"A New Addition to the Portfolio: RBV 42 with Less Complexity for Higher Production Output"

Fig. 1 WAFIOS RBV 42 R

At the close of 2012, WAFIOS replaced its legendary B10 tube bending machine with the RBV 60. This enhanced and optimized piece of equipment became the answer to the question of how to create shorter development cycles and smaller batch sizes. Now, at the TUBE 2014 trade fair, the company is set to showcase a solution that will enable this need to be met for smaller tube diameters as well. With the RBV 42, WAFIOS is expanding its portfolio to cover tube diameters of up to 42 mm.

Tube diameters that are 30 percent smaller halve deformation forces, reduce energy consumption, and enhance dynamic performance. This is why WAFIOS has introduced the RBV 42, which enables efficient production and higher output with lower space requirements, thus closing a gap in requirements for rotary head machines. Specifically, what this means for the RBV 42 is that the rigid clamping slide guide, the compact, patented bending drive, and the rigid, zero-backlash follow bar are complemented by the same programming and tool system and tool mounting area as the RBV 60. As a result, existing bending tools are compatible with the RBV 42 and part data can continue to be used as before.

WAFIOS is pursuing a deliberate strategy in basing its new concept on the RBV 60, which has already garnered much success: The RBV 42 will be available with three rotary head designs that are already proven in practice, as well as with the RBV 42 R standard design, as the RBV 42 RS reinforced version, and in the form of the RBV 42 ST stabilizer bending machine.

Even the standard design – the RBV 42 R – is able to achieve a feeding force of 10 kN. There is also the option of doubling the feeding force to 20 kN. To prevent the 2 m/s feed speed from dropping, WAFIOS has integrated a larger drive train that makes it possible to maintain high production output levels.

Less complexity for more overall efficiency
With its new machine concept, WAFIOS is promising less complexity and the same outstanding quality as before – and all at a lower cost. This is because users benefit from all the highlights of the B 10 in the RBV 60 and RBV 42, but in a less complicated format. For example, the redesign has done away with the pneumatic auxiliary cylinders on the positioning drive of the bending head. The bending head is mounted on the machine bed with positive locking. The benefit of this is that it enables optimum reproducibility during production. Additionally, the bending head positioning equipment is screwed directly onto the gearbox, meaning that there is no need for any complex support bearing structures.

Taken together, these changes and new developments have led to a considerable reduction in costs and, therefore, created a real competitive advantage.

The RBV 42's ability to compete on the market is rooted in the fact that it has been developed consistently with a focus on customers. As an example, it offers significantly more reserve capacity than comparable machines. Where users are concerned, this means that the RBV 42 can keep up a reliable rate of production even in the upper load range during three-shift operation.

The RBV 42 RS, designed specifically for tough materials such as stainless steel, polyphase steel, and even titanium, delivers great performance thanks to its more powerful machine elements, larger bearings and reinforced drives. This makes it a particularly interesting prospect for the automotive sector and more besides – such as the aeronautical engineering (titanium tubes) and furniture industries.

Closing a gap and expanding the scope
Not only has the RBV 42 closed a gap in WAFIOS' portfolio, but its concept is also setting new standards in the industry; even simply the level of flexibility it offers is proof that WAFIOS' focus is remaining firmly on the user. What this means specifically is that this inherently robust unit is continually able to adapt in line with production requirements – something that WAFIOS delivers as standard.