West Coast Hose Distributor Connects with Finn-Power Crimpers...pages 6-7. True Grit and Finn-Power Equipment Pay Dividends...

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1 Lillbacka USA 1629 Prime Court, Suite 400 Orlando, FL Phone (847) Fax (847) volume True Grit and Finn-Power Equipment Pay Dividends...pages 2-3 West Coast Hose Distributor Connects with Finn-Power Crimpers...pages 6-7 Second Lillbacka Open Golf Tournament...pages also In this issue: New Powerful Finn-Power Nut Crimper...page 5 New Products Service...8 FABTECH Open House Finn-Power SP

Brian Eckhardt, operations manager, and his sister Rhonda, purchasing manager, purchased the Finn-Power FP20UC crimper and the CM75PH hose cutter in late 2013 in order to increase the company s

2 Customer Profile 2 True Grit and Finn-Power Equipment Pay Dividends for Texas Power Transmission Distributor In order to increase its production abilities, San Antonio Belting purchased the Finn-Power FP20UC crimper and the CM75PH hose cutter in late Brian Eckhardt, operations manager, and his sister Rhonda, purchasing manager, purchased the Finn-Power FP20UC crimper and the CM75PH hose cutter in late 2013 in order to increase the company s production abilities. San Antonio Belting & Pulley Co., Inc. traces its roots back to Lillian and Cletus Eckhardt purchased the company in 1976 and are still active in the business. Their son and daughter, Brian, operations manager, and Rhonda, purchasing manager, are responsible for day-to-day operations. Today, the company is a leading distributor of Power Transmission Products in the San Antonio area. The company has expanded to two locations: the original 10,000-square foot facility in San Antonio and the newly opened 12,500-square-foot facility in Seguin, TX. There are a total of 18 employees in both locations. We opened the Seguin facility in July 2014 to accommodate our growing OEM business, explains Brian Eckhardt. We needed more space and didn t have the room to expand our San Antonio location. San Antonio Belting is an Eaton-Aeroquip distributor, and provides hydraulic hose assemblies and adapters, pneumatic hose and fittings, and industrial and fracking hose to mid-sized and small OEMs in such industries as agricultural, food, oil field, construction, rock crushers, and mining. Finn-Power FP20UC Crimper The FP20UC serial production crimper was designed for highproduction volume applications that require optimal crimping force, speed, and efficiency. It offers a 10 mm 61 mm crimping range and operates with a 1500 kn crimping force. The FP20UC is highly efficient and can produce 2,300 crimps per hour with unmatched speed, accuracy, repeatability, and quality. We purchased the Finn-Power FP20UC because we were looking for quality equipment to increase our production abilities, says Eckhardt. We needed something to make us faster and more efficient, and the FP serial production crimper definitely exceeded our expectations. We can now make assemblies a lot faster, and the quality is the same every time. According to Eckhardt, the features he likes on the FP20UC include: Speed of the cycle time. Ease of use. When changing from one setting to the next, you can plug in your next crimp setting and save it for future production. Backstop feature. We put our hose in and it bumps and then crimps, explains Eckhardt. It really helps speed up production. The FP20UC just cycles so much faster than our standard crimping machines. Quick Change Tool System. The Quick Change Tool System (QC), allows the entire die set to be changed in one easy operation. The pins on the QC Tool engage the QC holes in the dies. As the master dies open/close, the die segments are released from the master dies and are retained by the QC tool. The die segments are held to the tool by a magnet. The die set can then be stored in the QC storage rack. In this way, the segments are kept in complete sets and are always used in the same order. continued on page 3

designed to cut all types of hose up to 2 and 3 diameter, 6-spiral hoses. The 520/650 mm diameter blades operate at 3,000 rpm. The hose is pushed against the blade by a pneumatic cylinder.

The blade can be re-sharpened when necessary. The cutter has a built-in bin for the collection of cutting waste.

We can now make assemblies a lot faster, and the quality is the same every time. The Quick Change Tool System (QC), allows the entire die set to be changed in one easy operation.

