Industry observers waiting for a tangible, positive signal that the North American manufacturing sector has turned the corner on the global downturn must have been encouraged by the recent 2009 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM.“We have already received so much positive feedback about the show from both exhibitors and attendees, and we had quite a presence from people from every continent across the globe,” says John Catalano, FABTECH show co-manager.
The 2009 FABTECH show, which was held at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, attracted some 25,000 visitors from more than 90 countries. The show featured 1,083 exhibitors covering nearly 400,000 sq. ft. of booth space.
“This year’s show included a special emphasis on how manufacturers can take advantage of the economic recovery period, and those seminars were quite popular and well attended,” says Mark Hoper, FABTECH show co-manager. “We think the show’s positive attendance figures may be one signal that manufacturing, construction and energy-key indicators of an improving economy-will thrive as the economy improves.”
The show featured a variety of solutions designed to enhance productivity, flexibility, and quality. For example, Bystronic Inc., Hauppauge, NY, introduced an enhanced version of its Xpert press brake which incorporates a high speed ram positioning system for reduced bending cycle times. The new high speed ram will increase overall productivity by 15% to 35% without sacrificing accuracy.
Equipped with an extensive database of compiled material bend allowances and empirical bending knowledge, the Bystronic Xpert press brake makes it possible for virtually anyone to be a bending professional, independent of previous operator experience.
Another cutting edge solution featured at Arlington Heights, IL-based Prima Finn-Power North America’s booth was the ZAPHIRO, a new high-range 2D laser, designed to reach high dynamics and to provide excellent cutting quality. The linear motors and the rigid structure allow a combined speed of 240 m/min, drastically reducing production time and cost.
A highly innovative and unique feature of this machine is the new Perfect Cut system, providing a zero-defect, zero-waste production, which is absolutely essential in case of intensive, unmanned production.
Another highlight at Farmington, CT-based TRUMPF Inc.’s booth was the TruLaser Tube 7000 laser cutting system. The TruLaser Tube 7000 laser system can cut tubes and profiles with large diameters and wall thicknesses without sacrificing productivity. It is able to process tubes up to 30 ft. long and can handle a maximum weight of 496 lbs.
The system’s 0.6 to 10 in. clamping range enables new applications. Available with up to 3.6 kilowatts of laser power, it is ideal for a wide range of applications.