Dynamic concepts for collision-free pipe bending

Topic of the month - February 2015

Progressive technology for pipes in top form © transfluid Maschinenbau GmbH

Right/left bending technology for demanding installation space requirements

Increasingly frequently, pipe bending depends on the use of the correct bending technology to ensure good results. Because demanding requirements with regards to the installation space and system positioning can restrict the ideal processing of pipes.

In many such cases, neither a right nor a left bending machine can produce the desired geometry collision-free. Therefore, a solution for the maximum bending freedom is required. Transfluid Maschinenbau GmbH has designed effective technologies for this in their machine category 't bend', which offer two effective right/left bending concepts for various pipe diameters.

Collision-free pipe bending from 6 to 30 mm diameter with the t bend DB 630-CNC © transfluid Maschinenbau GmbH

Bending cycle in 2.5 seconds with small pipe diameters

"For pipes with a diameter below 30 mm, we offer a 't bend' machine, where the two heads can be used individually", explains Stefanie Flaeper, Managing Director at Transfluid. In this case it is a standing right bending and a hanging left bending head.

"This principle is very effective for small pipes, because the intervention time is extremely short. A change from one bending direction to another can be completed in 2.5 seconds," says Flaeper. Furthermore, it is possible to fit each bending head with up to three tool levels.

For pipe diameters from 30 to 90 mm, the t bend DB 642-CNC-RL with turning head is the dynamic solution © transfluid Maschinenbau GmbH

Bending pipes of 30 to 90 mm diameter with a turning head

With the second bending concept, Transfluid uses a turning head for optimised machine efficiency. This system (for larger diameters from 30mm diameter to 90mm) is also extremely dynamic. In this way, it enables larger pipe dimensions to be bent right/left economically.

As with the concept for pipe diameters under 30mm, all axes are driven servo-electrically; two tool levels on each bending head are part of the standard equipment.

Functional options for more economic viability

To form large radii freely, both machine variants can be fitted with an appropriate system. In modern bending technology, the use of loading magazines and automatic handling systems, as well as robot aided manufacture are increasingly being taken for granted.

With the larger dynamic and flexibility of the Transfluid technology, bending processes can be implemented easily and efficiently in future, in spite of difficult installation space requirements.

Forming quickly and economically - also when combined

For safe hose connection with economic pipe forming © transfluid Maschinenbau GmbH

Preferences for axial and rolling forming with its "t shape" combination machines

Anyone who wants to stand out from the competition should be in good shape. This also applies to pipe forming, because especially with pipe connections, sometimes elaborate and expensive soldering and welding processes are still in use. Users are looking for more efficient implementation possibilities to strengthen their market position with this production area. Transfluid Maschinenbau has set about finding a solution for this.

Managing Director Stefanie Flaeper gets to the heart of the technical options: "For most requirements, forming geometries can be produced economically, and in an absolutely functional and process safe manner. Above all, forming geometries with O-rings play a particularly important role for many products, e.g. in automobile construction. Sometimes, however, other geometries are also required, which have a flange for later fastening".

Impressively efficient processes for pipe forming, with five axial forming stages and a rolling unit: the t form Transfluid combination machine REB 645-5 SRM 622 © transfluid Maschinenbau GmbH

From soldering to a secure forming process

Such forms are ideally created with a machine solution, which can both compress and roll. The Transfluid combination systems, specially developed for this purpose, automatically feed such external components into the compression process if required and position and fasten them precisely. In this process, a "preform" is also produced, which can be necessary for a desired subsequent rolling process.

The rolling process produces the final geometry and creates perfect surfaces for the optimum use. "Incidentally, the tolerances are comparable with those from a tensioning procedure," explains Stefanie Flaeper. As extreme precision is particularly required in the rolling process, the rolling head is CNC controlled and can be freely programmed in all motion axes, even overlapping.

The combination machines also enable safe and efficient processing, even for large pipe diameters. For smaller pipe sizes, Transfluid systems are exclusively driven servo-electrically - energy efficiently and with extreme precision. Of course, all the materials can be processed reliably.

Employees of the Transfluid team © transfluid Maschinenbau GmbH

transfluid® – the solution for pipes

As a worldwide sought after partner for the manufacture of pipe bending machines, at Transfluid Maschinenbau GmbH we place a great deal of importance on guaranteeing the best possible added value for the customers.

Since 1988, Transfluid has continued to develop its technologies for pipe processing in a customer-oriented manner, and so offers tailor-made solutions - for plant and mechanical engineering, the automotive and energy industry, shipbuilding right up to manufacturers of medical equipment. As a world-renowned brand, the company from Schmallenberg, South Westphalia, is present in Europe, and with its subsidiary in Asia.

Because continual development drives Transfluid forward and makes the company a preferred partner for pipe bending - and pipe processing machines - as a solution for pipes.

Frank Lindner