How Does It Work ?

TubeInspect is a contactless measuring system that simply requires the tube  to be measured to be placed inside the optical measuring cell. Several high-resolution digital cameras accurately locate and measure the tube's geometry within a few seconds. The tube does not need to be supported in any way, nor does it need to be moved. The geometry is instantly reported in an easily understandable way, using the sheath tolerance of the tube profile (like a fixed, hard gauge). The measuring range of TubeInspect is up to 2500mm x 1100mm x 700mm, although a tube can be repositioned to extend the measuring range up to to 7 metres. Bends between 1 and 180 degrees can be measured, on tube diameters from 2mm up to 200mm.

TubeInspect can measure traditionally bent tubes with straights and fixed radius bends (using XYZ or YPC/PBR data) or alternatively the latest software can now cope with freeform tube bends and flexible tube/hose combinations. A tube's measurement can be compared directly to nominal drawing/CAD data, or alternatively to a master sample tube.

TubeInspect Models

TubeInspect is available in a range of models according to tube length and accuracy requirements ;

TubeInspect

Measuring Volume : 2500 x 1100 x 700 mm

Tube Diameter : 3.2 - 200 mm

Accuracy : +/- 0.1mm based on sheath tolerance

TubeInspect S

Measuring Volume : 1100 x 1100 x 700 mm

Tube Diameter : 3.2 - 200 mm

Accuracy : +/- 0.1mm based on sheath tolerance

TubeInspect HS

Measuring Volume : 1100 x 1100 x 700 mm

Tube Diameter : 2 - 100 mm

Accuracy : +/- 0.05mm based on sheath tolerance

TubeInspect HD

Measuring Volume : 500 x 420 x 200 mm

Tube Diameter : 1 - 20 mm

Accuracy : +/- 0.025mm based on sheath tolerance

TubeInspect Accuracy

The accuracy of TubeInspect varies according to size of machine and the number of cameras used. The cameras are fixed and their relative locations known following high accuracy calibration of the system's reference markers, such that no movement of the part is required as part of the data acquisition process. In addition, a part is measured without the need for any clamping or supporting devices.

With TubeInspect and TubeInspect S, the sheath tolerance can be determined to an accuracy of +/- 0.1mm. The TubeInspect HS achieves +/- 0.05mm due to the use of higher resolution cameras and the application of a spatial reference field manufactured from glass, resulting in higher stability and accuracy. The TubeInspect HD is a benchtop system dedicated to measuring small tubes such as those used in medical devices, and through the use of the higher resolution cameras and glass reference plate can achieve +/- 0.025mm.

Applications :

TubeInspect offers a variety of application benefits for any tube bending facility, many of which are guaranteed to produce massive cost savings and a quick return on investment.

TubeInspect for High Volume Production

High volume production requires that product quality is maintained throughout the production run, plus the ability to switch to new production parts quickly and easily. TubeInspect measures tubes in 5-15 seconds, producing quantifiable measurement data that is in no way influenced by the operator. Results are presented in a way that can be understood throughout all departments - production, quality, engineering, design and management.

TubeInspect for Bending Machine Set-up

When there is a need to change to new product variants, tube bending machine set-up can take long periods of production time. With TubeInspect, first-off samples are measured instantly, providing numerical correction data allowing the operator to quickly adjust the machine before the next part is bent. This simple method enables bender setup time to be reduced to only a few minutes.

TubeInspect for On-Line Correction

TubeInspect can be directly connected to CNC tube bending controllers to provide instant correction feedback control (dependent on tube bending equipment). Feedback control dramatically increases product consistency and reduces scrap rates. During bender set-up, automatic feedback can reduce even further set-up time to less than 5 minutes

TubeInspect Eliminates the Need for Fixtures

TubeInspect totally eliminates the need to manufacture and maintain numerous bending gauges. Unlike fixtures that require regular maintenance and calibrations, TubeInspect requires little or no maintenance due to the use of optical techniques, even when used in a production environment.

TubeInspect for Prototype Production

If you need to manufacture prototypes, TubeInspect is the ideal tool for quickly measuring sample tube data and providing bend data information. By simply measuring the tube, the software automatically calculates tube bending information that can be used to program the tube bending machine to produce identical production tubes. Using bender feedback, rapid adjustments can be made to ensure conformity with the sample tube.

TubeInspect for All Types of Tube

TubeInsoect is suitable for all types of industrial tube manufacturing, from highly flexible thin brake lines to large exhaust pipes for heavy trucks. The system is suitable for tubes used in hydraulics, fuel lines, cooling systems, etc. TubeInspect's unique measuring principle allows the measurement of any tube geometry, and is not affected by surface texture, colour or brightness. Tubes with varying diameters or changing radius can be measured as well as supports, attachments and end fittings. The system can also deal with freeform tubes and bent wire, moulded and thermo-formed tubes, plus flexible tubes and tube/hose combinations.