Assembling machines
REBAR SHOP AUTOMATION: the SCHNELL GTM Cage Assembling Machine
During the last ten years, an ever increasing number of rebar shops in Europe have adopted specialized equipment for the automatic assembling of welded cages. This followed the introduction by Schnell of the GTM cage assembling machine in the late 80’s and of the first Schnell “Idea” cage assembling machine in 1995.
In particular, the GTM allows for the production of welded cages up to 60 feet in length and 7 feet in diameter, depending on the model chosen. The standard models allow welding of spirals up to #5 with variable computer-controlled pitch assignments, and vertical bars up to #10 (optional up to #11). The cages are welded by means of a computer-controlled robot, utilizing a MIG process in accordance with the ANSI/AWS D1.4 welding code.
The GTM machine is suitable for the production of either round or square cages. For the latter ones a special additional kit is required.
The production of welded cages allows for a huge reduction in labor costs. As a matter of fact, in approximately 25 minutes only, a single operator can produce a cage of 40 ft of length and 3 ft across, with 20 vertical bars and a tightly wound spiral with an 8” pitch!!
For a smaller cage, with same length and pitch but with 8 vertical bars and 1’-4” diameter, the production time drops to 10 minutes!
Automatic cage assembling is now taking ground also in the US, where the Schnell Idea and GTM machines have quickly earned a reputation with those fabricators who are directly involved with cage making business.
Scott Stevens President of Dimension Fabricators is amongst those who chose the Schnell GTM machine. Here is a brief interview with Scott:
Q: Scott, can you tell us briefly about your company?
A: Dimension Fabricators was first established in 1984, and is a reinforcing steel fabricator located in upstate NY. We are a conventional fabricator with some unconventional ideas and products. We make spirals, we do our own epoxy coating and we make cages, first manually, now many are produced automatically.
Q: What are the main advantages of the GTM machine?
A: The GTM provides accuracy, consistency and a reduction in many hours compared to the manually assembled cages. […] We have had multiple orders for many sizes of cages and we are pleased with the performance of the GTM.
Q: What are the differences between the welded cages and the field-tied cages?
A: Welded spiral cages can be produced competitively, more quickly and more accurately than traditional field-tied “hooped” or spiraled cages. However, standard grade 60 rebar is not suitable for the machine. To have successful results you had to use weldable steel. Even if the market for welding cages is still a challenge, the use and availability of weldable grade rebar is increasing.
Q: In what way does the weldable steel affect the quality of the cages?
A: Our use of A706/A706M grade 60 deformed, low-alloy, reinforcing steel means a predictable steel product, consistent welds, ductility, and the same yield properties of A615/A615M grade 60 steel. All factors considered, the quality of the GTM welded spiral cages exceeds those designed utilizing A615/A615M grade 60 reinforcing bars.
Q: So, you are happy with the choice you made.
A: Absolutely. We find that GTM machine is well constructed, sturdy and does the job for which it is intended. We are pleased with Schnell products and services. All the Schnell staff has been very helpful and responsive to our needs.
As you can see, the Schnell cage assembling machines offer many advantages and new business opportunities to all those fabricators ready to stand-up with this new challenge and exploit the benefits of a niche market!
Call us today to learn how this new technology can improve your business!! more... Assembling machines |
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