A company, which has taken over the UK agency for the Japanese Nisshinbo CNC punching machines, press brakes and shears, recommends Radan’s CAD/CAM systems for their programming

Machine tool trading company RPA has been involved in the sheet metalworking market for some 17 years, specialising in the supply of CNC punch presses. The company recommends Radan’s powerful sheet metal CAD/CAM software. RPA’s chief engineer. John Nobles, said: ‘Well established worldwide, Radan’s success lies in its wealth of industry experience.

It was established when NC machines had computers the size of an office and only 52k of memory.

Yet the company is so on top of today’s ‘game’ that, in the heart of China, it was already proven on Yawei machines months before Nisshinbo-Japan had given the punch presses its seal of approval for export to Europe and the US’.

RPA’s team of machine tool engineers supports the whole range of CNC sheet metalworking machines, as follows.

* press brakes (brake presses).

* Guillotines.

* Laser cutting and profiling systems.

* De-coilers.

* Plasma-arc cutting machines.

* punching machines and CNC turret punch presses.

RPA’s main business activity revolves around a continuous machine rebuild programme buying used machines, subjecting them to a full ‘blueprint’ refurbishment and then recommissioning them as warranted rebuilds.

Six years ago Nisshinbo withdrew from the European machine tool market and appointed RPA as its sole agent for punching machines, press brakes and shears for the UK, Ireland and the Middle East.

This involves holding all of the machine records and an extensive stock of consigned spares.

Meanwhile, Nisshinbo set up an engineering base within Yawei Machine Tools of China to oversee the redesign and manufacture of a new range of punching machines.

RPA’s general sales manager, Sonny Brown, said: ‘We were also appointed as Yawei-Nisshinbo agent for the UK, providing sales and support and continuing to recommend Radan to all of our customers.

The re-introduction of the Nisshinbo machines to the UK market has resulted in the two companies working much closer together’.

RPA’s initial launch of Nisshinbo equipment will concentrate on the HPI and HPH range of punching machines.

This CNC hydraulic 300kN (30 tonf) punching machine design has an all bridge-framed structure and has axis ranges of 1250 x 1250mm to 1500 x 2500mm.

Competitively priced, they carry even higher specifications than the earlier Nisshinbos, said RPA.

The design includes the following features.

* Powered clamps and tool hoists.

* Brush tables.

* Lowered die mounts for easy changing.

* Multiplicity of auto-index stations.

* Twin-track turret layouts.

‘The machine rebuild programme continues, but we have found it necessary to introduce material handling as an option,’ said Nobles.

‘Our customers are now able to purchase affordable used machines with all the facilities offered with new equipment and the ability to work ‘lights out”.

Nobles added: ‘This has involved more extensive use of Radan software, as the customer requires a more holistic approach to the introduction of part programming onto the shop floor’.

* About RPA - since 1990 Berkshire-based machine tool trading company RPA Limited has specialised in the supply and support of both new and warranted rebuild CNC punch presses.

Please visit .

* About Radan - Radan is the most powerful sheet metal CAD/CAM software in the world, helping customers increase their material utilisation and reduce inventory and offers a significant return on investment.

Radan is a principal brand of the Planit Group recently ranked by CIMdata as the worl’’s fastest growing CAM vendor, with most industrial users.

* About Planit - Planit is a global supplier of design and manufacturing software for the engineering, woodworking and stone industries.

The company provides its customers with products and services that enable them to improve the productivity of their machine tools, shorten design and manufacturing time, optimise material usage and deliver high quality goods and services to their customers.

Planit’s solutions are best-in-class within their respective markets and are integral to the success of thousands of companies of every size around the globe.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/rda/rda130.html

The automation of sheet metal working processes, including CNC punching, CNC laser cutting and CNC press brakes will be emphasised for MACH 2008 visitors

The Trumpf stand at the UK’s MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition will emphasise that there is no need to compromise on automation or unmanned sheet metal working. Trumpf will demonstrate its competence in automated punching, laser cutting and bending and the ability of its systems to accommodate changing production needs and still achieve quality parts at the lowest unit cost.

The machines accept flexible and expandable automation.

The choices range from simple productivity gains from features such as automatic laser nozzle exchange through to all the elements necessary for full ‘lights out’ production.

All Trumpf machines are designed so that the batch size, material and program can be changed with ease and with no detrimental effect on manufacturing cost.

* Degrees of automation - many of the machines featured will demonstrate different degrees of automation.

