Lillbacka USA • 1629 Prime Court, Suite 400 • Orlando, FL 32809
Phone (847) 301-1300 • Fax (847) 301-2562 • www.lillbackausa.com
V O LU M E 9 2 0 1 6
High Performance in Critical
Applications...pages 2-4
Spotlight on Service...Industrial Machine
Service, Memphis, TN...page 8
New Finn-Power Automated
Crimping System...page 5
Technology Days & Golf Tournament...
pages 10-11
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE>>>>>>>>>>>>
Technical Tips..............................................................................6
New Products..............................................................................7
Trade Show..................................................................................9
Finn-Power SP5000................................................................ 12
Customer Profile
2
Finn-Power Crimpers – High Performance in
Critical Applications
Multiple Markets
DFD’s customers can be found in many industries: LAND, SEA
& SPACE. This market diversity has helped DFD avoid boom/
bust periods. “When the economy hit bottom in 2008 - 2012,
we experienced very strong sales,” explains director of product
design and development Monti Mapes. “We had made a major
push to increase our share of military contracts. Today, you
can find our products on numerous vehicles. DFD has played
a strong part in the development and improvement of many
land vehicles, Navy ships, and space programs.”
Finn-Power Crimpers
To produce its many lines of hose assemblies, DFD uses the
Finn-Power crimpers from Lillbacka. “Our first Finn-Power
crimper was purchased in 2000,” says Mapes. “Today we have
a total of five crimpers – three 120UC serial crimpers and two
side-feed crimpers – the SP1200VS and the SP350UC.”
Monti Mapes, director of product design and development,
says his company has been using Finn-Power crimpers for
over 20 years without any issues and wouldn’t consider using
any other brand of crimper.
In1953, Peter Betrus Sr. started a company
called Detroit Flexible Metal Products Company
specializing in fabricating custom engineered
braided metal hose and PTFE hose assemblies. In
recent years his sons Peter Jr. and Tommy have
taken over the company and have rebranded the
name into Detroit Flex Defense. DFD has
developed an enviable reputation for its expertise
of specializing in extreme applications, high heat,
high pressure, and volatile environments. Along
with providing standard products, the company
specializes in the design, engineering, and
manufacture of custom-made hose assemblies and
hose/tube combinations. DFD also has multiple
braiding machines in-house and the capability
to braid any fabric for any hose combination. It can
also design and manufacture any type of fitting,
valve, or tube assembly. DFD professionals have
extensive experience working with stainless steel,
high-nickel alloys and titanium, and the company is
a direct source for Infallible-Mission Critical-Time
Sensitive projects.
The Finn-Power 120 crimpers are the
company’s workhorses. Detroit Flex Defense
likes the crimpers’ repeatability and
adjustability.
Side-Feed Crimping
Hose assemblies for various industries are often comprised
of odd shapes and sharp angles. The traditional pass-through
head structures of most hose crimping machines do not
accommodate such assemblies. Lillbacka introduced an openhead crimper that allows the hose to be fed from the side. This
innovative design makes crimping of any odd-shaped hose
continued on page 3
Customer Profile
3
Continued from page 2
assemblies easier and more accurate. The Finn-Power
side-feed crimping machines can load bent or angled
parts directly into the vertical head design without
needing to pass through the crimping head, being
particularly suitable for oddly-shaped assemblies.
The SP350 side-feed crimping machine benefits
from having an accuracy and repeatability that is
unsurpassed. It is easy to use, featuring a versatile
control unit which has a movable swing arm. The
visibility and part orientation is made easier by the
crimping head's adjustable angle, the machine is
easy to install and start up, and implementation to
automated work cells is enabled.
"The side-feed Finn-Power crimpers expand our
offerings to our customers, when other companies
our size really don’t have that capability. The FinnPower crimpers have been fantastic, and have
performed flawlessly."
Within the line of side-feed crimping machines, the
largest and strongest is the SP1200. This model has
an innovative design, which allows feeding of the
hose from side. This makes it easy for odd-shaped
assemblies to crimp, while delivering maximum
accuracy.
The Finn-Power side-feed
crimping machines can load
bent or angled parts directly
into the vertical head design
without needing to pass
through the crimping head, being particularly suitable for oddly-shaped
assemblies.
"These crimpers have definitely helped our company to
grow. Having the 120 serial crimpers doing 80% of the work
“The Finn-Power SP side-feed crimpers are very
unique in that you can crimp hose/tube combination with little or zero downtime has been very advantageous
assemblies together, especially when the tube bends for our company."
back on itself,” explains Mapes. “These combinations
are used in all markets. It gives the designers much
more latitude in how they design hose assemblies.
