Ridgelock forming machines have two tools

In the RidgeLock process, expandable segmented tooling is inserted into heat exchanger tubes in order to form a rim that acts as a secure lock between the tubes and a panel.

Tube bending and end-forming technology specialist, AddisonMckee, has designed, built and supplied two innovative RidgeLock machines to one of America's largest manufacturers of heating, venting and air conditioning products (HVAC).

In a typical domestic or commercial heating system, a heat exchanger is used to transfer heat generated by burning oil or gas to the air for distribution.

The system's heat transfer tubes require precise sealing to the heat exchanger panel in order to prevent the escape of gases.

Sealing is normally done using a 'RidgeLock' process.

In the AddisonMckee RidgeLock process, expandable segmented tooling is inserted into the heat exchanger tubes (bent at 180 deg into a sheet metal panel) in order to form a rim.

The rim acts as a secure lock between the tubes and panel.

For US customer, AddisonMckee has designed its RidgeLock machine to perform locking operations for small inner tubes (1.75in OD x 0.40in wall (44.5mm OD x 10mm wall) aluminised mild steel or stainless steel ) and the other machine performs the locking operation on larger outer tubes of 2.25in OD x 0.040in wall (57.2mm x 1mm wall) aluminised mild steel or stainless steel.

Both machines hold two sets of tools - one each for the end of the tubes.

A roller table located between the two machines assists in conveying the component assemblies.

* Operation - AddisonMckee RidgeLock machines are designed to perform locking operations by use of a manual set up feature of a micrometer stop nut on the cylinder to control the machine.

Tubes are expanded by use of segmented fingers and a tapered mandrel inside the tube to lock the tube to the heat exchanger plate.

The heat exchanger assembly being ridge-locked is then progressed manually along the conveyor table between machine cycles.

In the ridge-locking process, the heat exchanger plate is held down by electro-magnetics.

The operator then positions the tube in an alignment guide that holds the tubes vertically during the forming process.

Air cylinders are then activated at the end of the forming cycle to lift the plate assembly off the tools and assist the movement between cycles.

Director of Global Marketing at AddisonMckee, Christian Rogiers, said: "Although people tend to associate our name primarily with leading technologies for tube bending and end-forming across the global automotive sector, we are also renowned for providing tube manipulation solutions and consumables for a wide range of sectors".

He added: "In creating the RidgeLock machines, we have again demonstrated our ability to create proprietary technologies for particularly challenging manufacturing tasks".

* About AddisonMckee - 2008 winners of 'Managing Automation' magazine's Progressive Manufacturing 50 Awards - a prestigious award based on an organisation's ability to use information and automation technologies to transform its business and create a sustainable competitive advantage - AddisonMckee is globally renowned for the design, manufacture and supply of some of the world's finest tube bending and end forming technologies - for increasingly complex automotive, aviation, truck and shipbuilding requirements.

In addition, AddisonMckee also offers highly innovative muffler and catalytic converter assembly solutions, hydraulic press machinery, tube inspection systems, plant automation and complete workcell integration.

Along with these capabilities, a whole range of tooling and accessory options are also provided, as are comprehensive maintenance and service contracts, training and education programs and financial services.

Where applicable, AddisonMckee is also able to offer customers the opportunity of machine rebuilds, refurbishment, upgrades and trade-ins.

From its state-of-the-art manufacturing centers in the USA, United Kingdom, Canada and China, AddisonMckee is committed to providing rapid solutions to market and also regularly assists clients in product prototyping, parts development, small production runs and pre-production sample development.

AddisonMckee is principally owned by WHI Capital Partners (WHICP), a Chicago-based private equity group that invests in middle market, industry-leading companies with solid financial fundamentals and proven management teams.

WHICP is an affiliate of William Harris Investors Incorporated, a family-based asset management firm founded by Irving B Harris in 1987.

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