For example, the single station punching or laser cutting head is a vital component of every Trumpf machine.

This remains a novel feature and one that significantly reduces set-up and machining times.

With this intelligent head system Trumpf said it offers the basis for true l’ights out’ production.

In the field of 2D laser cutting, for example, the head works in tandem with another novel feature, automatic laser nozzle exchange.

The system makes it possible to process a variety of parts and materials using optimum cutting parameters, even during unmanned shifts.

Dependent on the machine model chosen, any sheet thickness from 1 - 25mm can be processed with the machine’s single cutting head as the engineering beam guidance system automatically adapts to the material and adjusts the laser beam.

Automatic nozzle changing will be demonstrated separately at MACH 2008 to highlight its significance.

2D precision laser cutting will be demonstrated at MACH 2008 by the TruLaser 2030.

This larger format model is new to the UK and will be shown with the higher powered 3.2kW TruCoax laser that delivers exceptional beam quality.

This compact machine has fully integrated load and unload and is designed for high productivity.

* Fully automated bending - the TruBend 5130 CNC press brake (brake press) will be converting the parts produced by the TruLaser or TruPunch CNC machines into finished components.

This press brake is characterised by its short cycle times.

Precise bending every time is assured by the Automatically Controlled Bending a system that has potentially up to eight sensors.

This press brake will be shown complete with BendMaster that will feed the machine blanks as well as sort and stack the finished parts.

BendMaster automatically selects a mechanical gripper for small parts or a vacuum gripper for larger ones.

As a result it can handle a wide product range up to a maximum weight of 40kg.

The TruBend and BendMaster are operated by a single control and jointly programmed by the dedicated TruTops Bend software.

* CNC punching - Trumpf will also be emphasising another important point at MACH 2008 - don’t dismiss punching.

Thanks to continuous development punching is the quickest and cheapest method of producing many parts, especially those that require additional operations such as forming and tapping.

The company’s latest punching machine, the TruPunch 5000, will demonstrate this potential.

The high productivity of this machine has been achieved through faster processing and tool rotation, additional drives and faster acceleration thanks to lighter weight components, said Trumpf to manufacturingtalk.com.

These developments have given the TruPunch 5000 a productivity boost of 15% on its predecessor.

In common with all of the Trumpf high productivity machines this model can be specified with automation to suit the need from semi-automatic loading through to a fully automatic manufacturing cell with warehouse interface.

* Marking and welding - the TruMark Station 5000 performs a wide range of marking and microprocessing tasks on various metals, plastics and ceramics.

Its compact design allows its easy integration into a production line.

This model is also available with flow-through transfer allowing longer workpieces to be processed.

The stand-alone TruLaser Station 5004 is the last exhibit and is a compact and ergonomic workstation for deposition laser welding with wire.

It represents another first in laser processing with the inclusion of an electronic stereomicroscope that allows quicker and easier set-up.

* Trumpf at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK, April 21-25, Hall 4, Stand 4730.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/tru/tru284.html

JETCAM International s.a.r.l. today announced the forthcoming availability of the latest version V16 of its Expert CADCAM and nesting software for all CNC punching and profiling machines.

The latest version V16, under the slogan of ‘Twice the power of V8’, includes a raft of new features aimed at providing enhanced functionality for interactive tasked and further automation for users looking for semi or completely unmanned solutions. JETCAM will also be increasing the number of end user releases in 2008, ensuring that customers can immediately take advantage of each new feature as soon as it is available.

JETCAM Expert V16’s sequencing routines have been optimized to further improve the cutting path which can considerably reduce the overall cutting time of complex nests. A new reporting engine has also been included to provide comprehensive and customizable reports. A report designer is included, where users can simply drag and drop the required fields or tables of information onto the page. Single component or complete nest images can also be added. Reports of any size or format can be generated, including labels for single label printers.

Further development specific to punching machines has also been announced. Automatic tooling placement logic has been further optimized, providing users of punching machines with the same level of automation as profiling machines. Tools are automatically placed on the component based on highly configurable parameters. This information is then carried through to all related nests – if the component is updated then this is automatically reflected on the nest. ‘Tool teach mode’ further enhances the automatic tooling facilities by allowing JETCAM to ‘learn’ a user’s preferred method of tooling a particular contour.

