Superior Tube Products (STP), an ESP International company specializing in fabricated tubing parts and welded assemblies, has announced the purchase of a new Criterion 5-Axis Twin Head Bender. "The significant investment in equipment, shortly after the investment in a Mazak 6-axis laser cutter, confirms our willingness to innovate, reduce organizational and operational complexity, improve quality and repeatability and quickly understand the market and customer needs," said a company spokesperson. "STP is one of seven companies in the U.S. to own this type of bender, making its capabilities and benefits unique."
The 5-Axis Twin Head Bender allows for the high-efficiency production of parts. Producing two bends simultaneously and two tubes per cycle, the bender is suited for high-speed manufacturing of symmetrical shapes including handles, furniture and frames of many varieties. "In the correct application, production rates are two to five times faster than other bending processes," said the spokesperson.
Another advancement is in quality: the new bender has mobile heads instead of the traditional process where the tube is moved. This feature, in addition to pin alignment, maintains the centering of each tube, thus ensuring bend location symmetry every time. Symmetrical bends mean less set-up time and labor, as well as fewer in-process adjustments and defects.
"We are excited to expand our operational efficiency and quality with the new bender," said Jeff Albright, President, ESP. "We will continue to look for ways to push the envelope with state-of-the-art machinery. The twin bender helps maintain our high level of service for the demands of our customers and complements our other investments in the categories of in-house tooling, robotic weldment and laser cutting."
The Criterion 5-Axis Twin Head Bender accepts tubes up to 1.25" O.D., both round and square profiles and several materials.
For more information contact:
Superior Tube Products, Inc.
280 E 90th St.
Davenport, IA 52806
563-285-1914
www.superiortubeproducts.com