest array of needs and specific production requirements. LT8.20 offers the widest working range in laser cutting of standard and special section tubes from 12 mm to 240 mm in diameter and is equipped with a 3D laser cutting head.
The layout can be decided by the customer according to the available space and, above all, to the required production type and work organization.
With the LT8.20, productivity for large and small batches is guaranteed by the automatic production changeover, requiring only a few minutes to start a new batch. The system offers consistent quality and performance across the entire working range, whatever the size of the machine or complexity of the part.
Cutting path: Any material and thickness, closed or open profiles, 2D or 3D cutting, regardless of the number and shape of geometries. The LT8.20 can also be equipped with special additional features called Active Tools for even better and faster results, regardless of operator experience. The system is characterized by both its ease of use and maintenance, using new proprietor technical solutions which support the operator in everyday production.
VIDEO LT8.20: https://youtu.be/9ELpNmuW52s
LT7, the high-end Lasertube system and the undisputed laser tube cutting benchmark
LT7 is the result of years of investments in technological research and the continuous development of innovative software and hardware solutions.
The machine is equipped with a 3 kW IPG laser cutting source, an automatic loading system for tube bundles of up to 6.5 m in length and an unloading system for tubes up to 4.5 m in length.
The LT7 machine can process pieces from 12 to 152 mm in diameter and up to 23 kg/m in weight, ensuring excellent process performance. From the smallest to the largest diameter, every adjustment is fully automated and even sections with “L”, “U” and other open profiles and flat bars are standard jobs, all processed in a fully automatic mode.
The laser source allows great flexibility of thicknesses and materials, from 12 mm of mild steel to 4 mm of brass. 3D processing completes the framework of an extremely flexible system able to manage the widest array of applications.
The LT7 is an unparalleled, state-of-the-art solution designed to optimize productivity, quality, precision, flexibility, automation, and ease of use.
VIDEO LT7: https://youtu.be/gyhOlvnfD5M
LT360, the extremely flexible and compact 6-axis robot laser cutting cell
The machine on display is designed for cutting on a fixed table and is the ideal solution for deep-drawn, flat or pressed sheets. It has a 3 kW fibre laser source and is equipped with a comprehensive technology database in addition to state-of-the-art technological features, such as Active Focus for optimizing the cutting process for high quality and increased productivity on any type of workpiece.
The LT360 is available in various configurations. In the One Flex configuration, it is equipped with a workpiece handling robot, an ideal solution for laser cutting bent or hydroformed tubes. In the Tailored configuration, the handling robot is used to pick up the piece directly from outside the enclosure to allow integration of the cell in the most diverse production contexts.
The extremely attractive price, robotic manipulation for zero rework and maximum precision and the production and layout flexibility make the LT360 the ideal machine to conquer the world of 3D laser cutting applications.
Il prezzo estremamente interessante, l’esperienza già in macchina che semplifica il lavoro all’operatore e la flessibilità produttiva e di layout, rendono LT360 la macchina ideale per approcciarsi al vasto mondo di applicazioni del taglio laser di pezzi 3D.
VIDEO LT360: https://youtu.be/rH4mBXafRTI
ELECT, tube bending machine configurable for today's needs and expandable for tomorrow's
The ELECT is an all-electric tube bender with a freely configurable left or right-handed bending capability and VGP3D graphic visual programming. With the All-Electric technology, adjustments and bending technology parameters are saved in the software to guarantee repeatability and the possibility to switch to new production quickly. Furthermore, B_Tools calculates the amount of springback and material elongation during tube bending so that the first piece of every production change is right from the start.
The ELECT is extremely versatile and configurable to suit your needs for use in all working situations, including bending with a small radius-to-diameter ratio, bending in variable radius, and bending special section tubes of high-strength materials or stainless steel with high spring back.
Our tube bending machine can be configured according to production requirements to optimize the investment for exactly what is needed, with the possibility of adding specific functions or modules later to adapt the machine to changing market requirements.
The ELECT can be equipped with an automatic bundle tube loader and robot for unloading onto a crate or conveyor belt. This turnkey solution is available in several standard configurations, with the various elements (tube bending machine, unloading robot, loader, box or conveyor belt) arranged according to different layouts to the right and left of the machine maximizing productivity and making the best use of available space.
VIDEO ELECT: https://youtu.be/4Y2RL87EJac
E-TURN, left-handed and right-handed in-process bends for maximum shape versatility
E-TURN is a highly versatile tube bending machine, with right-handed and left-handed in-process bending of fixed or variable radius, in multi-radius mode making it suitable for every need. E-TURN can mount up to 8 tools simultaneously and position the variable radius at any level.
The E-TURN was created to meet the growing market demand for bending medium-to-small batches of complex, multiple shape tubular components of high-quality material. Particularly suitable for complex parts without straight stretches between bends.
The high-quality standards of E-TURN are the result of the in-process material reaction control and the all-electric management of the working parameters. Furthermore, thanks to B_Tools, E-TURN compensates for elongation and springback during bending, to make the first part right for each new production.
E-TURN is offered in different sizes for tubes up to 52 mm diameter and is used in the furniture, automotive, motorcycle, aeronautic and plant engineering sectors, but due to its flexibility and speed, can be used in all sectors.
VIDEO E-TURN: https://youtu.be/huo8crFm8bw
Working cell, coil-fed and bending with mandrel and end-formed on both ends
The working cell consisting of the 3-RUNNER, SMART and AST8-VE, presented by BLM GROUP at TUBE 2022 is one of the many examples of how the technologies of the group can be combined.
