Page 23 - ITATUBE Journal 1 2020

Keeping an eye on a machine’s overall condition
If a car suddenly starts to stutter and breaks down on the road, this doesn’t mean that it is a complete write-off. Perhaps it only requires a new oil filter, new spark plugs or maybe even a new engine. For tube bending machines, this is equivalent to a component over- haul. If, for example, a new pres- sure die assembly, a new swing arm or a new bending head is installed, it is possible to get the machine back up and running again. However, it is necessary to keep an eye on the overall condi- tion of the machine. For instance, for Schwarze-Robitec’s control systems from previous genera- tions prior to the year 2000, there is often only a limited availability of spare parts and upgrades are no longer possible. If such machines are mechanically refurbished, the control technology will still pose a risk of failure – a general over- haul including a replacement of the control system is therefore a more sensible option. But should a client’s production requirements change fundamentally, then a new machine is in order. Just as with a car, installing a new engine is not worthwhile if this is then shortly followed by a gearbox failure – or if the owner now needs a van instead of a station wagon.
Tube bending machines are also similar to cars in terms of the intervals between necessary main- tenance work: The car of an every- day commuter – equivalent to a machine working at high capac- ity in 3-shift operation – will be in for its next inspection quicker than that of the casual weekend driver. The frequency with which tube bending machines require maintenance work varies depend- ing on their utilization, workload
Since expensive parts such as the machine frame and welding components are re-used,anoverhauledmachineisroughlyone-thirdcheaperthananewmachine.
Technical Papers
Hydraulic and electrical installations as well as the entire machine safety system are newly installed during a general overhaul. This is due to the fact that statutory safety regulations have usually changed since the machine was first put into operation.
and regular maintenance. It is therefore the combination of many factors that determines whether a general overhaul is a reasonable option: the time, the condition of the machine and the performance requirements in production.
ITAtube Journal No1/July 2020
23