PRODUCT REVIEWS
Secure panel handling
Some companies in the sheet metal processing business struggle to store their panels securely and use available space efficiently . Eurotech , a specialist in vacuum , lifting and transport technology , and Storemaster have developed a flat vacuum handling device for heavy-duty sheet metal storage facilities .
When Dieter Paul , the owner of Storemaster , set out to look for a suitable lifting device , he soon found that his ‘ MasterTower ’ warehouse required a special solution . The metal sheets needed to be stored quickly and securely , even in the topmost spaces , by a single worker without a ladder . To utilise available space as efficiently as possible , the new lifting device would need to be very flat .
He found what he was looking for in Eurotech ’ s product catalogue : the lifting specialist from the Swabian Jura region recommended one of the lifting devices from its eT-Hover range . The eT-Hover panel was modified rapidly to meet the wishes and requirements of Storemaster . Its new , flat incarnation is just 350mm tall .
“ All its functions are operated from an ergonomically designed operating handle ; a thumb switch initiates the upward and downward movement , while another button activates the suction and ventilation functions . The operating handle also manoeuvres the telescope arm , which can be bent in intervals of 22.5 °, to an operating position without requiring any physical effort . This allows workers to reach the top drawer as well as the bottom drawer from a comfortable position
Ergonomic without operating handle . bending over or extending their back . The device automatically adjusts its centre of gravity as a fundamental function ,” explained Eurotech .
The user can control integrated crane systems from the same operating handle and there is an option of batterypowered operation without reliance on the power grid . The spiral cord running around the lifting device serves two purposes : energy supply and control of the chain hoist . A chain guide inside the spiral cable prevents the chain and cable from becoming entangled .
Eurotech equipped the device with a vibrating function upon request from Storemaster which makes it possible to separate oiled or adhesive double sheets and prevents accidents caused by the uncontrolled removal of double sheets .
“ A vacuum pump with an integrated non-return valve , vacuum reservoir and two solenoid valves generate the vacuum . The components control the suction and ventilation functions . The device is equipped with an aeration unit for fast detachment of the load . All suction cups can be moved along the cross beams and locked individually using a ball valve . The cross beams are also adjustable , which allows the user to scale the lifting device to various panel sizes ,” added Eurotech .
The eT-Hover-panel lifts small , medium-sized and large metal sheets with a size of up to 4 x 2 metres and a weight of up to 750kg . It can also handle other vacuum-sealed panels made from wood , plastic , stone etc . Specially manufactured suction plates adapt securely to problematic surface structures .
The lifting device is manufactured to DIN- EN 13155 standards . To prevent operating errors and hazards , it is equipped with a range of safety and warning systems : an integrated vacuum gauge with a red / green zone , a red and green signal light , an acoustic signal and a two-handed operating handle for the ventilation system . The eT-Hover-panel is the result of collaboration between Eurotech and storemaster . An expert team of technicians and engineers designed and planned the flat vacuum handling device for heavyduty sheet metal storage facilities . n
Removal of the metal plate from the sheet metal drawer shelf to be placed on the parking stand .
Cutting programs generated by FAST SUITE E2 for Jenoptik laser cutting cell .
German car manufacturer relies on FASTSUITE E2
CENIT ’ s software , FASTSUITE E2 , is demonstrating its capabilities in the programming of CNC and robot laser cutting cells for high-pressure deformation . Since December 2019 , its 3D simulation suite , FASTSUITE E2 , has been in use at the BMW Group Dingolfing , where it is deployed for programming fully automated cutting machines for high-pressure deformation of components .
FASTSUITE E2 offers users a uniform , standardised interface and consistent programming methodology . The software ’ s openness for a wide range of data formats and its adaptability to specific technologies were the deciding factors in BMW ’ s testing . At the company ’ s Dingolfing factory , two 5-axis CNC cells , with infeed axis and two 6-axis robot laser machines , are deployed for tooling of high pressure-deformed components . To increase efficiency and resource utilisation within the cells , simulation and offline programming of the two different machine types can be managed by just one software solution .
“ This really enhanced the level of control over the programming process . The software ’ s functionality for downloading and uploading the CNC and robot programs from and to each machine also satisfies the client ’ s demands for high-performing crosskinematic simulation and programming ,” said Thomas Flaig , Senior Account Manager , Digital Factory Solutions , CENIT .
“ Because FASTSUITE E2 enables standardised programming of both cell variants via an identical user interface and consistent algorithms for path optimisation , the software helps reduce start-up risks while ensuring maximum-quality cutting programs and a clear boost in programming efficiency ,” he added . n
ISMR April 2021 | sheetmetalplus . com | 61