FABTECH in FloridaOrlando will serve as host for the three-day metalworking trade show for the first time this year.
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FABTECH will venture outside its traditional rotation when it makes its maiden visit to Orlando, Fla., next month. This year’s show is scheduled from Oct. 15-17 at the Orange County Convention Center.
A Formula One Racing event in Las Vegas resulted in the shift to Florida. But the new location will continue to feature all of the exhibitors and events that have made it the premier annual trade show for the metals industry.
Sponsored by event partners, the FMA International, SME, American Welding Society, Precision Metalforming Association and the Chemical Coaters Association, the show features three days of equipment demonstrations from metal forming, fabricating, coil processing, welding and finishing equipment manufacturers. Additionally, a full lineup of speakers and special programs will run throughout the event. If you’re in Orlando for this year’s show, please stop by Booth S29137 to visit the staff of
Metal Center News.
Combilift - Booth: S26059 Combilift, the Irish material handling specialist, has a strong presence in the steel industry. The unveiling of the Combi-AGT at last year’s edition of Fabtech demonstrated the company’s commitment to the metal forming and fabricating industry.
Developed by Combilift’s automation team, the Combi-AGT is a 4-wheel electric stand-on model, making it the world’s first autonomous dual-operational sideloader for long loads. With a lift capacity of 11,000 pounds, it addresses the requirements of steel service centers and the metal industries, which typically handle long loads.
The Combi-CB 155E is another excellent forklift designed for the steel industry. This electric model is the most compact 15,500-pound-capacity counterbalance forklift in the market, Combilift said. Its size and sideways movement make it easy to maneuver through tight spaces while transporting long steel billets, metal bars and other steel products.
Cosen Saws - Booth: S15011 Attendees who visit Cosen will get a first-hand look at many of its popular fabrication and structural cutting solutions. Two models featured at this year’s show in Orlando include the NC-510MG Automatic Horizontal Miter Scissor Saw and the AV-2026 NC Automatic Vertical Tilt-Frame Saw.
The NC-510MG builds on the gold standard of Cosen’s C-510MNC, but with added programmable mitering capabilities. The 510MG is engineered for heavy-duty performance in demanding production environments and is a perfect solution for fabricators cutting structural materials, such as framing, channel, tubing and beams.
Cosen’s AV-2026NC band saw is one of the best and most reliable automatic vertical saws on the market, the company said. This rigid saw consists of Cosen’s reliable vertical tilt frame design, along with an automated feeder system. The AV features a 20-inch by 26-inch capacity with an adjustable head cant from 0 to 5 degrees, while its hydraulic tilt-frame head is able to achieve cutting angles of up to 60 degrees in both directions.
HE&M Saw - Booth: S15023 The HE&M Saw WF1827A dual-column wide-flange band saw will be on display and available for demonstrations. The saw is well known for sawing excellence in cutting bundles and structural shapes. This is largely due to the engineering that went into the design of the saw.
The 9.2-degree positive blade cant is designed to facilitate better blade-tooth loading while also aiding in relieving stresses in beams, reducing blade pinching problems and providing faster cut times. Full stroking bi-directional vises, including the bar-feed’s shuttle vise, greatly reduce the chance for bundle straps or crooked material to hang up on vises as the material advances through the saw during the cutting process.
HE&M Saw will also have the VT120HA-60-CTS vertical band saw, the KTC-100EH circular saw, the 260-BSA horizontal double-miter saw and various models from the company’s portable Benchtop series on display.
Mazak Optonics - Booth: S20085 Mazak Optonics will exhibit two flat sheet laser-cutting machines and an automation system featuring robotic sorting.
Mazak’s Optiplex 4220 NEO 20kW flat sheet laser machine will showcase high-power cutting capabilities in a large format machine size option. Available in a range of power levels from 4kW to 20kW, it is also available in the 3015 platform size.