This is a compact and highly productive working cell (over 150 pcs/h) for the processing of coil-fed tubes (28 mm diameter copper tube). Operations include straightening, end-forming and cutting to length on 3-RUNNER, bending with mandrel on SMART and end-forming the opposite end of the tube on the AST8-VE. The process is fully automated using a handling robot for loading and unloading all connected equipment and managed from a single control point.
Jobs are carried out on the different systems at the same time. This means a significant reduction in cycle time, with no manual handling of semi-finished parts and no need for intermediate warehouses to store them. In addition, the in-process parting performed by the 3-RUNNER optimizes the best use of the material thus reducing waste.
The working cell can be used to process coil-fed tubes of any material (stainless steel, mild steel, copper or aluminium) and allows bent parts to be produced even with a reduced RM/D ratio.
SMART, a new production solution for the electric mobility and energy sector
The BLM GROUP will also exhibit SMART, one of its most successful tube bending machines equipped with hardware and software dedicated to the processing of uncoated metal plates for sectors including electric mobility and energy.
The SMART is a fast and efficient tube bending machine with right and left-hand bending directions in a multi-radius process. With extreme flexibility and small bending head size, it is ideal for sectors such as automotive given its high reliability rate, superior component quality and simple and efficient mechanics that guarantee high working performance and maximum availability of spare parts.
With this solution, the BLM GROUP brings these successful elements to the field of electric mobility, offering a flexible and high-performance solution for today’s challenges and those of the future.
The following systems will be on show at the WIRE exhibition stand:
DH40, twin-head wire bending, double turret up to 12 mm diameter
DH40 is a wire bending machine with a twin head, each with a double bending turret, which allows for the production of large complex parts from coil and bar. The DH40 can flexibly and productively process a wide range of materials, wire up to 12 mm diameter, bars and small tubes and armored heating elements for household appliances.
With VGP3D, all the job parameters are saved together with the part program. No specific knowledge is needed for use or retooling.
Feasibility is enhanced by the cantilevered and space-saving design of the bending heads, the double bending turret which multiplies part production potential and the retractable manipulator that allows the production of parts with a very short intermediate section.
Furthermore, the ability to bend wire with a diameter up to 12 mm makes it possible to create furnishing components, for both indoor and outdoor use, such as chairs, tables, stools, clothes hangers, holders, etc.
VIDEO DH40: https://youtu.be/CkoUTb7-7Gk
E-FLEX, to create with wire, simply and productively
The E-FLEX is an all-electric twin-head wire bending machine capable of bending metal wire with a diameter up to 10 mm.
Using a space-saving bending head with planetary movement around the wire, and the double turret for implementing a wide array of different bending technologies, the E-FLEX offers complete freedom in the coil production of objects of any type, in an extremely fast and repeatable manner.
With VGP3D, all the job parameters are saved together with the part program. No specific knowledge is needed for use or retooling.
All-electric technology, superior quality components, the possibility of equipping the system with tools with grooves, specific tools for parts with a high aesthetic finish, and a cutting system also controlled by a dedicated electric axis for the best cutting quality and longer tool life, are just some of the features that make E-FLEX an extremely versatile, powerful system that offers infinite application possibilities in the most diverse sectors.
VIDEO E-FLEX: https://youtu.be/bbf1GXEcsF4
The BLM GROUP software solutions and services to be showcased at both stands
A complete software suite for managing your process technologies
In parallel to laser cutting systems, BLM GROUP offers a suite of native software programs that makes the most of the power of the equipment to provide users with excellent work performance and robust process features for programming both on the machine and in the office.
Artube is the BLM GROUP CAD/CAM software for programming Lasertube systems enabling operators to draw, manipulate and design single parts or complex tubular assemblies of any section. Artube is the most complete and dynamic CAD/CAM solution capable of adaptabling to the customer’s specific needs.
VGP3D is the three-dimensional graphic programming software for BLM GROUP tube bending machines and wire benders. Simple, user-friendly and powerful, the VGP3D is also available in an office version and allows the operator to create any shape or geometry with the tube with a few simple clicks.
Protube is the BLM GROUP production MES, a single interface for easy and transparent management of part programs for the main BLM GROUP machines. Protube can be used to prepare technologically precise work orders in the office, to efficiently plan production, send production orders to the connected plants and keep track of all operations. By applying artificial intelligence strategies and data interconnection with the customer’s ERP, Protube is the key enabler for the evolution of smart Industry 4.0 applications.
PER APPROFONDIRE: https://youtu.be/2Swu_7MjeOA
Customer-oriented services with dedicated solutions
The BLM GROUP can offer a wide range of services designed to accompany the customer throughout the lifecycle of the system to maintain the highest level of efficiency and machine availability.
The many services that the group offers include:
Software and remote assistance contracts for quickly resolving any unexpected problems and providing support in the event of new production needs. Remote assistance also uses augmented reality tools, like Active Eye, to quickly transmit the necessary instructions to the operator.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://youtu.be/FEOd3vkZbqk
Graduated maintenance plan levels. Customers can choose the maintenance plan that best suits their production rate and plan operations so that you never interrupt production and increase the life of each machine by adopting specific activity schedules: Routine and/or supplementary maintenance and repair of faults and supply of spare parts.
Whatever the production context, the BLM GROUP has a complete range of solutions for machining tubes, sheet metal and any three-dimensional metal section, enhanced by dedicated software solutions and an array of services that provide customers with encompassing-around support
For more information:
Chiara Vaccari – Corporate Communication Coordinator BLM GROUP
E-mail: pr@blmgroup.it
