BLM Group  

46850 Cartier Drive
Novi,  MI  48377

United States
248-560-0080
http://www.blmgroup.com

• Booth: A1338

BLM GROUP is a global leader in tube and sheet metal processing solutions. Its product line includes laser tube and flat sheet cutting, cold sawing, bending, end-forming, end-machining and wire bending machines. The company has more than 60 years of experience and thousands of applications in the development of tube and sheet metal fabrication equipment. With headquarters in Italy, BLM GROUP USA, in Novi, Michigan, provides tube processing solutions, equipment demonstrations, service and parts support, application development, and training to the United States and Canada.

 Press Releases

• BLM GROUP Announces New Automated ProBend Press Brake Cell at FABTECH 2023 (Aug 30, 2023)

  BLM GROUP has announced its new automated ProBend press brake cell, which is being demonstrated at FABTECH 2023 in booth #A1338. This compact workcell, with an overall size of (LWH) 281” x 162’ x 122”, features the ProBend E-Series 205-60 and a 30kg robot. It has the flexibility to process a wide variety of part sizes from 4” x 3” up to 24” x 32” and 33 lbs. with excellent reliability and high productivity. The E-Series 205-60 press brake has a bending force of 66 tons, a bending length of 81”.

  The system has two load and unload locations with the ability to integrate the unload pallets with an AGV as desired. The pre-load section is configurable for adaptation to part geometry, as well as allowing its removal to accommodate larger parts. The 3-axis Cartesian pick and place system with pivoting head allows the robot to continue processing parts while staging the next piece of material.

  The automatic tool change capability requires minimal operator intervention, making tool change between parts very fast and easy. With up to six meters of tooling storage, there is ample space for tooling needs. Plus, the system can handle a variety of end-of-arm-tooling types – vacuum, magnet and gripper-style, for processing various types of materials.

  The ProBend E-Series press brakes feature a patented, direct-drive system with twin torque motors and an open “C” frame design, providing the ability to form off the edge of the machine. As compared to industry standards, the E-Series, with a ram tilt up to 3/8”, offers a generous open height, stroke and throat size, benefiting deep box or special forming needs. Built for optimum accuracy and high speeds on all 6-axes, the E-Series’ CNC-controlled backgauge meets the demands of the most complex sheet metal applications for high-production manufacturing.

  Offline software package gives you complete control to go from part drawing to pallet in minutes.
  
  For more information on the new ProBend press brakes, visit https://www.blmgroup.com/en-us/press-brake/probend

• BLM GROUP Announces LT-Free Turn Table 5-Axis Laser Cutting System (Aug 30, 2023)

  In booth #A1338 at FABTECH 2023, BLM GROUP will demonstrate its new LT-FREE Turn Table 5-axis Laser Cutting System for laser cutting bent and hydroformed tubes, flat and deep-drawn sheets, and welded assemblies. This system features a rotary table with two workstations equipped with input and outputs to dynamically clamp parts in fixtures, 3D cutting head with 4kW power. The on-floor system will demonstrate processing capabilities on a bent tube, used as a heat shield for the motorsports industry. 
  
  The LT-FREE, available with fiber laser power up to 4kW, is ideal for machining mild steel, copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel, and galvanized steel.  There are no limits to part access; trimming and feature cutting can be achieved right on the bend accurately and repeatably.
  
  Efficient and easy to operate, users just select material type and thickness from the intuitive controller, and the machine will automatically set the cutting parameters and the optimal focus position. Traditional cutting, drilling, punching, milling and deburring operations, which are normally carried out in sequence, can now be performed on a single machine. This eliminates set up and “work-in-progress” inventory, as well as reducing material handling to streamline the entire process.

  Different material handling configurations are offered to meet specific production needs, while always guaranteeing the flexibility and productivity typical of this 5-axis laser cutting system.

  The system is equipped with the optional user-friendly CAD/CAM software to create part programs of any complexity in a simple 3D graphical environment.

• BLM GROUP Demonstrates Flexibility of LS7 Laser Cutter Featuring Nozzle Change and New Automated Load/Unload (Aug 30, 2023)

  At FABTECH 2023 in booth #A1338, BLM GROUP will demonstrate the speed and versatility of its newest sheet laser machine – the LS7, which will be equipped with a 12kW laser source and an automated load/unload system and automated nozzle change. It will be running a variety of demonstrations on materials that include mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass.  Additionally, the system will switch between nitrogen and high-pressure compressed air as its assist gas.
  
