HydMech V-20

HYDMECH is excited to present the new V-20APC vertical band saw. Designed to increase productivity, the V-20APC features a number of unique benefits for your heavy production environment.

We understand that you need to move material quickly through your facility and that accuracy is of paramount importance. The V-20APC’s unique lift and carry shuttle allows banded material to pass by the fixed vise. The operator can now load banded material directly onto the saw with confidence that the cuts will be accurate without interference from the banding OR CLIPS. Its rack and pinion, servo driven shuttle is exceptionally fast – moving material 8” per second with automatic multi-indexing. Four independent vises allow you complete flexibility through your cutting process.

Reduce training time and operator errors with the simple and intuitive Windows touch screen controller. It’s easy to operate the V-20APC with its icon driven interface. Pre-programmed sub routines are available to easily program bullet nose cuts and other shapes. This is done visually through the use of simple Material icon or Shape. The blade chamber feature allows the operator to run the machine unattended without the possibility of the blade catching on the material as the head retracts. Without this feature the blade can be damaged as well as the blade guard, saw table, and guides.

It’s rigid cast iron head and carriage assembly provides durability, stiffness and absorbs vibration during the cutting process. – saving you money! On demand hydraulics operate only when needed providing additional energy cost savings.

Its large 20” x 25” capacity allows you to cut a wide variety of material sizes and bundles and its ability to miter 60° both ways gives you the flexibility to automatically cut a wide variety of different profiles and angles without having to move the material.

Should You Consider Robotic Bending Cells ?

Over the past ten years I have noticed a trend with my customers. They realize the importance of automation and easy set up as it relates to forming on a press brake. My customers tell me time and time again how difficult is to find an experienced press brake operator; they know that the skilled operator pool is getting smaller and smaller every year.  The reality is that this problem can be applied to many other processes in just about any manufacturing facility in the USA.  Press brakes have improved in numerous ways over the past ten years. We have seen increases in speed and accuracy, easier to program CNC controls, and improvements in tooling systems as well as improved safety.

Robotics and forming cells are certainly not new to the part forming world; in fact, I recall watching a robot form 24" x 24" panels on three sides and place them in a nice neat stack over fifteen years ago.  So why should you consider a robotic forming cell? Well, there are many reasons, some of which relate to technological advancements as well as pure economics. Let's start with economics. Initial investment cost for robotic automation has decreased considerably over the past ten years, which allows smaller companies the ability to justify the investment. Labor costs have been on the rise over the past ten years added to the fact that skilled labor is in high demand, which may increase the hourly wages paid. Combine lower cost of investment with the skilled labor savings and your dollar concerns start to diminish.

Now lets look at the technology in Robotic forming cells.  Robots have become increasingly smarter and much easier to program than in years past. Part manipulation and the physics of robots have improved to the point of almost limitless movement. Single software systems have improved in areas that allow multiple machines to work together in ways that previously were simply not fluid and cohesive. Tooling systems allow for greater flexibility, and overall system speed has increased. The technology in bending cells will continue to make advancements, and going forward the cost will continue to improve.  If we look at robotic welding as an example we see that the trend is on a sharp incline towards more complex welding and fixture systems with welding robots that are better than ever.

Advantages to robotic bending cells include precise, repetitive forms and consistent overall parts. Robotic  bending cells can operate for as long as there is a steady supply of parts and removal of completed parts. Most cells run unmanned and one operator can program and maintain several bending cells.  Medium to short runs are now easier to set up, and long part runs can be processed on a second or third shift for maximum productivity. Competition around the world will continue to reach a more level playing field. Perhaps you owe it to yourself to take another look at your own forming operation and consider robotic bending cells for your future growth.  Adira Bending Cells

Rob Collins

President, BluTec Machinery & Service

HydMech Saws and Material Handling

HK Laser Adds Fiber Laser Features

HK Laser Systems is the largest laser builder in South Korea. New for 2016 HK has expanded its laser line up and now offers a new ZOOMING head feature that allows thin to thick metal processing with the ultimate in quality and speed.  Find out more here http://www.hk-us.com/  

Hypertherm® HyPerformance® Plasma HPR400XD®

With more than 40 years in the industry and 75+ patents, Hypertherm® has become one of the most common names in plasma fabrication. According to the HPR400XD® brochure, this HyPerformance® Plasma system is at the top of the plasma market in four specific areas:

Superior Cut Quality and Consistency – because of their patented HyDefintion® system. The HPR product family uses this HyDefinition® technology to accurately align and focus the cutting beam, allowing consistency and precision for a longer period of time in thicknesses up to 80 mm.

Maximized Productivity – with cutting speeds listed at 5740 mm/min for 1 mm stainless at 45 amps, HyPerformance® Plasma wraps competitive cutting speeds, fast processing, rapid changeovers and consistent reliability into one machine.

Minimized Operating Cost – the patented LongLife® technology helps decrease overall operating cost by increasing the lifespan of the consumables used in the manufacturing process. This also allows for a more consistent cut quality for a longer duration.

Unmatched Reliability - Remember, Hypertherm® has been in the fabrication industry for over 40 years.  Their expertise and reputation in the industry assures the HPR400XD® is a quality plasma system you can count on.

-BluTec Machinery & Service

Manufacturing industry trends to look out for in 2016

The manufacturing industry is undergoing a massive transformation. Technological developments and changing markets are redefining the competitive landscape for manufacturing organizations. The concept of a ‘smart factory’ has become more of a reality with more emphasis on speed, agility, and productivity.

Here are a few trends which are going to impact the manufacturing industry in 2016:

3D Printing — Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing has been a top technology trend for quite some time. With the growing affordability of 3D printing, more precise scans, and faster prints, manufacturers will be able to build parts and prototypes quickly. By applying 3D printing technology to product development and prototyping, manufacturers will be able to focus on innovation and reduce time to market (TTM).

Robotics — As advanced robotic systems become smarter, faster, and cheaper, manufacturers will be able to program their robots to perform virtually any task imaginable. This in turn will increase the quality of output. According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), between 2015 and 2018, it is estimated that about 1.3 million new industrial robots will be installed in factories around the world.  Continue Reading

Manufacturing Matters, Source: Metal Forming

Dayton Rogers’ owner and president Ron Lowry is passionate when it comes to addressing the skills gap in American manufacturing. He would like to see manufacturers work together to fully understand the opportunities available to strengthen our workforce, and to create a plan to work more closely with educators and prospective employees.

As Lowry prepares to take over as chairman of the Precision Metalforming Association, he’s looking to drive home the critical role that manufacturing plays in the overall health of the U.S. economy. “Manufacturing Matters” is his theme, and he looks to parlay that theme with his New Year’s resolution for 2016: “Complain less and do more, in every aspect of my life.” With that said, Ron wants to encourage manufacturers to join him in taking matters into their own hands, not only when it comes to the skills gap but also in making our country’s leaders understand that a healthy manufacturing industry is critical to the nation’s future. Continue Reading

Be wary of customers that take advantage -Source: The Fabricator

Attracting new customers is an important part of keeping a custom fabricating shop in business. However, be wary of the customer that continually takes advantage of your willingness to produce a small quantity of parts on short notice and sends the larger jobs elsewhere. Remember, you can’t keep calling the same buddy to pull you out of the mud and never invite him to the party. Continue reading: