Interview with Stefanie Flaeper,
General Manager of transfluid
Maschinenbau GmbH
What do the current trends in pipe forming and
bending technology look like?
Basically, we assume that there’s a higher demand
than ever before for more flexibility in processing
pipes. This is because it is foreseeable that there
will only be large-scale series in the future.
Production needs to adjust to these circumstances.
In principle, this also applies to developments in
bending technology. The demand for more dynamic
production of complete kits featuring diverse
geometries and diameters continues to increase.
How is the general reception of software-
controlled process optimisation with regard to
industry 4.0?
Connectivity is in constant demand in the most
diverse areas. However, not every customer desires
complete networking, especially wherever data
protection is involved. At transfluid, we are suitably
prepared to implement the right connection and
integration solutions. All controller adjustments
have already been implemented with new control
systems.
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TUBE NEWS March 2018
In which areas is robotics producing faster
processes?
Robots are certainly not the fastest solution in
automation. We offer high-performance, linear
handling systems in this area. However, robots
can be used with high flexibility for a variety of
components. Wherever transferring previously bent
parts to further processing steps is involved, robots
are the best solution in terms of efficiency
Furthermore, the robot sometimes can also become
a bending machine, which makes it outstanding for
implementing complex geometries. And as a robot
bender, it’s an extremely efficient and effective
solution for processing long pipes with small pipe
diameters. Of course, it is also capable of assuming
handling tasks as well. Programming takes place
according to XYZ coordinates, and CAD can be
imported.