Products : Rollforming Machines :
Double-End Rollformer

Purpose

To rollform a profile into coiled and welded cylindrical steel components. The most typical application for this machine is to be used in groups of 3, along with other machines, in the manufacture of heavy duty tubeless truck rims.

Design Features

The upper spindle assembly is supported on both ends in heavy duty antifriction bearings. The upper spindle assembly is raised and lowered by a direct-acting hydraulic cylinder. The downward motion features high and low speeds for the fast approach and forming speeds. The fully closed position is controlled mechanically by a heavy duty power-driven adjustment mechanism with digital position readout.

Two co-axial lower spindle assemblies support the lower forming tooling, and are retracted to permit the infeed and exit of products. The closing and retracting of the spindles are driven by a mechanically coupled, hydraulically actuated linkage assembly located in the base of the machine. For optimum precision, the tooling is piloted together to permit both lower spindles to share the rolling forces, and is forced axially together during forming to prevent unwanted axial tooling movement.

The spindle support carriages are guided in slides which are equipped with replaceable liners for simplified maintenance in the event of wear. All slides are lubricated by the centralized system, and are designed for very low sliding loads. The lower slide actuating linkages are provided with heavy duty roller bearings, also centrally lubricated. The lower spindles are supported by heavy duty antifriction bearings. To assure accurate stopping positions, the inward motions of the lower rolls are limited by a mechanical stop built into the lower actuation linkage.

The spindle drives are by hydraulic motors, with the upper and lower motors connected in parallel hydraulically, permitting proper peripheral roll speeds to be achieved by the mechanical interfaces between the product and the tooling. This system is self-controlling, and requires no adjustments or special setup know how to obtain optimum product quality and tool life.

A pair of side guides are provided to control the location of the band relative to the tooling and to prevent oscillation of the product during forming. The side guide assemblies are adjustable for proper positioning relative to the product, and are provided with pneumatic cushions to permit them to travel as required during the forming stroke.

The automatic product transfer consists of a short entry chute, escapement mechanism to catch rims coming down the chute and release them into the loader, which carries the product diagonally upward into the tooling area of the rollformer. After rollforming, the still-rotating product is released into the exit chute which carries it to the next operation.

Tool Changing

This machine is equipped with several provisions to change tooling quickly. The upper spindle tooling is removed semi-automatically. The upper tooling, the spindle, and its end bearings are hydraulically clamped in the machine. During tool change mode, the upper assembly as described is unclamped and hydraulic-ally carried away from the machine by a self-contained carriage. This tooling package is removed as an assembly by a self-contained electric hoist. The awaiting tooling is to be pre-installed on a similar assembly.

The lower spindle tooling is serviced after the upper tooling is removed. Locknuts retain the tooling, and a special machine mounted support arm supports the tooling's weight until it is clear of the machine.

KNOWLEDGE CENTER : DOUBLE-END ROLLFORMER

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