Insight

SMART Machinery Srl supplies customers with cutting-edge threading and pointing equipment, along with providing worldwide customer service. The company is known for its thread rolling machines built on the fundamental principles of simplicity, repeatability, durability and quality.

SMART states that its thread rolling machines were the first on the market to utilise direct drive servo-motor technology. The totally gearless direct drive is a SMART patented technology that provides maximum torque at zero speed and requires fewer parts than traditional motors. This means less wear, less maintenance and reduced costs to keep the machine running. Other benefits SMART points out of the direct drive over traditional motors include an average 20% higher efficiency, significant noise reduction, considerable reduction of machine vibration and a longer running life due to fewer moving parts.

Another significant feature of SMART machines is their use of patented linear motors in the introduction system. Linear motors provide precise adjustments of all introduction functions, including the electronic control of the precise placement of the blank against the dies at the right time, which can be adjusted by the operator. The servo-driven SMART system, in addition to providing greater simplicity, offers a 0.01mm blank position control, throughout the entire machine cycle. This method of using linear motors to adjust introduction functionality provides repeatable results for total control of the production process.

SMART’s flat die thread rolling machines come in two main model series, NG and NG Maxi, which cover diameters from as little as 3mm up to 48mm. A unique advantage of the NG and NG Maxi machines is the option to add adjustable stroke, a technology that enables one machine model to encompass a range of different die dimensions. This results in one machine model capable of a larger size range with different production speeds related to the chosen stroke.

For hollow, heavy headed, and high output standard parts, SMART offers a rotary thread rolling machine line. The RNG rotary thread rolling machine series includes two machine sizes. The RNG, which can thread standard or hollow parts from M6 to M14, and the RNG Maxi, which can thread standard or hollow parts from M10 to M24. Standard spindle diameter can be increased with the use of distance hubs, allowing for use of multiple die sizes, and maximising part size flexibility for each model.

Thanks to a very progressive rolling process, permitted by a large roll diameter and long segment up to 600mm, the RNG rotary machine works well for hollow parts as the rotary dies tend to not misshape or pinch the hollow tube of the part. The RNG’s rotary dies, adjusted by dedicated software, are able to handle heat treated machine screws with increased speed and tool life when compared to flat dies.

SMART also offers machines that point, groove and pierce. NP pointing machines are compact, fast, flexible, and feature the same patented direct drive and linear motor servo technology as SMART thread rolling machines. Recently the NP machines have been improved with a new spindle, making it possible to produce grooves and shaped forms in addition to pointing. It is also possible to make holes, with the addition of special tools. A new development was done on a NP pointing machine to groove parts for the EV market, which required stringent tolerances. SMART’s groove pointers are incredibly accurate and can achieve a tolerance range of 0.004 inches.

For those looking for optimal productivity, SMART offers optional features that maximise its equipment’s efficiency. SMART threaders and pointers can be equipped with Auto-Setup technology for storage of 2,000+ jobs, powered adjustment and set-point return for die match, injector position and vertical position of rails/bowl. Values for speed, rail width and stationary die settings can be stored specific to job number for future reference and fast set-up. In conjunction with the elective Auto-Setup feature, the optional patented powered die match adjustment allows touchscreen adjustment of die match.

All of SMART’s comprehensive machine technology offerings can be found on its new website set to launch in September 2020. The website is designed for a better viewing experience and features a more fluid design and improved language capability. An integrated news and social media structure will allow customers more visibility into the work and pride that goes into SMART Machinery and its products and services.