The Optiplex 3015 Ez 4kW is an affordable laser solution for first-time buyers. Ez, which is also available in a 4220 platform, achieves optimal part quality when cutting thin- to medium-thickness material. The Smart Cell robotic sorting system will also be featured. Available in multiple size and payload options, it sorts a range of laser-cut parts, loads raw material and removes remnants.
b+s Group - Booth: S18010 There are many reasons to attend the FABTECH trade fair in Orlando and one is to visit b+s Group to help the company assist with your coil processing needs.
When it comes to slitting and leveling a wide variety of materials and the associated automation, customers trust the expertise of the b+s group. The globally active family-owned company emerged from Burghardt + Schmidt GmbH through the acquisition of renowned companies established on the global market.
The existing portfolio of Burghardt + Schmidt is extended and expanded by products and solutions from SCHNUTZ GmbH and b+s AUTOMATION GmbH in the field of leveling machines, strip feeding systems and automation technology.
With the fully automatic slitting shear, the b+s group once again demonstrates its expertise in the coil processing industry. Thanks to the automatic system, the shear can be easily and
flexibly adjusted to new coil widths.
BLM Group - Booth: S22061 BLM GROUP is demonstrating its LS7 laser cutting system, newly available with 20kW laser power, enabling high-quality cut materials at higher speeds with an increase in productivity.
The LS7 has an axis acceleration of up to 2g, optimizing processing cycles and minimizing downtime while the fully electric nine-second pallet change can increase productivity by up to 9 percent. Since the material handling is fully electric, the LS7 also offers improved maintenance and energy usage.
Equipped with the company’s patented Active Tools, which automatically adapt process parameters for optimal results independent of operator experience, the LS7 delivers the highest cutting precision and speed, BLM claimed. Additionally, an active nozzle changing feature automatically monitors the wear of the cutting nozzle and exchanges it based on the condition set within the controller. The LS7 is available in in two sizes – the 3015 with a maximum sheet size of 121.5 inches by 62 inches and the 4020, capable of handling sheet sizes up to 162.5 inches by 79.5 inches.
Messer Cutting Systems - Booth: S11085 Messer Cutting Systems invites visitors to explore its latest innovations in cutting technology, including the Element 400 plasma bevel cutting machine. The Element 400 offers advanced Global Connect control and HMI OmniWin software.
Live demonstrations of plasma bevel cutting will be held on the Element, with a new XPR460 power supply from Hypertherm. Additional live-feed demos of the Element 400L Unitized Laser Bevel-Cutting Machine with advanced straight plasma cutting will be available.
Messer is also showcasing the upgraded MetalMaster 3.0, featuring Hypertherm XPR300XD plasma and Global Connect L control for enhanced cutting performance. And Messer experts will demonstrate the OmniFab Software with “Machine Insight” for improved workflow efficiency.
Machitech - Booth: S11059 The BC25 from Machitech is a user-friendly, versatile, robotic 3D CNC cell and platform for cutting metal parts and profiles from mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum for virtually any structural steel shape. With high-definition Hypertherm plasma technology and Fanuc robotics, the Beamcut BC25 is a totally automated 6-axis beam cutting system that provides maximum optimization of the manufacturing process, improving overall repeatability and accuracy while eliminating bothersome layout work before cutting and time-consuming and costly grinding after profiles are cut.
Along with the Beamcut BC25, Machitech will showcase a range of its equipment at FABTECH, including the Diamond Cut plasma table with the new Hypertherm XPR460 plasma, their Silver Cut plasma table with pipe cutting attachment and an Electric Press Brake.
GEORG - Booth: 17179 GEORG is a specialist for sophisticated solutions in coil processing and roll grinding. With more than 75 years of market experience and more than 500 highly competent and committed employees worldwide, GEORG puts the customer at the forefront of technology, but also supports customers’ economic success.
GEORG supplies slitting lines, cut-to-length, core stacking tables, multi-blanking, edge trimming, packaging and roll-grinding machines to companies around the world.
Wintriss - Booth: S29074 Wintriss Controls Group will demonstrate a new, advanced interface in its SmartPAC PRO Press Automation Controller and an economical ShopFloor Data Tracking Solution. For a connection to a smarter factory, including when remote monitoring is required, the latest functionality in SmartPAC PRO and ShopFloorConnect gives fabricators and metalformers efficient and easy-to-use tools to control, automate and track their vital operations.
