PRODUCT REVIEWS
Digitalisation in sheet-metal processing
Optimate , the TRUMPF spin-off , is announcing two extensive upgrades to its cloud-based software solution for analysing and optimising sheet-metal parts . Assemblies with up to 25 individual parts can now also be analysed . A new CAD plug-in for SolidWorks makes design optimisation more user-friendly .
Optimate ’ s digital service includes two main functions : Feasibility Analysis and Part Optimisation . Both have been given a userfriendly upgrade with the new features .
“ Sheet-metal processing companies , in particular , will be pleased with the option to check assemblies for feasibility . In our app , job shoppers can identify defective parts in advance and adapt them as required before they reach the bending machine ,” explained CEO , Jonas Steiling . ‘ We have now extended this analysis to include assemblies .”
Assemblies with up to 25 individual parts can now also be checked for feasibility and optimisation potential . The assembly uploaded to the app is dissolved into its individual parts and examined under a digital microscope .
“ For single sheet-metal parts , our service already works entirely automatically ,” reported sales director , Sebastian Beger . “ For the comprehensive analysis and optimisation of assemblies , it is currently still a hybrid process . Following the initial analysis with our tool , we take another look at the assemblies ourselves
Assemblies with up to 25 individual parts can now be checked for feasibility and optimisation potential in an automated and AI-based way in the app .
and offer personal consultancy . In the future , we will fully automate the entire process .” The AI-based solution ’ s database will help ensure that the new assembly analysis function will also be available in a fully automated form in the long term .
‘ In our app , the user is given tips as to whether and how the individual parts of an assembly can be manufactured reliably and possibly more cost-effectively ,” added Jonas Steiling . However , for assemblies , consultation with the design department has been required in most cases so far . The new function does things differently . If , for example , the minimum flange length of a sheet-metal part isn ’ t met , it also impacts the underlying assembly and this is precisely what the app detects . The analysed individual parts can then be adjusted and the corrected CAD data downloaded .
Optimate holds decades of sheet-metal design knowledge for sheet-metal processing in digital form . In the future , this expertise will also be stored for entire assemblies . The new feature for dissolving assemblies can already be used . The analysis in the app platform should work in an automated and AI-based way for the redesign of assemblies .
Optimate also recently began offering a beta version of its new SolidWorks CAD plug-in for trial customers . Designers could benefit from an improved workflow as they can test and optimise their parts for feasibility directly in the system without having to export the CAD data and upload it to the app . The user can now view the design proposals directly in the CAD system and check them for suitability . Designers can then decide whether to adapt or optimise a part .
“ We are currently looking for more test customers for our SolidWorks CAD plug-in ,” commented Jonas Steiling . There are plans to continuously advance the CAD plug-in and integrate it into CAD programs from other providers .
Also new is the full customisation of all analysis-relevant settings for the part analysis . Machine data can be customised and viewed on the user profile in the app . n
www
. optimate . de
End-of-arm tool for robots and manipulators
For lifting , grabbing or positioning ferromagnetic products ( such as sheet steel ) in sectors such as the automotive and steelprocessing industries , Goudsmit Magnetics recently developed an electrically switchable magnetic gripper . This system requires no compressed air and complements the company ’ s current generation of pneumatically controlled magnetic grippers .
The end-of-arm tool can be attached to robots and manipulators and holds a steel sheet or other product once gripped firmly in place , even during pick-and-place operations .
“ The energy-efficient magnet system has a bi-stable design , ensuring process safety even in case of power failure , an emergency
The recently developed electrically switchable magnetic gripper , or E-gripper . stop or malfunction . With its plug-and-play design , the safe E-gripper requires little energy and eliminates the need for costly compressed air ( something that the current generation of magnetic grippers do need ). The gripper is mechatronically constructed and contains no moving parts . It is wearresistant and has a long service life of more than ten million cycles ,” explained the Dutch manufacturer .
“ Users do not always have compressed air available and want a safe and reliable system for automation processes . The magnetic gripper is equipped with a complete set of sensors , including inductive sensors for detecting product presence , as well as Hall sensors for signalling the on / off position . If the workpiece is lost due to a collision or for any other reason , the PLC receives a real-time notification so the line controller can react accordingly and the production process does not experience any serious disruption . The E-Gripper is equipped with all-round visible LED lighting that indicates the status
of the system with colours and light signals . This is particularly convenient for operators ,” it added .
The E-Gripper has a rapid switching time of 350m / sec , resulting in fast cycle times . The magnetic gripper holds products such as steel sheet firmly on a relatively small surface area and requires no changeover when changing product dimensions . The magnetic robotic gripper is a mechatronic product with no moving parts , resulting in no wear and tear . The only wear part is the friction ring , which is interchangeable and extends the life of the gripper .
The magnetic gripper has screw holes on the top and attaches to a robotic arm as an end effector . Control is provided by internal WATCH electronics with integrated microprocessor and it can be connected with one VIDEO cable for “ Power & Logic ”. n
www . goudsmitmagnets . com
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