FOCUS ON BENDING
Automated bending demonstration on AMADA press brake .
“ The bending cell is equipped with devices such as the automatic tool , gripper changers and the motorised regripping units to support part manipulation by the bending robot . From the press-brake side , the HRB-ATC series ( available both as 100 tonnes x 3 metres and 220 tonnes x 4 metres ) offers the advantages of fully automated production using the automatic tool changer ( ATC ). The ATC , able to reduce set-up time of the press brake by up to 80 % compared to manual tool loading , lets the operator schedule requested production without any tool layout restriction ,” explained AMADA .
The AMADA HRB-ATC series ( with automatic tool changer ) also features a punch reverse function and automatic crowning – compensating for deflections in the upper and lower beams when pressure is applied – which comes as standard to boost precision for users .
The AMADA RBR series is available with either a 50kg or 200kg payload robot . The high level of automation is possible using the offline programming module VPSS 3i ARBEND and the CELL MANAGER scheduling system . Another option is the AMADA Bi system for in-cycle angle measurement and adjustment which helps to eliminate scrap parts .
With its new Blank-to-Bend concept , AMADA linked punching and cutting systems plus automatic press brakes via a warehouse storage system to form a highly automated end-to-end solution .
AMADA also offers press brake products such as HG Series , HG-1003ATC , HRB-ATC , HD-NT Series and EG Series . Product Designer software can unfold 3D sheet metal models and automatically apply unfolding data and feature recognition ready for manufacture . Its EG series electric press brake incorporates AMADA ’ s patented dual servo technology which enables high-speed precision part manufacture with additional operator-focused benefits . Its HFE 3i , HG ATC and HG ARs press brake series encompass most bending scenarios from a manually based scenario to a fully automated , robot-supported production cell .
Amada ’ s compact HFE-5012M2 press brake ( 50 tonnes of bending force ) has been developed to offer fast and comfortable bending of small parts with medium complexity . The open height of the frame has been increased , enabling deeper box bending .
Its EG-6013AR bending cell features a robot with five automatic grippers and tool changer for fully automated production processes . The active angle measurement system has also been adapted to the process enhancement .
Turkish manufacturer Baykal ’ s APHS range of press brakes is highly versatile ( Performer , Pro and Premium series ). It has pioneered development of a fully automatic pole cutting and bending machine and , for its manufacturing operations , utilises three factories which together combine a production area of 70,000 square metres , making it one of Europe ’ s largest facilities for sheetmetalworking and fabricating machinery .
Blech-Tec GmbH manufactures mini bending machines . The BT-500 is a folding machine and press brake in one . Combining both bending processes offers flexibility , as both processes have their geometric advantages . The BT-150 is designed as a table machine for even smaller parts .
Boschert GmbH showcased its Gizelis GBend PLUS 3140 press brake at EuroBLECH 2022 in Germany .
At the EuroBLECH exhibition in Germany last October , Boschert GmbH / Gizelis showcased a new real-time automatic angle measurement and correction system on its Gizelis GBend PLUS 3140 press brake .
“ Our electrical G-Electrobend press-brake line ( also for 3m machines ) is more energyefficient than hydraulic machines . We have already developed electrical systems for press brakes and shears ,” it told ISMR at the show .
The G-BEND PLUS press brake features a single-axis back-gauge system and bending length of 3400mm / 4400mm . The G-FLEX press brake has a hydraulic system , two-axis back gauge system and CNC crowning .
The Gizelis ROBOBEND 2 fully automated robotic bending cell incorporates Automatic Tool Change ( ATC ) with bending and palletising procedures as a turnkey solution .
“ The system has a smart design and can be operated in three different modes . Individual safety systems are activated in each working mode in full compliance with EU directives . There is large capacity for tooling ( punches and dies ) which can be safely organised in a robust , smart tooling warehouse , able to store more than 20m of punches and dies ( including tooling in very small segments for bending small / complex details ),” explained Gizelis .
Boschert / Gizelis have produced a dynamic hybrid-drive press brake , the Quick-Bend , with purported energy savings of up to 80 %. Quick and nearly silent , the Quick-Bend only uses electrical energy during the bending process . The electric-hydraulic hybrid drive is characterised by a combined E-motor and pump unit . The bending speed range is 8 - 10mm / s and repeatability is +/ - 0.02mm . Other models include the G-Master and G-HD hydraulic press brakes .
At EuroBLECH 2022 in Hanover , Swiss sheet-metal specialist Bystronic showcased its new ByBend Star 120 for the small-tomedium-sized parts segment . Strong and compact , it is designed for a wide range of sheet thicknesses as well as materials in higher-tensile strength classes .
“ The ‘ Laser Angle Measuring System ’ ( LAMS ) function guarantees the perfect bending result from the very first part . With the ‘ FastBend Plus ’ function , there is also no need for time-consuming bend angle measurements . Bending users now save up to 30 % energy and get 20 % more speed in return – thanks to the energy-efficient servo hydraulics ,” explained the manufacturer .
Bystronic ’ s new ByBend Smart increases the flexibility and speed of bending . The machine ’ s main drive is only active when the machine is in operation . This is the logic of the “ Energy Saver ” that reduces the power consumption of the machine while also boosting productivity as well as minimizing noise and waste heat . One of the flexibility-enhancing features is the insert and stroke length expansion which extends the insert height for bending tools from 480 to 580mm .
“ It is now even more versatile for an even wider range of applications . It is 30 % faster than conventional bending – and even 50 % faster with the new ‘ Efficiency Booster ’ option .