We are not constrained by a regular serial crimper
that doesn’t have the open throat capability. The
engineers are able to design very complex tube
assemblies with hoses. The side-feed Finn-Power
crimpers expand our offerings to our customers,
when other companies our size really don’t have
that capability. The Finn-Power crimpers have
been fantastic, and have performed flawlessly. The
Finn-Power SPs have given us the capability to seek
customers that have unique products and to offer
the capability of incorporating a tube assembly with
a hose in a very complex shape.”
Finn-Power 120 Crimper
The Finn-Power FP120 from Lillbacka is a high-speed, highproduction model that has a crimping force of up to 280 tons.
It quickly adjusts and crimps to an exact dimension and can
adjust in .01 mm increments. The FP120 is designed with
soft and even die movement, using a twin-pump hydraulic
system which eliminates pressure shock during crimping. The
FP120 crimping machine is designed to handle large jobs
with optimal crimping force, speed, and efficiency. These
models are full-scale production units. What distinguishes
them are their larger die opening, strength, and speed.
These production units can accommodate small and larger
assemblies. Their large pass-through head design makes them
ideal for crimping elbow assemblies, flange pieces, and oddlyshaped parts.
continued on page 4
Customer Profile
4
Continued from page 3
“The 120s are our workhorses,” says Mapes. “We
like their repeatability and adjustability. Finn-Power
gives us the adjustability so we can actually develop
our own crimp specs. If we are designing and
developing a new hose, we are able to utilize a broad
range of crimp diameters and do our own internal
testing for verification. Usually,
crimp studies are 1,000 to 2,000
fittings, and if you don’t have an
adjustable crimper that becomes
a nightmare. It was revolutionary
when Lillbacka introduced an
adjustable crimper.”
"Finn-Power
crimpers’
repeatability and
consistency have
greatly contributed
to our success."
“These crimpers
have definitely
helped our company to grow,” continues
Mapes. “Having the 120 serial crimpers
doing 80% of the work with little or zero
downtime has been very advantageous for
our company. We do
have a maintenance
program, we stay up
on the oil changes and
the greasing, etc., but
it is very rare that we
ever have an issue with
any of the Finn-Power
machines.”
"There are 10 other
crimping machine
manufacturers out
there, but we wouldn’t
even consider using
any other crimper but
Finn-Power.”
Crimping Integrity
Crimping integrity is of paramount importance to DFD. “We
are a little unique in that when we set up to do a crimp job we
are measuring all the crimp diameters...100% of the lots get
measured,” explains Mapes. “We sell stainless steel braided
Teflon hose and stainless steel braided metal hose for critical
applications. The reasons
that people come to us are
because their product is
either too hot for hydraulic
hose, the chemical is too
volatile for rubber, or the
pressures are so high that
rubber or hydraulic hose
can’t accommodate the
application. Our customers
expect the product to
perform exactly as designed. We don’t cut any
corners with our manufacturing processes.
And the Finn-Power crimpers’ repeatability
and consistency have greatly contributed
to our success. We
never see a variation
in the crimp diameters
outside our normal
tolerances.”
"We’ve been using
Finn-Power crimpers
for over 20 years, and
never had any issues."
“We’ve been using Finn-Power crimpers
for over 20 years, and never had any
issues,” concludes Mapes. “That is
why we’ve remained a loyal customer.
Lillbacka’s technicians are always
available to answer any questions that
we have, their customer service is bar
Detroit Flex Defense sells stainless steel braided Teflon
none the best in the industry. They stock
hose and stainless steel braided metal hose for critical
parts and crimp dies, and they are able
applications that are either too hot for hydraulic
to accommodate us. Their reputation is
hose, or the chemical is too volatile for rubber, or the
pressures are so high that rubber or hydraulic hose can’t impeccable in the industry. There are 10
accommodate the application. Finn-Power crimpers give other crimping machine manufacturers
the company the repeatability and consistency it needs
out there, but we wouldn’t even consider
for success.
using any other crimper but Finn-Power.”
For more information on DFD products and services,
contact DETROITFLEXDEFENSE.COM
New Product
5
New Finn-Power Automated Crimping System
Last November at the FABTECH Tube & Pipe show in
Chicago, Lillbacka USA introduced an exciting new
product to the crimping world.
Lillbacka has a world-class manufacturing operation
utilizing automated processes and automated
manufacturing machines, so we practice what we
preach. Using a variety of automation in our own
production has developed Lillbacka’s knowledge
and experience in automated manufacturing
systems.
Finn-Power introduced its new automated crimping system to the North
American market at the 2015 FABTECH Tube & Pipe show in Chicago.
The new system is a fully automated crimping
machine with never-before-seen-features, including
automated crimping die-set changer, work queue,
robotic feeder, and part stacker. Lillbacka’s FinnPower WatchMan software package provides fast
and reliable on-line means to deliver production
schedules, part numbers and job information
directly to the operation
on the plant floor.