  As shown at FABTECH, the automated load/unload system includes a single fork with anti-scratch belts, is expandable to include a single tower and has an open design that allows for manual loading on the backside.

  The LS7, offering an axis acceleration of up to 2g, will demonstrate its fly-cut ability to laser cut grids, which can decrease cutting time by 70%. Additional speed can be gained through the LS7’s fully-electric pallet change, which takes a only a few seconds to extract the laser-cut parts and load the new sheet metal.  Also demonstrated will be the machine’s Active Piercing ability, which increases piercing speed and reliability, even on inconsistent material quality and thickness.

  The LS7 can cut thicknesses from 0.20” to 1.57”, or even double sheets, depending upon the material and selected laser power. It is available in two versions – the 3015 with a maximum sheet size of 121.5” x 62.2” and the 4020, capable of handling sheet sizes up to 162.5" x 79.5".
  
  Importantly, the system is built in a way that enables extremely quick installation. More information on the LS7 is available at LS7 Sheet Lasers.

• BLM GROUP Fabricates Heat Exchanger Parts with Multi-Purpose 4-RUNNER Tube Forming Machine (Aug 30, 2023)

  In booth #A1338 at FABTECH 2023, BLM GROUP is demonstrating the capabilities of its 4-RUNNER H1 tube forming machine, highlighting its ability to de-coil/straighten, bend, end form, and cut from coil stock all in one piece of equipment. The 4-RUNNER will process two different heat exchanger-type parts suited for HVAC or refrigeration equipment, highlighting the system’s serpentine bending capabilities as well as its ability to perform multiple processes on one machine. Both tubes include multiple bend radii and endforming of one end of each tube; an expansion on Part 1 and a bead form on Part 2).

  More on the 4-RUNNER:  The 4-RUNNER H1 straightens, shapes, cuts and bends, with compression or variable radius method. It can perform multi-radius right-hand and left-hand bending operations and can work diameters up to 12.7 mm (.5”) from coil. The system is particularly suited for making flat and three-dimensional serpentines; these parts are typically used in the refrigeration, HVAC, automotive and household appliances industries.

  It can be equipped with either a heavy end-forming module with six ram or four ram stations and one rotary station featuring either an external orbital or disc cutting system; or a light end-forming module with three ram or one ram and one rotary station.

  All machine movements are managed by an electric axis with all part positions and power parameters saved together in the part program. No additional mechanical adjustments are required, helping the system achieve both fast setup and accurate positioning of all production phases and maximum repeatability.

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• BLM GROUP Demonstrates E-TURN All-Electric Tube Bender with Automated Load/Unload and Weld Seam and Hole Detection (Aug 30, 2023)

  In booth #A1338 at FABTECH 2023, BLM GROUP is demonstrating its E-TURN all-electric tube bender in conjunction with an AL5 automatic tube loader. The system will be shown processing two components –a seat frame part and a brochure stand, highlighting E-TURN’s same cycle LH and RH bending capability, as well as feature orientation using the WELDET and MC1052 weld seam and hole detection options.  Both parts being processed are 304 stainless steel with a 1” OD 2” CLR x 0.065” WT (25.4mm OD x 50.8mm CLR x 1.65WT).

  The E-TURN was created to meet the growing market demand for bending medium-to-small batches of complex, multiple shape tubular components of high-quality material. It is particularly well-suited for complex parts without straight stretches between bends.

  E-TURN is offered in different sizes for tubes up to 52mm diameter and is used in the furniture, automotive, motorcycle, aeronautic and plant engineering sectors, but due to its flexibility and speed, can be used in all sectors.

  Programming:  A key differentiator of the E-TURN is the VGPNext programming and 3D simulation software.  By simply inputting the component bend coordinates, the complete bending program is graphically simulated, highlighting potential collision risks and producing the optimal working cycle. Component feasibility is checked virtually, eliminating the need for prototype tooling or physical testing on the machine.  Unloading of the finished component is also automatically managed by VGPNext, with the 180-degree head rotation allowing the component to be unloaded in the position required.

  Changeover times are significantly reduced, and machine-setup simplified as all the critical settings for the machine tooling are managed automatically by the CNC, including clamps, pressure die, mandrel position, retraction, center line radius, etc. Additionally, the self-calibration feature enables true simultaneous axis movement with automatic adjustment of these settings.

