RAS Multibend Center

Gantry loader: Suction cup frame

The suction frame is equipped with different size suction cups. A quick locking mechanism allows fast setups for maximum flexibility, if the suction cups need to be repositioned.

Peeling suction cups with a large stroke height can separate the top blank of a stack and ensure a smooth production process. A double material detection system makes sure that the suction frame has picked just a single blank. A clever software feature ensures that blanks with different dimensions, geometries and holes will be reliably loaded.

The spring mounted suction cups can lift blanks from a stack on an uneven floor. Moreover, even blanks with slight embossings, lying on a warped pile can be loaded.

QR Code Scanner in gantry loader suction frame

A QR code scanner can be added to the 1 or 2 station gantry loader. The suction frame starts to the indicated stack of blanks. Each blank comes with a QR code. The scanner reads the QR code and loads the stored program. Thereafter, the suction frame lifts the top  blank from the stack, check on double sheet and moves the workpiece to the Multibend Center.

Robotic blank loading with suction cups and magnets

The intelligent load robot can loads blanks with a closed base surface using its standard suction frame. If blanks come with many holes or cut-outs the suction frame cannot create a vacuum. In this case, additional magnets can be integrated into the vacuum frame. This allows automatic loading of a significantly increased number of blanks by the robot.

• Loading blanks with multiple holes and cutouts
• Significant increase of blanks that can be loaded automatically

MiniFeeder: Loading of different blanks from a single stack

• Example: Kit production of elevator panels
• Blanks for 10 elevators with 9 panels each
• Scanner reads barcode label attached to each blank and loads program
• MiniFeeder with 8 round suction cups
• Blank width sets number of active suction cups
• Material thickness check
• MiniFeeder transports blank to suction cup measuring table

MiniFeeder: Loading of perforated blanks with a small border

• Example: Ceiling panels
• Stack of perforated blanks with a small border
• MiniFeeder with 12 oval suction cups
• Blank width sets number of active suction cups
• Material thickness check
• MiniFeeder pulls blank to suction cup measuring table

MiniFeeder connection with robotic loading

In this blank loading option the MiniFeeder moves the blank from a punching machine via a roller table to the intelligent RAS blank loading robot. The robot picks the blank, flips it over and feeds it to the Multibend Centre, without having to be programmed or taught. System requirements:

• Direct connection only
• Punching: One raw blank becomes one punched part
• The punching machine communicates the program name
• The Multibend Center loads the program and recognised the blank width out of the program
• The MiniFeeder activates the matching number of suction cups and pulls the blank onto the roller table
• The roller table transports the blank towards the Multibend Center and references it
• The intelligent loading robot flips the blank and feeds it into the Multibend Center

Small and narrow parts

In addition to the standard main manipulator, the machine can be equipped with a narrow or a small main manipulator foot. The change of the clamping feet is done manually with a few simple steps. The additional clamping feet open up applications for small and narrow parts.

Unloading of finished parts

Pallet system with intelligent robot unloading

With automatic unloading and stacking of bent parts, the panel bender can be run in an unmanned shift. The unloading robot picks up the finished parts from the runout table and stacks them according to the selected stacking pattern. The intelligent unloading robot does not have to be taught or programmed.

• The pallet system automatically provides empty pallets
• Full pallets will be delivered to the forklift pickup position
• Pallets without a back panel allow horizontal part stacking
• Pallets with a back panel also allow vertical stacking
• The pallet system layout can be adjusted to local floorspace conditions

Intelligent unloading robot: Stacking strategies

There is no need to teach or program the intelligent unloading robot. Simply select a stacking strategy and the robot does the rest. Stacking strategy examples:

•    Parts stacked horizontally
•    Parts stacked horizontally and rotated to each other
•    Parts stacked vertically (pallet with back panel)
•    Every second part turned
•    Parts lying in each other
•    Two stack side by side or behind each other