The production status
information is available in
the company network ERP
system for accurate online, paperless production
control and management.
reduces errors and waste, in material, and in production time.
Combined with the Finn-Power automated crimping machine,
this higher automation improves productivity and reduces
the job change-over times. Long production runs benefit
from utilizing the robot feeder, allowing operation for the full
shift–without breaks–to increase the productivity and output,
creating increased
profits.
The long production
run can be made from
not only one long series
of parts, but several
different series of parts
since the machine can
perform die change and
setup automatically. With
this new system, the
crimping process can be
virtually unmanned with
The new system is a fully
“lights-out” production
automated crimping machine
capability.
with never-before-seen-
It all starts with the part
numbers and quantity for
each part to be produced—input into the system to
create a queue. The Finn-Power WatchMan software
package not only improves control, but also
For more information, contact: [email protected]
features, including automated
crimping die-set changer, work
queue, robotic feeder, and part
stacker.
Technical Tips
Improving Accuracy
Improve the accuracy of your hose crimping with
the FINN-POWER Hydraulic Pinning System…
Lillbacka USA offers a Fully Automatic Pinning System
for most Finn-Power crimping machines that is
designed to prevent the compression of the inner ID
of the hose coupling. The interchangeable Pinning
Mandrels are fully synchronized with the crimping
machine, so the crimped part is hydraulically
removed from the mandrel by pulling the pin out of
the coupling and against a backstop. The backstop
will prevent the mandrel pin from getting stuck in the
coupling. After the crimping cycle is complete, the
pin will cycle forward into the center of the master
dies and be ready for the next crimp.
Inspection
Take some time to inspect the locking pins in
your crimping machine…The role of the spring
loaded locking pins is to retain each crimping
segment into the master die with even force applied
to the die set pins. Over years of usage and changing
in and out the crimping dies, the locking pins
can develop wear and start to lose their retaining
strength. A good time to inspect the locking pins
is during the annual preventative maintenance
intervals, such as when changing the master die
springs. The machine is equipped with eight locking
pins, one in each master die segment. The removal
of the locking pins simply requires a 13 mm wrench
to carefully thread them out. Inspect the pins for
bent or chipped components and replace
as necessary.
Preventative Maintenance
Removing the upper and lower retaining screws
when servicing your production crimping
machine…When it comes time to perform
preventative maintenance on your Finn-Power
crimping machine, remember the upper and lower
retaining screws. On all Finn-Power production
crimping machines, there are Allen head cap screws
that are located through the center of each master
die segment. The removal of these screws requires
a 5 mm Allen wrench. The use of a short “T Handle”
style Allen wrench works best. Keep in mind that
over the years, debris and metal shavings can build
up in the lower master die segment which must be
cleaned prior to removing the screw.
6
New Product
7
Versatile Updated Crimpers for Repair Shops and
Serial Production
Lillbacka Powerco has recently announced updated
versions of P20NMS and the P32NMS that are
designed for heavy use in harsh environments.
The new P20NMS and P32NMS are fast, strong, and
reliable for the hardest crimping environments.
Their robust metal bodies and durable covers
are designed for heavy usage. The crimpers are
compact in size for easy movement to any location
in service operations. The machines require very
little maintenance and are very easy to operate.
These strong and powerful crimping machines
are perfect for service crimping. These models are
engineered for challenging work environments
and extreme working conditions. The Finn-Power
P20NMS and P32NMS crimpers are easy to operate
and offer affordable crimping in service operations.
And the compact design of the crimpers allow easy
transport between locations.
These new models turn hydraulics off to conserve
energy and to reduce workplace noise levels
whenever the machine is idle. Innovative engineering
provides quality and productivity while the new
design protects the machine when operating in the
toughest environments. Ease of use invite operators
to partner with the machine to produce high quality
crimps day after day.
The compact ergonomic design and high productivity
make these machines a great choice for high
production volumes. A vast range of options allow
these machines to be configured to meet customers’
particular need in the serial production. The innovative
design of the P20NMS and P32NMS works easily in left
or right hand operation as the feeding can be either
from front or rear of the machine. The opening to feed
the machine can be easily set with the semi-automatic
MS control for each job. The machines can also be
equipped with the UC microprocessor control that
provides vast programmable features, options and
memory for crimp recipes/programs.
Spotlight on Service
8
Diversity & Strong
Customer Service are
Keys to Success for
Memphis Finn-Power
Service Center
From the time of its humble founding in a Memphis
garage in 1994, the mantra of Industrial Machine
Service has always been diversification and strong
customer service. “We began operations as an
industrial machine hydraulics & pneumatics service
and supply company for the manufacturing sector
on automated equipment,” reflects IMS president
Anthony Davison. “Each year, I kept reinvesting in
the company to give it a solid foundation.”