  The all-electric technology of the E-TURN offers reduced power consumption, typically offering 80% savings as compared to conventional hydraulic bending machines. Maintenance is also reduced due to simplified cabling and components.

  The E-TURN is available in four sizes capable of handling maximum tube O.D. capacity ranging from 30mm x 2mm (1.18-in. x 0.079-in.) up to 50.8mm x 1.5mm (2-in. x 0.059-in.). Depending on the system, the E-TURN offers a minimum bending radius of 25 – 35mm and a maximum bending radius of 150 to 165mm.
   

• BLM GROUP Processes Exhaust Heat Shield Part with ELECT Tube Bender and LT-Free 3D Cutting Cell (Aug 30, 2023)

  BLM GROUP will demonstrate the capabilities of its ELECT 102 tube bending machine in conjunction with its LT-Free Piece Value 5-axis laser system at FABTECH 2023 in booth #A1338, through the processing of an exhaust heat shield type part. The tubular part is made of mild steel with 3.5” OD x 5.3” CLR x 0.083” WT (88.9mm OD x 135mm CLR x 2.11mm WT). It will go through draw bending on the ELECT and then be laser cut on the LT-Free equipment.

  ELECT Tube Benders:  Available in six models, all ELECT machines are capability of processing either RH- or LH-bending, with some having the ability to quickly switch as needed. With multiple tool stack capability, the ELECT can accommodate up to eight tools, producing fixed and variable radii in a single setup.

  The all-electric operation provides energy efficient production and eliminates the need for hose and piping associated with hydraulic systems. This helps simplify maintenance and improve reliability for more consistent bending. These 9-axis systems are well-suited for tube production in a variety of industries including HVAC, furniture, automotive and aerospace.

  The BLM GROUP ELECT tube benders can incorporate automatic tube bundle loading and a handling robot for a complete turnkey solution that manages the entire tube loading and unloading sequence.  For more information on the ELECT benders, visit https://www.blmgroup.com/3d-cutting-cells/lt-free

  LT-FREE Piece Value:  The LT-FREE Piece Value 5-axis Laser Cutting System features a large rotary indexing table that offers efficient and continuous production of large batch processing of any 3D part.  With laser powers up to 3kW and rotary table dimensions of 3000mm diameter, the LT-FREE is ideal for machining a variety of materials.

  Traditional cutting, drilling, punching, milling and deburring operations, which are normally carried out in sequence, can now be performed on a single machine. This eliminates set up and “work-in-progress” inventory, as well as reducing material handling to streamline the entire process.

• BLM GROUP Processes a Variety of Components to Illustrate LT7 Tube Laser Versatility (Aug 30, 2023)

  In booth #A1338 at FABTECH 2023, BLM GROUP will be processing a variety of parts to demonstrate the versatility of its LT7 lasertube featuring 5kW laser power with automated load/unload and a thread insert unit, which automatically installs thread inserts into laser cut holes by press fitting. A patent-pending technology exclusive to BLM GROUP, this inserter unit simplifies and shortens the processing time for mating an insert with a tubular component.

  Materials being processed include 1” square stainless steel with 0.049” WT (wall thickness), a 4” round aluminum section with 0.25” WT, a 4”x2” special section of aluminum with 0.125” WT, a 2.5”x2.0” mild steel angled section with 0.375” WT, and a 3” square section of mild steel with 0.083” WT. Various features being processed include tooth and slot joint, T-hook and slot, semi-chamfer hole, cut-bend, rivet insertion and more.

  Capable of using a variety of assist gases, the LT7 will process the aluminum sections using high pressure dry compressed air. The machine is equipped with Active Tools including Active Scan (with extension for special shapes), Active Weld, and Active Tilt, all designed so that the LT7 can automatically adapt process parameters for optimal results.

  The LT7 features a 3D tilt cutting head and can perform high-precision angular cuts in round tubes, square, rectangle, and open profiles, and special sections.  It can process round/square/open profile/custom sections from 0.5” to 6”, up to 15.5 lbs./ft., and is available with a 3, 4 or 5kW fiber laser.

  Programming
  BLM Group’s proprietary software ArTube makes for easy/automatic offline programming. Jobs can be setup offline allowing the operator to simply activate their job, load material, and unload finished parts. 

 Products