3 Customer Profile 3 Continued from page 2 When we get larger orders where we may be building six hose kits, where each kit may involve 20 or 30 assemblies, the FP20UC has definitely helped cut the production time down, says Eckhardt. Before the FP20UC, it would take two operators a full day to produce the kits. The FP20UC has cut that time by three hours. designed to cut all types of hose up to 2 and 3 diameter, 6-spiral hoses. The 520/650 mm diameter blades operate at 3,000 rpm. The hose is pushed against the blade by a pneumatic cylinder. Piston movement speed can be quickly and easily adjusted to choose optimal cutting speed for each type of hose. Lower speeds are used with thick hoses to avoid overheating of the blade. The blade can be re-sharpened when necessary. The cutter has a built-in bin for the collection of cutting waste. We needed something to make us faster and more efficient, and the FP20UC serial production crimper definitely exceeded our expectations. We can now make assemblies a lot faster, and the quality is the same every time. The Quick Change Tool System (QC), allows the entire die set to be changed in one easy operation. The pins on the QC Tool engage the QC holes in the dies. As the master dies open/close, the die segments are released from the master dies and are retained by the QC tool. UC Controller Another feature the Eckhardt likes on the FP20UC is the UC Controller. Lillbacka Corporation recently introduced a new UC Controller that has computing power and features never seen before on crimping machines, such as automated quality control reporting options and an easy-to-use menu guided operation. The new UC Controller has many options such as pressure crimping, multi-step crimping, and process control monitoring. The UC Controller also has energy-efficient modes to place the crimper into a standby mode when not in operation. We like the computer screen, where we can put in the new crimp setting and know which die we need to use, then pick it out and begin crimping. Hose Cutting Machine When San Antonio purchased the FP20UC crimper, they also purchased the Finn-Power CM75PH hose cutting machine. This hose cutting machine is The Finn-Power CM75PH saw has made this step of production much easier, says Eckhardt. Having the hose cutter pneumatically assisted is much cleaner than hand cutting. We can handle anything up to 2 6 wire with the CM75PH. It cuts very clean, very fast, and very safe. There are no exposed blades. In production, it counts how many hoses we are making in that set so you don t have to go back and count. The adjustability to change from one size hose to the next is very user friendly. The FP20UC serial production crimper was designed for high-production volume applications that require optimal crimping force, speed, and efficiency. It offers a 10 mm 61 mm crimping range and operates with a 1500 kn crimping force. Investing for the Future We invest in more productive and efficient equipment to allow us to provide better products and service to our customers, concludes Eckhardt. The new equipment keeps our on-time deliveries on schedule and makes our efficiency levels that much better. Our employees enjoy working on new equipment. It makes them more productive...and we can provide our customers a better product. Not many people in our industry can say that they have been in business since That is something that we are very proud of. And we like to take that a step further by producing the highest quality products.

New Products 4 The Reel Deal FinnReel 7 FinnReel 7 is engineered to provide access and safe and organized storage for popular hoses or other coiled materials in front of a Finn-Power saw or Finn-

Each reel has a solid bottom to ensure that even the smaller hose remnants will stay safely on the shelf.

The use of the FinnReel is not limited to just hose materials any coiled material can be stored in the system.

The design of the FinnReel shelf prevents the reel from rotating while being loaded, thus making positioning of the material coil easier and safer.

The center hub of the rotating shelf is designed with a preventer to stop the material coil from getting tangled by jumping over the rotation center, thus assuring smooth delivery of material.

4 New Products 4 The Reel Deal FinnReel 7 FinnReel 7 is engineered to provide access and safe and organized storage for popular hoses or other coiled materials in front of a Finn-Power saw or Finn- Power FinnCut shear. Its seven-shelf capacity can efficiently hold longer coils or remnant drops from larger series, maintaining clean and damage-free material. Each reel has a solid bottom to ensure that even the smaller hose remnants will stay safely on the shelf. The stainless steel shelves are safe for storing even stainless braided hose material or stainless steel cables. The use of the FinnReel is not limited to just hose materials any coiled material can be stored in the system. Six top shelves are hinged from the side bar and can be opened sideways to make loading of the material coil easy. The design of the FinnReel shelf prevents the reel from rotating while being loaded, thus making positioning of the material coil easier and safer. The payout of the hose from each shelf is guided by the round guide ring mounted to the side frame. The center hub of the rotating shelf is designed with a preventer to stop the material coil from getting tangled by jumping over the rotation center, thus assuring smooth delivery of material. The FinnReel 7 and the FinnReel 1 (single shelf) can be equipped with optional casters to move the storage throughout the shop. The FinnReel 1 can be integrated with the motorized FinnReel Auto V to make payout of the material stored in the FinnReel 1 easier. Versatile Measuring Scale Table The Finn-Power Measuring Scale Table is a modular stainless steel table extension providing support for the hydraulic hose to be cut with a Finn-Power saw. The table material is stainless steel in order to eliminate any rust issues when using the table for stainless braided hoses. The table module length is 60, and modules can be connected together to provide a longer table. An adjustable stop can be placed to any length and locked into place by a simple twist of a handle. Each table module comes with a supporting leg which has adjustments to compensate for any irregularities in the flooring. The measuring scale table module length is 60, and modules can be connected together to provide a longer table. An adjustable stop can be placed to any length and locked into place by a simple twist of a handle.

