The Redman bumper bar machines roll-formed a complete bumper bar from a raised blank in only two operations. They replaced a number of hydraulic or mechanical presses that were required to achieve the same result.
These machines were extremely complex in their operation, much more so than extrusion presses, employing state-of-the-art (at that time) hydraulics. Electrical systems were conventional relays (Programmable Logic Control [PLC] had not been introduced then. Tooling required bedding-in and proving employing the exceptional skills of the workforce in Gloucester.
This was the last bumper bar machine produced in Gloucester as, shortly afterwards, the car industry moved towards the use of rubber and plastic components. Consequently, this part of the business was rendered obsolete virtually overnight.
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If you remember designing, machining, fitting, installing, maintaining, or working with this machine please share your memories at the bottom of the page by clicking on the words Add a comment about this page.
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Hi John! A young Jim Harris in photo number 1. Chippy Aston.
Chippy – Many thanks for the info – John B
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