In 2024, our manufacturing facility made the big move from Lynnwood to Everett, Washington and upgraded to a bigger and better space. Our 35,000+ sq feet of production space is home to several specialized machines, giving us room to use the advanced tools that are paramount in modern machining and quality assurance. Among these, Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), ROMER Absolute Arms, Vision Measuring Machines (VMMs), Accurex machines, and roller swage tooling (notably Eaton equipment) each play a specialized role. Let’s explore the functionality of these machines and how they contribute to CNC Tube Bending precision and productivity.
Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs)
Coordinate Measuring Machines, or CMMs, are vital for dimensional inspection and for LE and CNC Tube Bending check fixtures and other tools. A CMM measures the geometry of physical objects using a probe that can be mechanical, optical, laser, or white light. The machine reads the X, Y, and Z coordinates of a part’s surface to ensure it meets design specifications. CMMs are especially valuable in industries where tight tolerances are critical, such as aerospace, defense, space, and medical.
ROMER Absolute Arm (Portable CMM)
The ROMER Absolute Arm is a type of portable CMM, offering flexibility and mobility not found in traditional fixed-base systems. It is an articulated arm with multiple joints that allows inspectors to manually probe a part from any angle. This is especially useful for large parts that can’t be brought to a traditional CMM or for on-site inspections.
Equipped with tactile probes or laser scanners, ROMER Arms are frequently used in reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, and quality control on the shop floor for CNC Tube Bending inspection. They offer 3D scanning capabilities and high-resolution data acquisition. What sets the ROMER Arm apart is its combination of precision and portability. This makes it an ideal solution for field inspections and fabricated tube assemblies, that can look like a long (up to 10’), twisted line and thus not suitable for many machines like a CMM.
Vision Measuring Machines (VMMs)
Vision Measuring Machines (VMMs), also known as optical comparators or video measuring systems, are non-contact devices that use cameras and optics to measure the dimensions of parts and bent tube assemblies. VMMs are best suited to measure the XYZ and LRA coordinates of tubes.
These machines use sophisticated lenses and lighting techniques to create high-contrast images of the part, which are then analyzed using specialized software. They can measure features like hole diameters, edge lengths, angles, and thread pitch.
Accurex Machine
Known for their precision and speed, Accurex systems combine CAD/CAM integration with automated inspection technology. One of their most valuable features is the ability to import and nest CAD drawings, enabling efficient material usage and consistent part replication.
Their role in industrial fabrication lies in their ability to streamline operations by reducing setup times, improving accuracy, and increasing throughput.
Roller Swage Tooling (Coming Soon)
Roller swage tooling is essential in the assembly of fuel and oxygen fittings installation and rigid tubing systems. This process involves the use of rotating dies or rollers that plastically deform a tube into a metal sleeve or ferrule to create a high-pressure seal.
Roller swage machines offer programmable cycles, ensuring repeatability and safety during the swaging process. Unlike crimping, which applies uniform radial compression, roller swaging provides a gradual deformation that enhances the mechanical bond and minimizes stress on the tubing.
Used extensively in aerospace, defense, and fluid power industries, roller swage systems ensure leak-proof connections in critical systems. This equipment also includes safety interlocks and diagnostics to monitor pressure, die wear, and cycle consistency.
L&E is equipped for your project’s needs
Lafarge & Egge’s move to Everett was a strategic one. With better proximity to business partners and more space for inventory, machines, and products, L&E can handle bigger quantities and more ambitious products than ever before, without forgoing our commitment to quality. Rest assured that our team and machines alike are ready to handle your newest projects, so please contact us with any and all tubing, welding, and tooling needs.