JETCAM’s free form high performance nesting module (FFHPN) for V16 has also undergone further development, with the latest release offering even greater efficiencies. With metal prices increasing even a 1% material saving can quickly mount up to a considerable amount. JETCAM is also offering prospective customers a free ‘nesting benchmark comparison’ whereby they will compare a user’s existing nests with one created through FFHPN.

Commented Mike Weber, Managing Director JETCAM International s.a.r.l.; “These features in Release V16, when combined allow a JETCAM Expert system to rapidly become self-sufficient. It intelligently and accurately applies logic so that the whole CAM process can become truly hands-off, especially when JETCAM’s Remote Control Processing (RCP) system is employed. With our knowledge of the complexities of today’s powerful CNC machines this frees the operator for other tasks, maximizes machine runtime and reduces material waste. For any size of organization this level of automation has to be their goal to remain competitive in today’s climate of cost reductions. Companies employing manufacturing efficiency methodologies such as ‘Six Sigma’ will benefit from a system that provides a data-driven approaches to problem solving with a focus on customer impact. Any business purchase has to be justified by return on investment, and JETCAM continues to deliver this in three key areas: material utilization, machine cycle time and programming time.”

V16 will be available for download from the JETCAM.com web site in February 2008. Existing customers under maintenance will be able to download the software immediately at no cost. Customers out of maintenance need only to purchase a maintenance contract to gain access to the latest features – there is no additional upgrade price to pay.

http://www.tenlinks.com/news/PR/JETCAM/012808_expert_v16.htm

A single head punching unit accepts different tooling designs and features an easy to use CNC system and powerful software for on board or remote programming

The 1250 F1 single head punching unit from Simasv has a capacity of 1250 x 2000mm and accepts up to a 88.9mm punch or a multi-tool unit. It offers a high speed low cost punching unit that can accept a range of tooling concepts. SIMASV is an Italian family company formed in 1957 and has developed an ‘entry level’ CNC punching machine.

The machine has a quick tool change capability and high punching rates.

The 1250 F1 has excellent axis speeds and a front tool loading position resulting in high productivity and reduced set-up times.

The machine also has an easy to use CNC system and powerful software for on board or remote programming.

UK Machine Tools told manufacturingtalk.com that the machine is ideal for companies looking to increase their punching capability with low capital cost.

UK Machine Tools have been appointed agents for the Simasv range of sheet metal machines for the UK and Eire.

Machine capacity and features are as follows.

* Capacity - 1250 x 2000 x 6mm thickness.

* Sheet repositioning facility.

* 8.5kW power requirement.

* Multi-tool option.

* Punching speed is up to 450 hits/min.

* Programmable punch depth.

* Offline programming software.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/ukm/ukm105.html

Machine tool manufacturer has rebranded its CNC punching and laser cutting/welding machines to establishing a uniform and comprehensive naming system

Names create identity, ensure transparency and comprehension. That’s reason enough for Trumpf to set its product names on new footing. Over the years the product range has grown and, along with it, the number of names. Trumpf has therefore establishing a uniform and comprehensive naming system.

The launch date was October 24, 2006, the first day of the euroblech tradeshow.

The new system follows simple formulas.

For machines and lasers, the brand is identified with the prefix ‘Tru’, then the technology in English, then power class in numbers - altogether creating the new name.

Trumpf developed the system together with Nomen international, a naming agency in Duesseldorf, Germany.

With the firm’s help, every product can be assigned immediately within the broad product range based on its deducible name.

The punching machines are for example called TruPunch, the laser machines TruLaser and the bending machines TruBend.

With lasers, the type of beam source determines the new name, for example TruDisk, TruCoax or TruPulse.

The second naming element for each machine or laser will be a number that designates the performance class.

A TruPunch 5000 for example punches faster than a TruPunch 1000.

It is even simpler in the case of software.

After ‘Tru’ the word ‘Tops’ follows, and then the application area for which the software is intended - for example, TruTops Laser.

For automation, processes, punching tools, and products for tool-handling, the name consists of two parts - an anchor name and a descriptive term.

‘Master’ designates automation; ‘Line’ processes and sensors; ‘Quick’ tool accessories; and ‘Multi’ special tools.

The new sheet skeleton shears for example are now called ShearMaster.

Machine and material numbers will remain unchanged so that service and spare parts ordering will continue as usual.

Detailed information on the product names is provided on the Internet.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/tru/tru260.html

CJS Industries, Inc. was founded in July of 1993 in Topeka, Kansas by Steve Overbey, president; Jeff Berke, general manager, and Jim Lee, vice president of manufacturing. All three worked for the same metal finishing company (although in different departments) prior to starting their own business. Jim has 22 years of production experience in various facets of metal fabrication. Jeff, a CPA, and Steve each have 12 years of administrative experience in manufacturing.

