31 Jan 2007
Strong Sales Persuade AddisonMckee to Launch Further PowerBend Models

World-leading tube-bending and end-forming technology specialists, AddisonMckee, have further extended their PowerBend range of high-performance, lower cost tube bending models to include solutions capable of bending tube of up to 42mm dia. and 150mm dia. respectively.

Launched last year to satisfy the requirements of organizations with more basic tube manipulation needs, PowerBend models benefit from AddisonMckee's reputation for quality, precision and reliability yet are offered at an exceptionally competitive price. Benefiting from years of proven design techniques, PowerBend models provide the high levels of accuracy, repeatability, prompt tool change and ease of operation as required by today's manufacturing industries.

The high quality, cost-effective solution

"As the leading innovator and provider of tube bending technology," commented AddisonMckee Director of Global Marketing, Christian Rogiers, "we have used our considerable expertise to provide a high quality solution for those companies who would ideally like to invest in AddisonMckee equipment, but have not always been able to justify the sophisticated capabilities that some of our machines offer."

International standards

"In the new PowerBend range," he continued, "we have created a choice of exceptionally durable models of international standards and revolutionary design, each with the added advantage of an exceptionally attractive price point. Since launch, PowerBend models have proved exceptionally popular with smaller, mid-market organizations and we are delighted to extend the range to include 42mm, 75mm, 100mm and 150mm maximum diameter machines."

Impressive capabilities

Hydraulically-powered mandrel tube benders, capable of bending carbon steel tube from 50mm diameter to 150mm diameter, models in the PowerBend range offer maximum bend angle and CLR of 193º.

Machine beds and tanks are of one integral assembly. Hydraulic valves and filter are externally mounted for easy access. Electrical connections to the valves are of the plug-in type with position indicators. And the bend head is mounted to the bed on slideways and is adjusted laterally for CLR setting by means of a lead screw.

Main spindle

Mounted on heavy-duty taper roller bearings, the main spindle carries the bend arm. Rotation is by hydraulic cylinder connected to the spindle by chains. The angular position feedback to the servo is by encoder, through instrumentation grade gearing from the main spindle.

Simple to locate bend die

Easily located on the bend arm on double drive keys, the bend die is retained by a single nut if a tool spindle is used or bolted directly to the tooling platform for small CLR bending.

Clamp die mounting slide

The clamp die-mounting slide is hydraulically powered with toggle mechanism for maximum gripping pressure and operated in a rise and fall motion to clear the tube on subsequent Y-axis feeds. The clamp block moves across the clamp slide by lead screw for CLR adjustment. Clamp tooling is drop-in type with simple height adjustment.

Reaction arm / follower slide

Hydraulically powered and direct acting, the reaction arm carries the follower slide which takes the pressure die and is infinitely variable for speed via valve adjustment. The drop-in pressure die has simple screw adjustment for ease of alignment with the bend die.

Wiper die mounting

A rigid mounting post with three axis adjustment for easy set-up ensures good quality bends and long die life.

Plane of bend unit

On all models, the tube carriage (Y axis) moves along the machine bed on precision low friction bearings. Linear motion is by AC motor drive, with position feedback by absolute encoder. The collet is carriage mounted, with rotary motion (B axis) provided by AC motor, with absolute encoder position feedback for precision and repeatability. The master collet is designed to accept segments for the required tube diameters, clamping is by hydraulic cylinder actuated mechanism.

Mandrel unit

Fitted as standard with hydraulic actuation, the mandrel unit includes one 22mm diameter quick-change rod. Anticipated mandrel retraction is standard for high bend quality. Additional rods and automatic mandrel lubrication are offered as optional extras.

Allen-Bradley control

Programming of all PowerBend models is provided by an Allen-Bradley alphanumeric keypad. The many simple routines and features available include: tool monitoring to prevent collision; inch/imperial data input; 1000 program storage; maximum 16 bends per program capability; Y, B, C axis data input and automatic release of tube prior to final bend to prevent follower die / collet collision.

About AddisonMckee

Globally renowned for the design, manufacture and supply of some of the world's finest tube bending and end forming technologies - for increasingly complex automotive, aviation, truck and shipbuilding requirements - AddisonMckee also offers highly innovative tube measuring solutions, tube perforation, piercing and louvring technologies, hydraulic press machinery, muffler assembly solutions, plant automation and complete workcell integration.

In addition to these capabilities, a whole range of tooling and accessory options are also provided, as are comprehensive maintenance and service contracts, training and education programs and financial services. Where applicable, AddisonMckee is also able to offer customers the opportunity of machine rebuilds, refurbishment, upgrades and trade-ins.

From its state-of-the-art manufacturing centers in the USA, United Kingdom, Canada and China, AddisonMckee is committed to providing rapid solutions to market and also regularly assists clients in product prototyping, parts development, small production runs and pre-production sample development.

AddisonMckee is principally owned by WHI Capital Partners (WHICP), a Chicago-based private equity group that invests in middle market, industry-leading companies with solid financial fundamentals and proven management teams. WHICP is an affiliate of William Harris Investors, Inc., a family-based asset management firm founded by Irving B. Harris in 1987.

For further information please contact:
Rachel Thomas – BHL Marketing
E-mail: rachel@bhlmarketing.com
Tel: +44 (0) 1244 851850
Fax: +44 (0) 1244 851888

Christian Rogiers – AddisonMckee
E-mail: crogiers@addisonmckee.com
Tel: +1 513 228 7076
Fax: +1 513 228 7226