SMEKAB Selects AddisonMckee for 6-Meter Tube Bending Capability
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World-leading tube manipulation technology specialists, AddisonMckee, have supplied general purpose bending company, SMEKAB, of Sweden, with the capability to precision-bend 60mm tubing of up to 6 meters in length.
The machine in question, one of AddisonMckee's highly acclaimed all-electric DataBend DB75ESRBP models, utilizes technology originally developed by AddisonMckee to enable exhaust and automotive component manufacturers to switch from using 2 and 3-meter tubing to 6-meter lengths in order to reduce the overall amount of material lost through end trimming. The DataBend DB75 model supplied to SMEKAB will be used in visual applications where welds along the tube length would be considered unsightly.
Over the past few years, commented AddisonMckee Director of Global Marketing, Christian Rogiers, several manufacturing organizations have approached us with a view to streamlining their tube forming processes in order to both reduce the amounts of scrap material generated and further improve productivity.
With considerable expertise in the development of highly efficient workcell solutions, involving tight radius bending, cutting, de-burring and end forming of high tube lengths, he continued, coupled with our knowledge of delivering fully automated load, bend, cut and eject technology for 2-meter and 3-meter tubes, we therefore set about developing a solution that would enable bending of greater tube lengths and reduce the overall amount of material lost through end trimming.
In the solution developed by AddisonMckee for SMEKAB, 6-meter tube lengths are loaded into an upgraded work cell holding bunker via use of a forklift device. During the bending process, the tube is held securely in the 6-meter tube bender's collet and is pushed from behind through the point-of-bend. Unlike competitor technologies, no securing clamps are used, as this would affect the surface quality of the tube. Compared to the solution previously used by SMEKAB, the AddisonMckee DataBend model is a full part quicker per manufacturing cycle.
Vittaryd invests in AddisonMckee technology
In a further order from Sweden, welding capabilities company, Vittaryd Svets AB, has also purchased tube forming machinery from AddisonMckee.
The model supplied, an all-electric PowerBend PB75STPE (ST - 2 stack, P - Pushbend, E- All-electric) machine, will provide Vittaryd with immense flexibility, enabling them to carry out contract OEM work for a nearby exhaust manufacturer, as well as general-purpose draw bending and multi-purpose bending with boost.
The PB75's electric axis, which is a key feature of all PowerBend models, will provide Vittaryd with much quicker turnaround between product types and significantly increased uptime.
About AddisonMckee
Globally renowned for the design, manufacture and supply of some of the world's finest tube bending and end forming technologies - for increasingly complex automotive, aviation, truck and shipbuilding requirements - AddisonMckee also offers highly innovative tube measuring solutions, tube perforation, piercing and louvring technologies, hydraulic press machinery, muffler assembly solutions, plant automation and complete workcell integration.
In addition to these capabilities, a whole range of tooling and accessory options are also provided, as are comprehensive maintenance and service contracts, training and education programs and financial services. Where applicable, AddisonMckee is also able to offer customers the opportunity of machine rebuilds, refurbishment, upgrades and trade-ins.
From its state-of-the-art manufacturing centers in the USA, United Kingdom, Canada and China, AddisonMckee is committed to providing rapid solutions to market and also regularly assists clients in product prototyping, parts development, small production runs and pre-production sample development.
AddisonMckee is principally owned by WHI Capital Partners (WHICP), a Chicago-based private equity group that invests in middle market, industry-leading companies with solid financial fundamentals and proven management teams. WHICP is an affiliate of William Harris Investors, Inc., a family-based asset management firm founded by Irving B. Harris in 1987.
For further information please contact:
Rachel Thomas - BHL Marketing
E-mail: rachel@bhlmarketing.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1244 851850
Fax: +44 (0) 1244 851888
Christian Rogiers - AddisonMcKee
E-mail: crogiers@addisonmckee.com
Tel: +1 513 228 7076
Fax: +1 513 228 7226
