PRODUCT REVIEWS
Panel bender or work centre ?
P2lean panel bender and bent parts .
Modern industrial production is shifting progressively from large batches and a maketo-stock strategy towards a lean , make-toorder , just-in-time strategy marked by medium , small or single-unit batches . Salvagnini offers 16 different panel benders designed to minimise waste and error , including its P2lean system .
Nicola Artuso , Salvagnini product manager , explained : “ The P2lean combines productivity ( its automatic bending and handling cycles offer an average of 17 bends per minute ) and flexibility with its universal bending tools . It doesn ’ t need re-tooling , because the upper and lower blades , the counterblade and the blank-holder are universal tools which are able to process the whole range of thicknesses and machinable materials . The ABA automatic blank-holder adapts the tool length according to the size of the part being produced in-cycle , without machine down times or manual retooling . P2lean is ideal for kit or single batch productions . Loading and unloading operations are done by the operator , who positions the sheet metal on the worktable and collects the product after bending .”
P2lean adapts autonomously to the varying mechanical and geometrical characteristics of the sheet metal being machined , as well as to the external environment . The integrated advanced sensors measure the actual thickness and effective size of the blank , detecting any deformations caused by variations in temperature . MAC 2.0 , or Material Attitude Correction which is used to measure the effective resistance of the material during the bending phase , works with the same logic . The data are fed in real-time into the bending formula , which defines the correct force to apply to the sheet metal to obtain the required angle .
P2lean comes in four models , which differ by maximum bending length ( from 2,180mm to 2,500mm ) and maximum bending height ( 16mm or 203mm ). STREAMBEND is Salvagnini ’ s proprietary software for panel bender programming and includes a 3D simulator . Starting from the bending program , it automatically recreates the relative unfolded part and the relative DXF file . It is also included in STREAM , a fully integrated programming suite .
“ Finally , with a view to Industry 4.0 and to
process adaptivity , P2lean can be equipped with our OPS proprietary software , used to communicate with the factory ERP ,” Artuso added . “ OPS manages the production of sequences of different parts , and the panel bender immediately responds to requests with its universal bending tools and automatic in-cycle set-up .
“ The CUT ( cutting tool to create narrow profiles ) and RSU ( special tools for deburring , ribbing or engraving the sheet ) options can be installed together , along with all other available options . These latest developments are increasingly turning our P2lean panelbender into a versatile and productive work centre , able to bend parts of different shapes and materials without re-tooling , with low consumption and a compact layout , as well as performing a series of secondary operations that are frequently required in our customers ’ workshops ,” Artuso concluded .
Separating steel sheet
The recently developed ‘ fail-safe ’ magnetic sheet separator .
The fail-safe sheet separator recently developed by Goudsmit Magnetics provides automatic separation of steel sheets up to a thickness of approximately 4mm . The separator is equipped with powerful neodymium magnets and can be switched on and off pneumatically using a new patented system .
“ This switching is done quickly by rotation of the magnets . The maintenance-free sheet separator is the only one of its kind with a spring-actuated off position . The ‘ fail-safe ’ sheet separator automatically switches to the off position , even if the compressed air supply is interrupted ( even at full load at maximum stacking height ). The magnet cannot accidentally remain switched on during maintenance . With the red indicator , you can see from a distance whether the magnet is switched on ,” explained the Dutch manufacturer .
Switchable sheet separators also allow interim changeover of products during a set process . It is possible to separate steel sheets of almost any shape , length or width , said Goudsmit ( even round and asymmetrical shapes ).
In combination with the swivel arm , this system is also heightadjustable . Magnetic sheet separators are used for the production of welded assemblies . Robots use magnetic grippers to pick up large sheet metal parts and position them on a welding table .
Because the steel sheets are oiled , they stick together and the robot occasionally picks up two sheets at the same time . Consequently , the second steel sheet may release halfway across the welding table and fall . This causes tremendous damage in hightech environments , where the welding table is often equipped with sensors , transducers and actuators . The double insertion of two steel sheets that are stuck together can also cause extensive damage to a die .
By using neodymium sheet separators , the sheets are separated from each other despite the oil film , after which the robot can lift them from the stack , one at a time . The fail-safe sheet separator also has the option of on / off detection using a plug & play system .
“ The compressed air-operated sheet separators increase safety and reduce costs when stacking or changing stacks of steel sheets . The magnets separate oiled sheets and even work well when vacuum is present between the steel sheets or when the sheets have been pre-processed or polished ,” explained Goudsmit .
“ In contrast to fixed sheet separators , switchable sheet separators allow interim changeover of products during a set process . When the upper sheet is removed from a stack , the lower one immediately takes its place . To replenish the stack of steel sheets , the magnetic sheet separators can easily be switched off with a pneumatic valve . After releasing the swivel arm , the magnets rotate away , at which point the stack of sheets can easily be exchanged or replenished ,” it concluded . See
www . goudsmitmagnets . com n
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