And by 2010, what had
been a fledgling threeemployee, $600,000
start-up, has evolved
into a solid $3.5-million
company located
in a 13,000-squarefoot facility with 40
employees. “Through
the years, we’ve been
able to attract a strong
team of professionals
with a variety of skills and
talents,” explains Davison.
Industrial Machine Service
“Today, in addition to
utilizes a Finn-Power hose
machine repair, we have
cutter in its operation.
added a machine shop
with CNC lathes and
milling machine, sheet metal fabrication capability,
general contractor ability...we can do anything
from concrete work to foundations, walls, conveyor
installations, on-site piping, etc. There really isn’t
any company like us in this area. We are kind of like a
one-stop shop for many services.”
Anthony Davison, president of Industrial Machine Service, became an
authorized Lillbacka Finn-Power Crimper Service Center in 2011, and
covers the tri-state area of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi.
rebuilds to replacing components and smaller repairs,” says
Davison. “Lillbacka Finn-Power crimpers have really well-built
hydraulic systems. We never have to do anything to the power
units, says a lot about a company's quality standards. Lillbacka
makes a very high-end piece of equipment. We also do a lot
of machine repairs that are shipped to us, and often we can
handle the customers’ problems over the phone.”
Finn-Power crimping machines are manufactured using stateof-the-art manufacturing equipment and technology. The
precision manufactured parts, together with engineering and
assembly expertise, combined with quality control and final
testing procedures, resulting in reliable and accurate crimping
machines for any production need.
"Lillbacka gets a service company that they can depend on,
and we can get good recognition by servicing a company
that makes the world’s best industrial crimper."
“The Finn-Power crimpers are well built and easy to work
on,” says Davison. “We have a background in hydraulics &
pneumatics and have built hose assemblies since we have
been in this business, so it works out very well that we knew
how to make hose assemblies when we began working on
the machines. We are looking forward to working on the new
automated robot systems that Lillbacka recently introduced.”
“We like working on the Lillbacka equipment,” concludes
Davison. “They provide us with all the materials if we have any
questions. They trust me to do my job. It’s a win-win situation.
Lillbacka gets a service company that they can depend on,
Finn-Power Service Center
and we can get good recognition by servicing a company that
Industrial Machine Service became an authorized
Lillbacka Finn-Power Crimper Service Center in 2011, makes the world’s best industrial crimper. Our customers see
and covers the tri-state area of Tennessee, Arkansas, that we are a Finn-Power service center, and they know that we
are working on the higher-end equipment.”
and Mississippi. “We do everything from complete
Trade Show
9
Enthusiastic Crowds
Greet Lillbacka Booth at
Düsseldorf International
Tube & Pipe Fair in Germany
The Düsseldorf International Tube & Pipe Fair held last April
was very successful and generated a great deal of interest in
the Lillbacka booth. This trade show is the world’s leading
exhibition for the Tube & Pipe Industry, and takes place every
two years in conjunction with the Internationals Wire Fair.
Generating this interest was the newly updated Finn-Power
tabletop machines including the Finn-Power P20X, P32X,
P20NMS, P32NMS, 20MS, and 32MS.
Also displayed at the fair was the Finn-Power King Crimper
KC1200UC under a large semicircular die set, Bear Crimper,
SP5000UC, 120UC, SP1200UC, and the NC40ZUC nut crimping
machine.
An informative video presented thousands of different
applications that are possible with the Finn-Power family of
crimping machines throughout various industries. This video
can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/D_2_R8mBJDM
For more information, contact: [email protected]
Technology Days
10
Lillbacka USA Hosts
Technology Day & Golf
Tournament
Lillbacka USA held its annual Technology day and Golf
Tournament on February 19 & 20, 2016. The Technology day
theme this year was Automation and Technology. The company
highlighted Lillbacka USA’s new hydraulic crimping machine
TC120 with an automatic tool change system integrated with
a Fanuc robot for part handling. For those that did not have
the opportunity to view its introduction at Fabtech Chicago,
representatives and customers had an opportunity to learn about
this system and see a demonstration up close and personal.
Lillbacka USA maintains an array of demonstration machines for
viewing in its Orlando showroom which provided the opportunity
to speak to sales and engineering personnel about specific
applications and equipment needs.
Saturday’s Annual Golf Tournament was not only enjoyable but
very competitive. Golfers began the day early with breakfast in the
club house, full round of golf with absolutely beautiful weather,
and ended with award presentations after lunch for the top team
for this year’s scramble, as well as awards for closest to the pin and
longest drive.
Lillbacka USA looks forward to next year’s Open House and Golf
Tournament which will be held February 17 and 18, 2017.
For more information, please contact [email protected]
Golf Tournament
11