Recently Introduced Metalforming Technologies from BLM

LS7: A New 2D Fiber Laser Cutting System

BLM GROUP recently introduced the LS7 2D fiber laser-cutting system that can process a wide range of metals, including stainless steel, iron, aluminum and copper. The laser machine integrates into the production process with all the advantages of fiber lasers, including lower energy consumption, low maintenance and the cutting of highly reflective materials.

The LS7 has a conventional aluminum mobile gantry structure, which slides on a very strong metal structure, filled with polymer concrete to ensure high rigidity even with high accelerations up to 2G.

The cutting area has been designed to protect the bellows from the glowing sparks thrown in all directions, especially during the initial piercing of the material. With access from the short side, the entire machine remains completely enclosed for safety reasons related to the fiber laser source. The cutting process can be viewed on a camera whose image is visible on the operator console, via an additional external monitor or remotely.

The laser cutting head automatically adapts the internal optics to the thickness of the material and head edge sensors monitor the working conditions to ensure a clean and precise cut over time. A wide range of optional features for unmanned production and optimizing the cutting process is available on the LS7.

The pallet change takes place on the long side in only nine seconds because of a smart mechanical solution envisaging simultaneous exchange of the two tables. Handling is fully electric, without pneumatic or hydraulic actuators.

The LS7 is available in both 3.000 x 1.500 and 4.000 x 2.000 versions. Multiple systems for automatically loading sheets and unloading processed parts from the pallet changer or automatic sheet stores with one or two towers are available.

SMART: The Compact and Intelligent Tube Bending Machine

"SMART is a right- and left-handed in-process bending machine," said a BLM spokesperson. "It is flexible, and the space-saving bending head characteristics make it fast and efficient. There is no need for mechanical or manual adjustment with SMART. The parts are immediately arranged on the jig, and perfect repeatability of results are guaranteed."

SMART is suited for the automotive sector, which demands a very high-reliability rate.

The SMART can be integrated with loading and unloading robots and with a wide array of automatic loaders. The patented tilting system quickly brings the gripper onto the loading axis while the machine is performing the tube unloading cycle. A SMART video can be accessed at: https://youtu.be/wlC2XxWFLYE.

ELECT40: All-Electric Tube Bending Machine

ELECT40 is an all-electric tube bender with freely configurable left- or right-handed bending capability and VGP3D graphic visual programming.

With the All-Electric technology, adjustments and bending parameters are saved in the software to guarantee repeatability and the possibility to quickly switch to a new production. 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 ELECT40 features: bending with a small radius-to-diameter ratio; bending in variable radius; bending special section tubes, high-strength materials and stainless steel with high springback.

The ELECT40 can be fed manually or automatically by positioning loaders and/or feeders on either the left or right side of the machine. See an ELECT video at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y2RL87EJac.

E-FLEX: To Create with Wire

E-FLEX is an all-electric twin-head wire bending machine capable of bending metal wire with a diameter of 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.

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 and 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. A video can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbf1GXEcsF4.

AST8-VE: All-Electric Tube End-Forming Machine

AST8-VE is an all-electric vertical tube end-forming machine with a thrust force of up to eight tons. The machine can be equipped with different types of punches and rotary or orbital cutting tools for performing a wide range of machining operations, including tapering, widening, end milling, cutting, deburring and insertion of single and double flanges, on tubes of any metal material, up to 40 mm in diameter.

The all-electric drive offers short set-up times. In addition, the absence of hydraulic systems ensures quieter operation and greater energy efficiency.

The vertical configuration of the punching carriage and its ultra-compact design means the AST8-VE saves space on the shop floor and the operator can work comfortably, even in groups of several machines arranged side by side.

The swiveling control panel allows the operator to program the system from the most convenient position and to always maintain control of the work cycle. The simple and user-friendly programming software, the quick punch change system and the minimal set-up operations required by the all-electric technology always allow efficient operation.

Even during maintenance, inspection and cleaning operations, the AST8-VE makes life easier for the operator with its many convenient openings that provide immediate access to the waste collection tank and the electrical, pneumatic and lubrication systems.

BLMelements: A Complete Software Suite

In parallel to laser cutting systems, BLM GROUP offers a suite of native software programs that make the most of the power of the equipment thus providing users with excellent work performance and robust process features for programming both on the machine and in the office.

VGP3D is the three-dimensional graphic programming software for BLM GROUP tube bending machines and wire benders that allows the operator to create any shape or geometry with a few simple clicks.

ArTube is the BLM GROUP CAD/CAM software for programming Lasertube systems allowing operators to draw, manipulate and design single parts or complex tubular assemblies of any section. ArtCut is the CAM 3D laser cutting cells software for programming new parts offline and starting production quickly and easily. With its immediate and user-friendly 3D graphics, ArtCut simplifies the programming of any three-dimensional workpiece and automatically solves any collisions. The cutting program simulation is true to reality.

PartViewer runs a graphical simulation of cutting programs for Lasertube systems and estimates execution times and costs.

ProTube is production MES, a single interface for easy and transparent management of part programs for the 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. It applies artificial intelligence strategies and data interconnection with the customer's corporate ERP. Protube is the key enabler for the evolution of smart Industry 4.0 applications.

For more information contact:

BLM GROUP USA

46850 Cartier Dr.

Novi, MI 48377

248-560-0080

sales@blmgroupusa.com

www.blmgroup.com