CJS Industries offers shearing, CNC punching and CNC bending of parts up to 10 feet long. Due to continued growth, a second Finn-Power, 33-ton turret punch with a 60-inch table and a third Amada CNC brake have been added this year. Because more of their customers are looking for a single source, CJS Industries recently added machining and welding capabilities.
“We work with mild steel, stainless, aluminum, copper and brass,” Steve said. “We can also shear, punch and bend certain plastic materials.”

A sampling of parts displayed at the front entrance covers a wide range and includes metal truck parts, vending machine parts, panels and doors for metal cabinets, brackets, intricate parts for computers, etc.

“Our strong point is customer service,” Jeff said. “When you have state-of-the-art equipment and experienced employees, you’ve pretty well taken care of the ‘quality’ issues. We add the extra service. That means quick turnaround. Getting the parts or assemblies to our customers when they need them. Not just when it fits our schedule.” “We try to work with our customers as partners in producing a quality product,” Jim added.

CJS Industries now has 15 employees and operates in a 12,000-square-foot plant at 719 Southeast Hancock (just east of downtown Topeka) and in a 2,500-square-foot shop located at 817 Northeast Monroe. As the company approaches its fourth anniversary, plans are being made for a future expansion.

Designed to verify and restore angular alignment of turret press punching stations, Pilot(TM) Tool Calibration System consists of matched set of upper and lower interlocking components loaded into machine’s turret upper and lower chambers. It operates in Verification and Alignment modes and features tri-color indicator lights to warn when system is not aligned, aligned angularly and concentrically within 0.012 in., or aligned angularly and concentrically within 0.0003 in.

Anoka, Minnesota: Mate Precision Tooling leads the punching industry with another “first” - the Mate Pilot(TM) Tool Calibration System. Designed to verify and restore the angular alignment of punching stations of a turret press, this system is highly accurate and easy to use.

The Pilot Tool Calibration System provides punch press users with an effective and reliable means for maintaining top punch press performance while safeguarding tooling and eliminating scrapped parts because of turret alignment problems.

System Ensures Precision Concentric And Angular Tool Component Alignment

Consisting of a matched set of upper and lower interlocking components, which are loaded into the machine’s turret upper and lower chambers, the system operates in two modes:

Verification mode - Confirms the precise concentric and angular alignment of the punch press turret to maintain high quality piece part production and maximum tool life.

Alignment mode - Restores the concentric and angular alignment of each station with the same precision as the initial machine installation.

System Is Easy And Fast To Use

Simply install the two halves of the calibration instrument into the press turret station to be aligned. Then rotate the turret to position the station to be aligned under the machine’s ram. Tighten the integral adjustment handle which draws the two halves of the calibration instrument together.

As this engagement occurs, the interlocking design of the interface causes the loosened die holder assembly to draw precisely together into concentric and angular alignment relative to the upper bore of the turret.

During this process, tri-color indicator lights on the top of the instrument signal alignment. When the indicator shows: Red - system is not yet aligned; Yellow - system is aligned angularly and concentrically within 0.012 inch / 0.030 mm; Green - system is aligned angularly and concentrically within 0.0003 inch / 0.008 mm (recommended when punching materials 0.078 inch / 2.00 mm thickness or less).

High Precision Components Ensure Accuracy, Long Life

Like Mate’s high precision, long-life tooling, the Mate Pilot Tool Calibration System is quality manufactured to provide years of alignment service thereby ensuring top punch press and tool performance. Each calibration instrument is machined from a single piece of the highest quality tool steel. Upper and lower halves of the instrument are separated near the end of the production process and just prior to the installation of hardware. This ensures that the two components are a precisely matched set with high accuracy, thereby eliminating any possibility of cumulative tolerances adversely affecting instrument accuracy.

Mate Pilot Tool Calibration Sets Available For Amada And Finn Power Presses

Mate Pilot Tool Calibration sets are available for Amada thick turret and Finn Power presses in: A Station 1/2 inch (12.70 mm), B Station 1-1/4 inch (31.80 mm), C Station 2 inch (50.80 mm), D Station 3-1/2 inch (88.90) and E Station 4-1/2 inch (12.70 mm). Accessory kits consisting of alignment and adjusting bars are required that work with any station size.