FANUC presses home the advantage of robotics

Citation

(2003), "FANUC presses home the advantage of robotics", Industrial Robot, Vol. 30 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2003.04930aad.003

FANUC presses home the advantage of robotics

FANUC presses home the advantage of robotics

Keywords: Robots, FANUC

FANUC, the Coventry based specialists in robotic engineering, has announced the introduction of a new automated press brake system, to increase productivity, safety and improve quality in sheet metal bending processes (Plate 3).

A six-axis manipulating robot is utilised throughout the cycle of each cell, collecting metal sheet whilst monitoring material thickness with a pre-set linear encoder, correct orientation within the press, precise manipulation during bending to maintain dimensional tolerances within 0.2 mm, discharge of the formed component and palletising. Specially developed “Easy Bend” software, programmed off-line in just tenminutes per/bend, first tests and then controls and monitors all functions, including bend angle and gripper escort speed. The speed of the press punch determines the robot’s relative speed and position, making it possible to pre-programme the speed of any number of press brake actions without changing the functionality of the robot.

Plate 3 Automated press barke system from FANUC robotics

There is no longer a need for corrective action against component slip, as the search for datum points and sequencing is automatic and unerringly accurate. As is the sheet escort during the bending process. Trajectory and speed are controlled with total precision to achieve consistent bending.

FANUC’s new automated press brake system is to be featured, along with many other metal related applications, such as arc and spot welding, deburring, sealing, painting, machine tending and mechanical handling, at an “in-house” exhibition being staged in Coventry between 12-14 November.