These requirements drive the use of all-electric bending pipe technology bolt cold heading machines.
Time:
Dec 10,2020
[According to Aviation Manufacturing Magazine, April 2014] The aviation pipe fitting manufacturer SL Engineering (SLE) continues to invest in advanced automation technology, purchasing a second all-electric CNC pipe bending machine from Unison. The new machine enhances SLE's manufacturing capabilities, particularly the ability to produce more flexible tubular shapes, and expands the size of all-electric servo-controlled bent pipe fittings to a Size of 80mm.
SLE stated: "The advanced forming capabilities of the pipe bending machine give aircraft and engine manufacturers an advantage, allowing them to handle more complex shapes and more challenging bending radii to reduce weight, save space, and eliminate welded joints. The bending capabilities of Unison machines provide better control over pipe fitting fixtures and bracket thrust, helping us achieve higher precision."
SLE's business requires greater manufacturing flexibility. Each batch consists of about 5 to 25 parts, and cold heading machine orders may only have one urgent aircraft part. Higher precision and shape complexity are another aspect. Until recently, very few pipe fittings required bending radii within 2D (2 times the pipe fitting diameter). However, today, SLE is continuously receiving requests for bending 1D, and the straight sections between bends of the cold heading machine's bending shapes are also required to be small. The use of thin-walled pipe fittings, as well as expensive materials like titanium alloys and cold heading nickel alloys, is also a trend.
These demands drive the use of all-electric bending technology. SLE installed a 30mm diameter Breeze model in 2010. The new Breeze 80 model has a bending diameter of up to 80mm. The machine also incorporates multi-batch/multi-radius tooling capabilities. This is very important for forming certain complex tubular shapes and multiple bending sequences.
For example, a military aircraft part requires a shape with multiple 2D bends, with as few straight sections as possible between bends, using thin-walled titanium alloy tubing. The ovality after bending must also be less than 5%, and the positional and length tolerances of the shape after bending and welding must reach ±0.005 inches. Since the part is made of titanium alloy, the bending must be correct on the first attempt; otherwise, it is nearly impossible to adjust after forming. The consistency and repeatability of Unison machines are critical for manufacturing this part.
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