Bending Innovation : Posted Mar 22/2006 - SOCO

Bending Innovation – Advanced S-DGT Technology - By: Kyle Lo V.P SOCO Machinery

Direct Power

It is not often that a Taiwanese manufacturer of tube benders is able to bring a worldwide recognized patent to the table, but this is exactly what SOCO Machinery (SOCO) has been able to develop.

Located in Taichung, Taiwan, SOCO has been able to receive the patent across all major continents for its new direct gear transmission system for bending tubes and pipes. Utilizing an innovative system of power transmission between the electric servo motor through the bending shaft, it is able to offer one of the highest (+90%) and most efficient power transfer methods available in the market.

The result? Unparalleled Precision.

As SOCO has been developing tube cutting systems since 1979, its vast experience with gear systems has provided it the background to research and develop a suitable system for its CNC Tube Bending range. By minimizing the distance between the electric servo and the bending shaft (resulting in minimal loss in power) and coupled with extreme low tolerance between gears, SOCO succeeded in creating a durable and rigid system that allows silent and precise tube bending

Unique S-DGTtechnology (SOCO Direct Gear Transmission) is the bending system with worldwide patent direct gear transmission. The technology provides more effective and stable operation for higher accuracy and lower tolerance.

The other distinct advantage is during the tube push + roll bending process. As the tube must swiftly move through a set of rollers, the smallest change and movement on the bending arm may dramatically affect the end product. The direct gear system minimizes such tolerances like no other method, bringing a stable bend through the entire process.

Finally, the low noise level of this system brings greater comfort to the operator when using the tube bender and fulfills the requirements of various countries and working environments

One bend, many ways

In comparison, the most common forms of bending now offered still rely on chain based, rack and pinion and bevel gear bending systems. While suitable for most bending forms, the difference is clear when the highest precision and repeatability are required in mass production environments, where material waste and rejection rates must be kept at a minimum.

On the chain transmission system, the elastic nature of the material restricts the machine from achieving the repeatability necessary, especially during push and roll bending situations. Loss of power and efficiency are amongst other common issues and causing this system to be gradually replaced. With constant maintenance necessary, it may potentially lead to waste of parts that may not be acceptable in low tolerance industries, such as the automotive field.

Meanwhile, the rack and pinion system is restrictive when making smaller push and roll bending processes. Due to the higher force needed in this type of bending, the rack and pinion may wear out considerably in a small period of time, resulting in loss of repeatability and stability. It also requires strict control of the tolerance of the pitch distance between the racks and therefore more difficult to produce and replace.

The bevel gear, because of the gears’ placement at 90 degrees from each other, also results in great losses in efficiency and power during power transmission. The result is both weaker output and capacity, substantial wear-out of the gears over short periods of time and difficulties in replacing the gears during maintenance. The loud noise levels during the bending process (also an example of power loss) also bring great operational discomfort, and therefore may not be suitable for many work environments.

The SOCO Way

The direct gear system is available over a wide line of SOCO CNC Tube Benders, including 3 to 7 Axis models, with multi stack, variable radius and center line boosting options together with Industrial PC (IPC) Interface and Controls.As Asia’s largest manufacturer of machinery for the tubing industry, SOCO has gained the respect of its peers in the industry as an innovative and consumer focused company, constantly bringing tube cutting, chamfering and bending solutions to its global customer base.