PRODUCT REVIEWS
Flexible automated bending
Rapid industrial developments in recent years continue to set tough challenges . Because industry has changed , large batches ( typical of series production ) have changed to small-medium sized batches or have been completely replaced by just-intime production . A high item-turnover rate , shortened lead times and a constant lack of highly qualified personnel have moved the focus to automation and robotisation , which allows production to be extended beyond traditional manned work shifts and ensures that operatives are engaged only in activities with high added-value .
“ Robotisation is not simple , but it remains a very current trend . New installations of robots in the manufacturing industry grew by 13 % YOY in 2021 , while robots in use number over three million . This is why we are introducing P-Robot , a new application which combines a panel bender with a robot to produce kits , batches and single parts autonomously ,” sheet metal specialist Salvagnini told ISMR . “ We have been involved with robotics applied to sheet metal processing for some time ,” explained Nicola Artuso , Salvagnini product manager for bending technologies . “ We wanted a smart solution which was much simpler than those already on the market : simpler to program , simpler to use and able - if possible - to exponentially improve the flexibility and productivity of our panel benders . And we also wanted a solution suited to our compact panel benders , not just the automatic ones . With P-Robot , we are sure we have achieved our goal .”
Above , below and overleaf : The P-Robot in action .
Flexibility in focus
P-Robot offers a compact and modular layout , is integrated on both the hardware and the software sides , designed to make robot programming as simple as possible and allows for a certain level of customisation to respond to specific production requirements .
“ This P-Robot incorporates a P1 , but we can also apply it to the P2 and P4 ,” Artuso continued . “ The P1 is our electric panel bender , with energy consumption of less than 3kW and a footprint of just 8m ². For the robot , we have chosen a partner which allows us to move around in proximity to the working area in complete safety : this translates into an extremely compact layout . The robot is equipped with a flippable gripping device , fitted with suction cups on two sides , for picking up the bent part and immediately positioning the new part to be bent , in-cycle . This gripping device enables optimisation of the sheet loading / unloading cycles , production rate improvements and a reduction in waiting times .
“ We have not overlooked modularity and adaptivity either : depending upon the specific needs of each customer , their products and an in-depth feasibility study , we can offer solutions with loading / unloading assistance only , or more complex systems providing for automatic movement of the pallets or thirdparty integrations – for example with work centres for labelling , laser marking , riveting , welding and corner forming ,” he continued .
A streamlined process
Complex industrial automation systems generally require significant integration between individual technologies . Because Salvagnini has panel bender and robotics expertise , the robot essentially becomes an option for the panel bender , with positive effects on programming , which is perhaps its main advantage .
“ The panel bender is a standard model : like any other Salvagnini panel bender , it is generally programmed in the office ,” Artuso added . “ The program , made with STREAMBEND , can be used without the need for modifications on either the P-Robot or on panel benders without robots , as long as these are Salvagnini panel benders . On board the machine , the MOVE software acquires the panel bending program , from which it generates the dimensions of the flat part and the finished panel that it uses to automatically generate the robot trajectories . The operator will simply need to confirm or , if necessary , modify a small number of checking positions to complete the programming of the robot . MOVE manages the intermediate movements of the robot autonomously and the operator is only required to make a reduced set of movements . This is , in short , a fully-fledged smart teaching system , which makes offline robot programming redundant .”
P-Robot is not an isolated or closed system ;
58 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR May 2022