ISMR February 2024 | Page 32

FOCUS ON BENDING

■ Allow the elimination of contaminants such as hydraulic oils which are used for oil-dynamic systems .
■ Ensure greater recovery and minimal pollution : this is especially important in the context of a circular economy , where sustainability also extends to the disposal and recovery of materials .
The benefits of fully servo-electric technology applied to sheet metalworking machines are many and go beyond the more obvious energy savings . It leads to an overall improvement in production : more pieces at lower costs with higher quality and flexibility . This includes lower energy consumption ; precision bending ; faster bending operations and flexibility , versatility and adaptability . Less machine maintenance is required and there is reduced environmental contamination , with greater material recovery and minimal pollution levels .
Digitisation , automation and robotisation
Manufacturers can achieve higher levels of efficiency , accuracy and flexibility by integrating digital technologies into their production process . Digitisation also enables greater connectivity and data sharing throughout the production workflow .
Artificial intelligence ( AI ) and machine learning can help to optimise bending processes by analysing data and identifying patterns that humans might not notice , increasing efficiency and product quality while reducing waste . IoT ( Internet of Things ) technologies grant real-time monitoring of processes , allowing for rapid adjustments and improvements . They can also enable advanced maintenance , reducing downtime
An integrated panel bender line ( Prima Power EBe servo-electric Express Bender ) at Raytec LLC in the United States .
Image : Shutterstock . com .
and maintenance costs . Dedicated software and algorithms for managing production parameters and bending corrections enable users to achieve the perfect part “ right first time .”
Automation , both in application processes and manufacturing processes , is already helping manufacturers to improve productivity and reduce manual operations in the sheetmetal bending industry , and this trend is expected to continue . Robotic systems automate many of the processes involved , from material handling to quality control , enabling unmanned operations 24 / 7 while reducing lead times and increasing output capacity .
Investing in innovation with a forwardthinking approach ensures a competitive advantage for long-term success .
The influence of robotics and AI
The sheet metal bending industry is experiencing a significant increase in the use of robotics , both among press brakes and panel benders . How has robotics evolved over time ?
The eP Genius 1030 press brake integrates the eP-1030 servo-electric press brake with automatic tool storage .
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