Wintriss will be introducing the new SmartView PRO Network Interface for its industry leading SmartPAC PRO Press Automation Controller. The SmartView PRO Network Interface allows any PC or mobile device on a network to access and download information from networked SmartPAC PRO controls.
KASTO - Booth: S15003 KASTOecostore is suited for all applications where a high variety of materials like bar stock need to be stored. A high storage density on the smallest area is achieved by height-optimized compartment division. This leads to more order, cleanliness and safety.
Advantages of the KASTOecostore include economic automatic storage system for long material in single-sided and double-sided versions; plug-in modular pallet supports; loading and unloading at an ideal height; and easy operating by means of selection of storage place and approval key at dead man’s operation.
The system saves time by direct access without the need for additional lifting devices.
Other benefits include a small-space requirement; machine-oriented, low-expenditure installation; three different loading heights; and gap control as pallet seat control while operating gantry crane is moving.
Butech Bliss - Booth: S17067 Butech Bliss is a leading innovator designing,
manufacturing and servicing coil processing equipment including complete cut-to-length lines, slitting lines and push-pull pickling lines for metal producers, service centers and toll processors around the world. You can be confident in knowing that the unique blend of experience and innovation goes into every roller leveler cut-to-length line, stretch leveling CTL or temper mill CTL built for companies world-wide, Butech said.
Butech’s scrap choppers, shears and hydraulic leveling are often copied but never duplicated. The company’s services include field and shop rebuild and repair services and engineering studies.
Butech Bliss provides custom-built equipment to fit the circumstances, not standard designs that may not be the best solution for your particular application. The Butech Bliss advantage means equipment designed to maximize your return on investment through longer life, less need for maintenance and higher productivity than most others can offer.
KOIKE - Booth: S18093 KOIKE, a leader in cutting technology, is set to make waves with the unveiling of its latest innovation, the Fibertex Zero DBC. This groundbreaking product is designed to
transform the industry with its unmatched precision and efficiency in cutting operations, the company claimed.
The Fibertex Zero DBC boasts cutting edge technology that enhances productivity while reducing operational costs. Its design incorporates advanced fiber laser technology, which delivers faster cutting speeds and superior edge quality. This results in less downtime and increased throughput, making it an invaluable asset for manufacturers looking to optimize their production processes.
One of the standout features of the Fibertex Zero DBC is its Dynamic Beam Control, which allows for real-time adjustments to the laser beam’s focus. This ensures optimal performance across a variety of materials and thicknesses, providing unparalleled versatility and accuracy. Additionally, the machine’s user-friendly interface simplifies operation, enabling operators to achieve precise results with minimal training.
Red Bud Industries - Booth: S17084 Red Bud Industries offers a wide variety of coil processing equipment that includes light and heavy gauge cut-to-length lines, blanking and multi-blanking lines and stretcher levelers with capacities up to one inch. It also offers types of slitting lines that include light, heavy gauge and high-speed systems with capacities up to .625 inches.
Red Bud’s highly automated slit coil packaging lines can be used in concert with its slitters to enhance throughput and reduce personnel requirements. The light gauge slitting lines are
specifically designed for metal building and rainware manufacturers. They fill the void between bigger, high-speed slitters and the smaller units designed to run low volumes.
The slitter is the perfect machine for running painted/coated coils for metal building producers. It can also be designed to automatically and efficiently produce the smaller coils used for the production of seamless gutters. All systems include features and capabilities that are especially designed to minimize personnel requirements while optimizing productivity.
LISSMAC - Booth: S22189 LISSMAC will highlight how its machines can enhance efficiency and precision in the metal processing industry, specifically for edge rounding, deburring, deslagging and surface
finishing. LISSMAC was the first to bring double sided processing in a single pass to the industry and is thrilled to be staying up to date on innovations.
Machines on display at FABTECH include the SBM-L 1500, SBM-XL 1500, SMD 123 RE, SMD 335 DRE, Kuhlmeyer EBSC, SMW 123 RB and SBM-XS 300 machines, with the potential for several more.