New Products 5 Powerful Nut Crimper Lillbacka has greatly expanded the Finn-Power Nut & Cable model line.

The Finn-Power NC crimpers have proven to be the most reliable and widely used nut crimper in the industry.

In addition to the largest crimp range available on the market, the Finn- Power NC60UC is robust in design with an available tonnage of 130 tons.

5 New Products 5 Powerful Nut Crimper Lillbacka has greatly expanded the Finn-Power Nut & Cable model line. The NC60UC is the highest tonnage and most powerful nut crimper, with the largest crimp-range, that is available on the market. The Finn-Power NC crimpers have proven to be the most reliable and widely used nut crimper in the industry. With this innovative Finn-Power NC60UC nut crimper, the crimp range has a capacity to 160mm or 4.88 inches. In addition to the largest crimp range available on the market, the Finn- Power NC60UC is robust in design with an available tonnage of 130 tons. With this available robust tonnage, the Finn-Power NC60UC will be able to crimp the largest 2 ½ and 3 hydraulic fittings currently on the market. This innovative crimper will provide endless versatility while quickly realizing return on investment. FinnCut Quick & Safe Shearing FinnCut is designed for quick and safe shearing of non-steel reinforced hoses. It provides a clean cut every time. A dual-cut mandrel allows cutting of two hoses simultaneously where larger volumes are needed. FinnCut is designed for quick and safe shearing of non-steel reinforced hoses. It provides a clean cut every time. A dual-cut mandrel allows cutting of two hoses simultaneously where larger volumes are needed. The cutting process is air operated with integrated safety clamps holding the hose to eliminate sliding while cutting and maintaining consistent edge quality. The hose can be easily positioned through the safety access panel in the front of the machine. Measuring the hose length is made easy and simple from the edge of the FinnCut machine. The FinnCut includes one cutting blade and two die mandrels, one for single hose with a larger guide V groove and one with twin guide V grooves for double cut by a single hit. The cutting cycle is activated by a standard foot pedal, one cutting hit at a time.

, Long Beach, CA, has evolved into a respected fabricator of custom fittings and liquid connectors. Today, the company occupies 9,000 square feet over three buildings and has 11 employees.

6 Customer Profile 6 Berg-Nelson Connects with Finn-Power Crimpers Craig Nelson, president (left) and Jim Stoll, general manager, purchased the Finn-Power FP160VS crimper in 2005 for its 6-inch capacity to make larger assemblies. Established in 1951 as a rubber supply distributor, today Berg-Nelson Company, Inc., Long Beach, CA, has evolved into a respected fabricator of custom fittings and liquid connectors. Today, the company occupies 9,000 square feet over three buildings and has 11 employees. Berg-Nelson features a full product line including: Industrial hose and fittings Hydraulic hose, fittings, adapters, quick disconnects, valves, etc. Complete line of stainless & Teflon lines hose assemblies and weld and metal fabricating Full line of composite hose for petro-chemical applications Gaskets, valves, instrumentation, and loading systems Berg-Nelson s emphasis on the oil and gas and power generation markets has created opportunities demanding more sophisticated equipment. For a small company, we are highly capitalized, explains Craig Nelson, president. Our equipment list includes crimping machines, TIG welders, indexing tables, machine lathes, expansion machines, and hydro test machines. Fabrication of flexible connectors is a good definition of what we do. Increasingly, we are now pre-crimping metal assemblies, whether it be pipe, tubing, or flexible connectors. This sparked our initial interest in the Finn-Power crimpers. Berg-Nelson was one of the first hose assembly houses on the West Coast to being crimping in The company purchased its first Finn-Power crimper in As we became more sophisticated in crimping, we needed the accuracy and the capabilities of the Finn-Power machines, says Nelson. The Finn-Power 32UC has become our work horse for hydraulic crimping. It s easy to set up, easy to control, user friendly, and easy to train on. It is a very productive machine. Not so much from the production standpoint, but because of the accuracy of the Finn-Power crimpers. We make many custom fittings for different industries, and we get into a lot of specialty products. We are not a high-production run company. We do more short-run custom fabrication where accuracy is extremely important. The timed crimping capability of the Finn-Power crimpers has really helped us. Timed crimping means that the crimp will hold for whatever the time you need. We use it for both rubber and metal. Timed crimping is really an advantage for us because of certain fittings that we use. As we do more and more metal fabrication, we ve discovered that pre-crimping metal has significantly improved our performance of our connectors. Over the last 10 years, Finn-Power has become more involved in our company. The Finn-Power FP160VS extra heavyduty crimping machine has a maximum hose ID of 6 inches. The Finn-Power FP160VS is an ideal choice when a variety sizes and types of fittings are produced. We use the Finn-Power FP160VS for everything. The 6-inch capability allows us to make assemblies that we couldn t do before. FP160VS Crimper The first Finn-Power crimper purchased by Berg-Nelson in 2005 was the FP160VS. The Finn-Power FP160VS extra heavyduty crimping machine has a maximum hose ID of 6 inches. The Finn-Power FP160VS is an ideal choice when a variety of sizes and types of fittings are produced. High capacity, flexibility, and complementary control options put these machines in a class of their own. continued on page 7

