Improvements to CNC plasma technology: The evolution continues with sensor and software advancesContinued improvements to CNC plasma cutting technology have made these units much more adaptable and user friendly. They have also helped improve consistency and cut quality.
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Eliminating final trim shearing of hydroformed tubeThe most common way to establish tube length after hydroforming is by cutting or shearing the tube to a specified dimension; however, cutting out this step can reduce scrap. A new method designed to eliminate this step combines forming the end of a tube to resemble its final form with using a hydroform die to correct end position variations off the bender. While this approach eliminates the final shear trim operation, it also presents new challenges.
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Inspecting for and correcting coil reel damageWritten in a question-and-answer format, this article offers tips for inspecting and correcting damage to coil reels. Descriptions of several tests are offered, including arbor or reel runout, lost motion, final indicator, and segments straightness tests. Frequently encountered problems such as coilers that break constantly, telescoping coils, and marred material are also addressed.
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The basics of uncoiling: A review of standard equipmentA review of the basic components of a coil handling system which covers servo drive roll feeds, cradles and reels, straighteners and combination units.
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Examining slit coil handling and packaging: Choosing a system for increased productivityWhile it is common knowledge that slit coil handling and packaging often limit the productivity of even the most modern, highspeed coil slitting line, coil processors generally spend too little time examining the effectiveness of these operations.
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Maximizing a coil fed press: Variables that influence production speed, setupCoil-fed stamping presses are nothing new, but coil feeding processes have changed a lot since the days when press feeders were driven mechanically by crank motion. Influencing these processes are differences between transfer and progressive tooling.
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Standardizing finger tooling: Modular systems provide alternative to dedicated transfer toolingModular, adjustable, articulated finger tooling for transfer presses may provide the flexibility you need to increase productivity and efficiency in your stamping operation.
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Taking the heat, keeping the current: Heat sinks provide thermal conductivity, electrical isolation |
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Virtual tryout: Simulation software simplifies progressive die troubleshooting |
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What's driving your press?Mechanical presses are challenged to provide high-speed production with a greater number of hits per minute, smaller batch runs, and quicker die changes.
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The wrinkle-wiper for tube bends: How to choose and use wiper diesA wiper die is a piece of tooling used in tube bending that helps keep the bend from wrinkling. While there are many reasons and ways to use a wiper die in a tube bending maching, you should also know what types are available, their differences, and how to choose the right one for your application.
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Low-tech system mechanizes pipe welding: Backing device allows GMAW on open rootWelding technology has changed dramatically over the last few decades. Although skilled welders always will be needed in manufacturing, mechanical welding devices can provide improvements over manual welding in terms of repeatability and throughput.
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Considering the benefits of pulse spray transfer GMAW |
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Welding exhaust system components: Laser technology may aid this traditionally high-volume applicationIn the field of automobile exhaust systems, such components as manifolds, pipes, catalytic converters, and mufflers are joined either by the car manufacturer or by a subcontractor to form a subassembly ready for attachment.
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Laser-integrated robotics for assembly: How one job shop met an aluminum welding challengeIn recent years laser welding has advanced into many different industries, from automotive to electronics. With lasers, it is possible to weld at high speeds with great efficiency. Once unthinkable applications and processes are now being developed into working systems.
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Which wire do you require?: How to select a gas-shielded welding electrodeAre you looking for ways to improve quality, raise productivity, and save costs in your current welding operations? If you haven't examined the various electrode choices, you could be missing an opportunity to take your production welding to the next level.
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Brake Line: Press Brakes and More: Planning to cut corners on safety?Press brake safety is a common sense issue.
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Adaptive bending: Achieving accurate first-piece bending resultsAdaptive bending allows press brake operators to measure a bend angle during the forming process and feed the information to the numerical control. The article discusses springback and how to determine it and the fact that when air bending, 90 percent of problems result during initial setup, and only 10 percent result from springback. It also discusses using an angle control system, methods of measuring angles, and requirements for angle measurement systems.
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