Schwarze-Robitec has developed its freeform bending concept further for all-electric tube bending machines. This technology allows the precise creation of large bending radii and variable radius paths on tubes and profiles. A high level of repeat accuracy is achieved even with new, higher-strength materials. At the same time, the system supports the combination of freeform and mandrel bending in one clamping operation and is, therefore, particularly suitable for users from the automotive and agricultural machinery industries as well as for stair lift and furniture manufacturers. The production process is accelerated by up to five times, or even ten times in individual cases,” Jürgen Korte, Plant Manager of Schware-Robitec, explains.
In the freeform process, the bending radii are created not with fixed tools but rather by means of independently mounted rollers. The desired bending radius is defined by the feed angle of a reshaping roller. The technology is used in all of the all-electric bending machines in the CNC 40 E TB MR to CNC 160 E TB MR series.
“We have recently delivered an all-electric tube bending machine with this new technology to Mexico, to one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers,” Korte reports. The machine, which has been expanded to be fully automatic – including loading unit for machine feed, measuring system and handling robot for onward transport of the bent parts – ensures fully automated and therefore very fast and economic bending processes. Schwarze-Robitec has had many years of extensive experience in the area of freeform bending.