Another feature that we like on the FP160VS is the ability to download information. Crimping stainless steel is really difficult.

And this is where Finn-Power with the multiple die heads really comes through. In 2010, Berg-Nelson purchased the Finn- Power 32UC crimper.

7 Customer Profile 7 Continued from page 6 We use the Finn-Power FP160VS for everything, explains Nelson. The 6-inch capability allows us to make assemblies that we couldn t do before. We ve had special 6 dies made for different fittings. And again, the timed crimp has been quite an advantage. The power of the FP160VS is significant. Another feature that we like on the FP160VS is the ability to download information. Crimping stainless steel is really difficult. We ve experienced cracking with the other brands of crimpers in our shop. This could be very costly since some of the high end stainless steel is worth $300. And this is where Finn-Power with the multiple die heads really comes through. In 2010, Berg-Nelson purchased the Finn- Power 32UC crimper. This crimper provides 2,000 kn crimping force in a highly compact, ergonomic design. They are ideally suited for single-piece production. A Second Finn-Power Crimper In 2010, Berg-Nelson purchased the Finn-Power 32UC crimper. This crimper provides 2,000 kn crimping force in a highly compact, ergonomic design. They are ideally suited for single-piece production. We like the Finn-Power 32UC for certain hoses because it has the moving die head, says Nelson. If we have to flow material in one direction, the moving die head seems to work better than the center line. We have also discovered that the 32UC is very beneficial for multiple crimps in certain small diameter composites. The most important feature of the 32UC is its accuracy. That is what really has helped us move forward...especially in exotic metals. It has also helped us with overall record keeping capability and traceability with ISO 9001 certification. The Finn-Power 32UC has become our work horse for hydraulic crimping, adds Jim Stoll, general manager. It s easy to set up, easy to control, user friendly, and easy to train on. It is a very productive machine. Innovative UC Controller The Finn-Power 32UC crimper features the UC controller that has many innovative and unique features that Lillbacka Corporation has introduced to the marketplace. The main features of the new UC Controller include: Layout / Icons The UC controller is a modern, user-friendly interface based on icons, a selector and clear, visual display of all crimping parameters. Connectivity The UC controller allows one to connect to it via USB and Ethernet ports. Custom work is where we really shine, and that is where Finn-Power has really helped us. We found that pre-crimping metal assemblies gives us a lot more integrity on the weld for strength and also to avoid any leak path. Because of the Finn-Power machines, we are pre-crimping a lot of metal hose and pipe now, and it really has helped our weld retention. Updateable The new platform allows for software upgrades, as well as the ability to mirror one machine s control content to another. Traceability Quality monitoring allows the crimp specs, actual achieved values, errors (if any), and a time stamp to be recorded for each and every crimp. Quick Change Tool System Another Finn-Power crimper feature that Berg-Nelson likes is the Quick Change Tool System (QC), which allows the entire die set to be changed in one easy operation. Custom Work Specialists We don t often do long-run OEM jobs, explains Nelson. Custom work is where we really shine, and that is where Finn-Power has really helped us. We found that pre-crimping metal assemblies gives us a lot more integrity on the weld for strength and also to avoid any leak path. If accuracy is required, we will pre-crimp and then weld in place against our indexing modules. Because of the Finn-Power machines, we are pre-crimping a lot of metal hose and pipe now, and it really has helped our weld retention.

Service 8 Lillbacka USA Customer Support Continues to Expand by Dennis Peplow, Vice President of Service & Support Currently, Lillbacka USA has 14 factory trained service centers located throughout

technicians ready to provide professional and quality service to all North American customers.

Lillbacka USA service centers can typically service customers within 24-48 hours.

Lillbacka USA application engineers also provide phone support for questions customers may have on setup, operations, and assisting with special die applications.

