FIBRO’s new thread forming unit optimized for sheet-metal processing

FIBRO’s modularly designed electronic thread forming unit facilitates highly efficient processes in sheet metal forming. It can be programmed quickly and easily.
Photo by FIBRO GmbH

The electronically controlled thread forming unit from FIBRO has been specifically developed for the integrated thread forming in sheet-metal processing. A highly dynamic servomotor connected via an extendable articulated shaft ensures a rapid acceleration of the forming tool or thread cutting tool, consistent cutting speeds of up to 100 m/min and particularly long service life. To ensure the thread quality, the entire sequence is monitored and recorded by an integrated process control system. The unit is designed for speeds up to 4000 RPM on the thread tool and flexible for thread sizes from M2 to M24. Larger diameters available upon request.

The electronically controlled thread forming unit from the standard parts specialist FIBRO sets new standards for punching and forming in terms of process stability, thread quality, and efficiency. It ensures that the threads are always inserted under optimal conditions, independently of the press stroke. Using an articulated shaft, the system can also be utilized in positions that are difficult to access and at unusual angles. Since the drive occurs by means of an external servomotor, complex mounting and calibration work on the tool can be dispensed with. Instead, the head of the unit is simply mounted directly into the respective tool. The remaining components, such as the servomotor or an optional annular gear, can be placed outside and connected above the articulated shaft with the forming head.

Modular design ensures flexible applications

The modular design of the thread forming unit allows it to be used and reused as necessary in a variety of follow-on and compound tools in presses as well as stamping and bending machines. Individually matching the motor and controller to the respective application ensures that the required accelerations, speeds, and torques are precisely maintained. This offers a significant advantage over conventional mechanical and electronic thread forming units, in particular, whose motors are frequently underdimensioned due to the limited construction space and where the required values cannot be achieved with process reliability. After a half a turn of the tool spindle already, the system has reached the defined cutting speed. This ensures the specified number of strokes as well as the calculated production of the parts up to the last part with process reliability. Thus, optimal conditions for the quality of the threads, for the service life of the thread tools, and for the calculation of the production amounts. In addition to this, there is a high degree of flexibility because the thread size can be varied at any time by replacing the guide cartridge and the tool. If needed, a thread cutter can also be utilized in place of the non-cutting thread former.

Process monitoring included

To ensure a consistent process stability, the control system of the thread forming unit continuously monitors the condition of the thread tool, the tolerance of the core hole, and the quality of the created threads. In case of a deviation, the system outputs a stop signal in a fraction of a second and the fault can be simultaneously documented automatically. Since the process control takes place exclusively by means of current consumption of the servomotor, no sensors or feed lines are required on the forming head. All data records can be read out and summarized, for example, in the scope of a QA log. For optimal cooling, FIBRO offers a flexible and compact dosing unit with volumetric dosing pump. A specially designed nozzle technology for punching and forming processes ensures precise and reliable lubrication. The dosing unit can be directly integrated into the control system of the threat forming unit.

For more information, please visit http://www.fibro.de.

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