Called Synergy HBM (hybrid, multi-stack), the new machines will be available in 50mm and 80mm (maximum tube diameter) versions initially and will feature the company’s latest Unibend Lite control system.
“In developing the Synergy HBM range, our objective was simple: to offer all the values associated with the Unison brand to a greater number of tube manipulation businesses,” commented Unison Ltd managing director, Alan Pickering. “The new Unison Synergy HBM range is the result of an extensive development programme and will provide a lower cost entry point for businesses that do not require the extensive capabilities of our all-electric premium range of Unison Breeze machines.”
Since the introduction of its infinitely controllable Unison Breeze range in 1994, Unison Ltd has become the brand of choice for numerous organisations and specialist subcontractors involved in small production runs of ultra-precise tubular components for shipbuilding, aerospace, performance automotive and other sectors.
“Our new Synergy HBM range is the direct result of enquiries from prospective customers whose tube bending requirements wouldn’t typically demand the high levels of flexibility and rapid setup times associated with our industry-leading Breeze models,” added Pickering. “They have been in touch because they are crying out for the quality, reliability and global support that is standard with Unison Breeze tube benders, but in a machine designed for less complex, repeat applications.
“All too frequently, lower cost tube bending machines seem to be equipped with less sophisticated, less intuitive levels of control,” adds Alan Pickering. “That, however, isn’t something that can be said about the new Unison Synergy HBM range. In line with our core values, Synergy buyers will benefit from exceptional levels of control, with functionality and user-friendly features as close as possible to those enjoyed by users of Unison Breeze machines. Synergy HBM tube benders may be lower priced, but that’s not at the expense of quality. They are the perfect solution for companies that aspire to own a Unison Breeze machine.”
As hybrid machines, Unison’s new Synergy HBM range combines electric and hydraulic operation. Just like Unison Breeze machines, each model benefits from exceptional power and rigid mechanical design. As with Breeze models, bend arm, carriage, plane of bend and carriage side shift are servo driven, while mandrel, pressure die and clamping system are hydraulically controlled.
This makes Synergy HBM machines well suited to high volume, repetitive tube manipulation operations that don’t necessitate the rapid setup times and all-electric control provided by Unison Breeze machines for right-first-time repeat sub-contract work.
“Although our new Synergy HBM range has a lower price point than our all-electric Breeze machines, that certainly isn’t reflected in the build specification,” continued Pickering. “Each Synergy HBM machine is equipped with our user-friendly Unibend Lite control system, with touch screen, 3D component simulation and measuring machine interfaces.
“We have used Eaton hydraulics, Yaskawa motors and drives and our own, tried and tested, Unison tooling mounts. Additionally, the Bendpro CNC control system can be specified as an optional extra by customers in the USA. Thanks to the extremely high residual values associated with previously owned Unison Breeze machines, we also anticipate that purchasing a Synergy HBM tube bender will prove a sound investment, with exceptionally good, retained value for any customer wishing to upgrade to an all-electric Breeze model at a later date.”