Formtek-Maine - Booth: S29059 Formtek-Maine will display its 24-inch wide CWP brand CoilPak press feed line in its booth. The line was sold through SEYI-America for Phoenix Stamping of Fort Worth, Texas.
The CoilPak system is comprised of a ServoMax feed, a threading table and the model CRS combination stock reel and straightener. The ServoMax feed is equipped with 460/3/60 voltage, automatic central lubrication and an adjustable height cabinet. The unit includes the standard B&R control platform.
The threading table supports the material strip across the looping area for ease in thread-up of the line. In the lowered position it acts as a barrier to guard the operator from the material in the looping area.
The model 24-CRS combination reel/straightener ties one of the C series straighteners and a 4R series stock reel coupled together to conserve space and for ease in installation. The C series straightener is equipped with dial indicators, automatic central lubrication and a 75 fpm modulating drive with laser loop control sensor for smooth payout on demand.
Behringer Saws - Booth S26069Behringer will display its HBE-320/523GA at the trade show. The fully automatic, dual-column miter saw represents the latest in sawing technology. With a ball screw servo-drive for precise control of both the saw blade and material feed, the HBE-320/523GA offers unmatched accuracy and repeatability.
This machine is equipped with an industrial PC operator control, making it easy to operate and store projects, with a large 60 GB storage capacity for organizing files by part numbers, customer names or custom categories. Behringer’s renowned heavy-duty cast iron construction ensures the saw’s rigidity and excellent vibration dampening, resulting in superior cutting accuracy and extended blade life, even under the toughest conditions.
The saw boasts a cutting capacity of 20.6 inches in width and 12.6 inches in height, with a full 105-degree miter range – 60 degrees to the left and 45 degrees to the right. Its 1-meter single-stroke feeding gripper ensures rapid cycle times between parts.
Tecoi USA - Booth: S24189 Tecoi USA will feature its powerful and versatile THOR F (Tecoi Hyper Operative Range) plate processing machine at FABTECH. Designed for heavy-duty thermal cutting applications while having machining operations, THOR F integrates plasma and oxyfuel cutting with an optional beveling system and an optional tube and profile lathe.
Tecoi’s THOR F machine also combines plate cutting with edge preparation and numerous mechanical machining operations, including milling, drilling, tapping, countersinking, marking, etc.
High-performance THOR F plasma cutting operations include either one or two cutting heads and an optional beveling system, as well as oxyfuel cutting with up to 12 torches with an optimal bevel system, multiple marking options and an auxiliary tube and profile lathe. Tecoi’s THOR F machine has a central XX axis with a path of 24 inches working on a robust double-beam design.
Fehr - Booth: S15095 Fehr is the preferred partner worldwide for automated storage and material handling solutions. Fehr stands for innovation with 100 percent process reliability for its bar and sheet stock systems.
Fehr is unrivaled with its Swiss precision and the experience of more than 70 years to provide a turnkey solution to customers in the U.S. market. Fehr’s key success
factors are the proximity to customers and identification with their respective requirements.
From a single manually operable storage tower to a fully automated warehouse with seamlessly connected sawing cells, lasers or picking robots, the customer gets exactly the solution needed.
Greenerd - Booth: S30059 Greenerd Press & Machine Company will highlight the company’s extensive hydraulic press and automation capabilities. Greenerd designs and builds custom hydraulic presses with automation solutions for a range of industries and applications. One example that demonstrates these capabilities is a large 2500 Ton Hot Forming Press. Greenerd has designed, engineered and
turnkey-installed this 2500 Ton press featuring 10-foot square heated platens maintaining 500-degree (Fahrenheit) surfaces to plus/minus 5 degrees.
The press comprises a seven-press order. The 2500 Ton press features an innovative mold transfer system which significantly improves the ergonomic and safety dynamics for operators, and reduces the press idle time between cycles.
Mill Steel -Booth: S28087 Mill Steel Company is an industry-leading distributor of high-quality carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, Mill Steel offers an extensive range of steel and aluminum coil and sheet products to meet the diverse requirements of various industries.