8 Service 8 Lillbacka USA Customer Support Continues to Expand by Dennis Peplow, Vice President of Service & Support Currently, Lillbacka USA has 14 factory trained service centers located throughout North America, including: Five in Canada covering from Quebec to Vancouver BC Eight in the US covering from the East to West coast One in Mexico In total, Lillbacka USA has 34 trained service technicians ready to provide professional and quality service to all North American customers. These service centers are available to perform all preventative maintenance services and emergency repairs that are required. Lillbacka USA service centers can typically service customers within hours. Lillbacka USA has replacement parts required for service available at the main office located in Orlando FL, with a delivery capacity of 24 hours from time of order. Lillbacka USA application engineers also provide phone support for questions customers may have on setup, operations, and assisting with special die applications. Special applications provide solutions to a wide variety of industries such as the hose industry, automotive, construction, playground equipment, electrical, cable and wire, tube and pipe, and more. We welcome the opportunity to review the manufacturing process to provide Finn-Power cost saving solutions. To keep Finn-Power crimpers operating in peak performance, regular PMs are recommended according to the maintenance schedule provided with each machine including spring change, oil and filter change, and machine calibration service. Please contact Lillbacka USA to review your maintenance schedule and to receive a PM quote from the nearest authorized service center today. Lillbacka USA service and support network maintains the highest standards in servicing its customers. By investing in Finn-Power machines, customers are assured of the best service network.

Sales Meeting FABTECH 2014 9 Annual Sales Meeting in Orlando Lillbacka USA held its annual sales meeting on February 20 at the corporate headquarters and showroom in Orlando, FL.

opportunities for cost savings in the manufacturing process. One of the topics covered was the ability to square tube and pipe with Finn-Power 140UC & 160UC crimpers.

The Finn-Power crimpers offer the ability to square on a cost- effective basis along with the ease of operation.

See page 5 for additional information. Lillbacka Turns Heads at FABTECH 2014 Lillbacka USA exhibited at Fabtech 2014 which was held in November in Atlanta, Georgia.

9 Sales Meeting FABTECH Annual Sales Meeting in Orlando Lillbacka USA held its annual sales meeting on February 20 at the corporate headquarters and showroom in Orlando, FL. Customers, sales representatives, and service providers had the opportunity to view new products and the vast Finn-Power product line, and to learn from the technology presentations about new opportunities for cost savings in the manufacturing process. One of the topics covered was the ability to square tube and pipe with Finn-Power 140UC & 160UC crimpers. These Finn-Power crimpers provide the ability to crimp from round tube end forming into a square, as well as square tube to square tube for a slip-fit application. The Finn-Power crimpers offer the ability to square on a cost- effective basis along with the ease of operation. Lillbacka also discussed the new Finn-Power nut crimper NC60UC, which is the highest tonnage and most powerful nut crimper in the Finn-Power product line and market. See page 5 for additional information. Lillbacka Turns Heads at FABTECH 2014 Lillbacka USA exhibited at Fabtech 2014 which was held in November in Atlanta, Georgia. The Lillbacka USA booth provided an excellent experience for prospective and existing customers in a limited amount of space. Presentations were shown by means of a video wall which provided insight into the world and history of Lillbacka Corporation, Finn-Power s vast assortment of machines in its product overview and review of existing applications currently manufactured by Finn-Power machines as well as customer testimonials. Specifically showcased were the Finn-Power SP5000 crimper and King Crimper, the world s largest crimper.

Open House 10 Lillbacka USA Hosts Golf Tournament The second annual

greeted by a beautiful warm sunny morning in Orlando, FL at Eagle

A total of 30 golfers participated in the event, including customers

from throughout the United States and Mexico, and Lillbacka USA

As the golf tournament came to a conclusion, a buffet lunch was

10 Open House 10 Lillbacka USA Hosts Golf Tournament The second annual Lillbacka USA golf tournament held on Saturday, February 21 was greeted by a beautiful warm sunny morning in Orlando, FL at Eagle Creek Golf Course. A total of 30 golfers participated in the event, including customers from Texas and Florida, sales representatives and service providers from throughout the United States and Mexico, and Lillbacka USA employees. As the golf tournament came to a conclusion, a buffet lunch was served and an awards presentation closed out the day s event. Be sure to mark your calendar for next year s golf tournament which will be held on Saturday, February 20, continued on page 11

11 Open House 11 Continued from page 10 Lillbacka USA Hosts Golf Tournament

Lillbacka History. v o L u M e I n t h I s I s s u e :

Lillbacka History. v o L u M e I n t h I s I s s u e : Lillbacka USA, Inc. USA Phone (847) 301-1300 Fax (847) 301-2562 www.finnpowerusa.com v o L u M e 1 2 0 1 0 Lillbacka History Lillbacka Corporation, based in Alaharma, Finland, is a successful machine manufacturer