Integrating automation for bending

With this in mind, the ability to combine multiple processes with a single system solution is a concept that Amada is exploiting to full effect with its latest automated bending systems.

In the bending arena, the association of robots and software solutions is delivering optimum levels of efficiency. For instance, at the recent EuroBLECH exhibition in Hannover, Amada demonstrated three fully automated bending cells where the use of robots could be seen to bring about great advantages in flexibility, along with dramatic time savings, even when processing small batches.

The first of these, which is designed for small component bending, is the Amada EG6013AR, a system that features a 1,300mm, 600kN servo-electric press brake mounted by a front traversing 6-axis robot. The compact cell layout is optimised for system simplification and space reduction, while the dedicated robot features a new gripper design for handling small and complex parts. Both workpiece manipulation and tool changing are facilitated by the same robot. Components measuring up to 300mm x 300mm, and weighing up to 1.6kg can be accommodated.

The EG6013AR represents a very flexible robotic bending system with tactile sensor systems in the back gauge – used to detect the position of the workpiece in both X and Y directions prior to bending and initiate corrective measures if departures from tolerances are identified.

Other benefits of this innovative system include a new servo drive system for higher performance and lower power consumption, and the use of Amada's new AMNC3i control. Regarding the latter, easy operation is assured, particularly in combination with Amada's dedicated CAM system, where the automatic generation of robotic motion negates any requirement for ‘teach' routines.

Loading can be performed from different positions when using the EG6013AR which means there is considerable capacity for raw materials. At the same time several unloading options are available. Completed workpieces are stacked by the robot or, if this is not possible, placed in boxes or on a synchronised conveyor belt.

Another automated bending cell offered by Amada, this time for larger parts, is the HG1003ARs. The cell features a HG1003ATC (auto tool change) servo-hydraulic press brake, which for short run, high mix production can be used by an operator in manual mode, or by a HG robot mounted on a separate track for higher volumes.

Able to handle sheets measuring up to 1,000 x 800mm and up to 6mm thick, the HG1003ARs focuses on automation. For instance, the robot itself features automatic gripper change functionality, while angle adjustment and high accuracy positioning are also fully automated.

Using the HG1003ARs, parts can loaded and unloaded at different positions as required – an integrated LD camera system is deployed to avoid positioning errors when picking up and loading the sheets. The camera system records the precise position of the workpieces, which may have been pushed together on the stack, and passes this information to the robot. Even the tiniest discrepancies can be compensated.

The third automated bending cell is Amada's HG1303Rm. Based on an Amada HG1303 press brake, the cell features an innovative bending system (special gripper and motorised repositioning device) for long parts – sheets up to 2,500mm can be accommodated by the HG robot.

Amada says it has an automated cellular format designed to match even the most challenging of applications and there is no longer any need to rely on manual operation for sheet metal bending.

AMADA
www.amada.co.uk