At the heart of Mill Steel’s operations is its dedication to providing exceptional customer service and maintaining a robust supply chain. Tailored solutions enhance manufacturing processes, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for their customers. By leveraging its 60 decades of industry and metallurgical expertise, Mill Steel delivers products that adhere to the highest standards of quality, the company said.
Flex Machine Tools - Booth: S22159 Flex Machine Tools, an American manufacturer and leading provider of machine tool solutions worldwide for metal fabrication operations and more, will demonstrate a range of high-productivity manufacturing solutions for fabricators.
For the first time at a major North American trade show, Flex will have under power its innovative, automated waterjet solution. The precise FlexJet Waterjet FL-0404 is equipped with an IGEMS CNC control, CAD/CAM software and hardware including the advanced Tilter 5-Axis waterjet cutting head, Snapper camera for optimal positioning, Rounder kinematic compensation tool and Straighter perpendicular angle tool.
Flex is the only company in the United States offering these capabilities, catering to the intricate needs of diverse materials and cutting requirements, ensuring unparalleled accuracy and efficiency in waterjet cutting processes, the company said.
Peddinghaus - Booth: S22129 The PeddiAssembler robotic welding machine is the next evolution in structural steel fabrication. The PeddiAssembler maintains 1/24-inch accuracy over a 60-foot profile and is a true
innovation for today’s structural steel fabricators.
Tack and weld options on the PeddiAssembler allow fabricators to stay more nimble with each project. Bottlenecks at the welding process can be alleviated with the tacking function of this robotic beam assembler.
Give welders a time boost by getting the most costly tasks finished prior to the weld stand operations, and accomplish the work of five fitters per shift. A complete hands-off tacking and welding machine means that job sites have less fitting errors to adjust and deadlines are more achievable.
Hypertherm - Booth: 13059 Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced cutting and gouging products. Its product line includes plasma cutting and gouging systems – one of its newest additions the Powermax65/85/105 SYNC, laser and waterjet cutting systems, in addition to CNC motion and height controls, CAM nesting software, robotic software and consumables.
Hypertherm plasma systems are trusted and used by more businesses and people than any other brand. The company invites visitors to explore the range of plasma cutting, gouging and marking systems from the Powermax air plasma to the industry-first X-Definition class plasma systems.
Whether you’re cutting steel, glass, plastics, or composites, Hypertherm Associates has a solution to fit your needs. Hypertherm’s cutting technology experts will be on hand to answer questions and help you choose the best cutting process for the job.
Allor Manufacturing - Booth: S17114 Allor Manufacturing has introduced its new 84-inch Slitting Line Leveler providing precision leveling designed to meet customer’s product needs.
The moveable lower platen provides variable roll plunges based upon gauge and yield strength settings entered by the operator into the machine HMI. Four hydraulic cylinders, each operated by proportional valves and LDTs, automatically position the lower platen to the desired plastification settings. Roll bending through the upper backup bearing chocks correct localized defects such as cross bow, longitudinal bow, center buckle and edge wave. Roll bending is real-time and can be entered from existing saved programs or operator input.
Hubtex - Booth: S31003 When it comes to maximizing storage in tight spaces, multidirectional
sideloaders are essential in narrow-aisle warehouses. But navigating these narrow aisles can be tricky, requiring precise entry to avoid damage. HUBTEX has introduced a solution: the industry’s first sensory aisle entry assistant, designed to help operators avoid collisions when handling long goods. This innovative system is available on all PhoeniX models.
In narrow aisles, sideloaders often use guide rollers and rails mounted to racks for alignment. With just four inches of clearance between the sideloader and the rack, precise entry is critical. To assist, operators typically use funnel-shaped guides, whose size depends on the length of the load. Longer loads require longer funnels, which in turn require wider transfer aisles.
The sensory aisle entry assistant utilizes a 2D lidar sensor to measure the distance to the entry funnel and align the vehicle precisely with the aisle. This ensures the truck is centered and aligned for collision-free entry, allowing operators to focus on monitoring the surroundings and adjusting speed as needed.
The sideloader is available as a stand-alone system or integrated with a pedestrian safety system.