Robotic tube bending machine needs no hydraulics

Citation

(1998), "Robotic tube bending machine needs no hydraulics", Industrial Robot, Vol. 25 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1998.04925baf.005

Robotic tube bending machine needs no hydraulics

Robotic tube bending machine needs no hydraulics

A revolutionary, three-dimensional tube bending machine which uses exclusively electrically-generated forces to manipulate the workpiece, eliminating the need for noisy, space-consuming, power-hungry and often messy hydraulic packs, has been developed by British engineering company, Unison of Scarborough.

The machine is designed around two articulated robots acting at either end of the tube, which may be of any material and up to three metres long. The robot model is Comau's new, six-axis SMART M1 capable of carrying a payload of 45kg. Six have been ordered by Unison for delivery between now and February 1998 to fulfil orders for three tube bending machines.

Said Terry Pickering, managing director of the Scarborough company:

"We believe our Unison bending machine is a world first. The Comau robot is ideal for the application as its dexterity allows it to rotate right around the tube, with no dead bands. It has rapid acceleration in each axis for high productivity, 0.2mm repeatability to ensure high working accuracy and plenty of power for manipulating the tube. Furthermore, two robots can be programmed easily to work in synchrony."

The Comau SMART M1robo, two of which in opposition will form the basis of the new tube bending machine from Unison

Applications for the new robotic tube bending machine are to be found wherever conventional hydraulic tube benders are currently used, predominantly in the automotive, aerospace and furniture production industries.

For further information contact John D'Angelillo, UK Manager, Comau UK Limited, Unit 3, Hortonwood 32, Telford, Shropshire, TF1 4EU. Tel: 01952 670396; Fax: 01952 670398.