PRODUCT REVIEWS
Next-generation bending
Servo-electric press brakes are undergoing major developments and are already capable of harnessing great power and efficiency . Turkish sheet metal machinery specialist , MVD , offers a servo-electric press brake range that boasts a variety of different models and tonnages . These press brakes , which are designed to be user- and environmentally-friendly , are set to be a popular press brake type in the sheet metal processing industry .
MVD CEO , Vasıf İNAN , explained : “ Press brakes have been in our lives for close to a century . Today , they have more power , are more technologically capable and more efficient as well as being user- and ecofriendly . In addition , they have proved their utility in many production sectors ( especially in the automotive ; agriculture ; aviation ; space ; railway ; industrial machinery ; industrial vehicles ; elevators ; building and housing ; and household appliances sectors ).”
He added that MVD is always looking for new technologies with its R & D investments , aiming to offer power and efficiency to its users .
“ With our R & D team , which is constantly looking for new innovations , we are working for a more sustainable future . We have been investing in servo-electric press brakes since 2018 . Their power and efficiency make the future more exciting ,” he told ISMR .
“ Our servo-electric press brakes are built more compactly than hydraulic press brakes . In addition , they reduce energy consumption
Above : MVD CEO , A . Vasıf İNAN . Left : MVD ’ s E100 press brake .
by up to 50 % and reduce maintenance costs . They require less maintenance than hydraulic press brakes with lower maintenance costs , and can work silently . In addition , faster bending sequences can drastically reduce production costs . We support and contribute to smart production methods with our Industry 4.0-compatible machines ,” he added .
Meet MVD at Maktek Konya ( 11-14 May 2022 in Turkey ); FABTECH Canada ( 14-16 June 2022 in Toronto ); Maktek Eurasia ( 26 September-1 October 2022 in Turkey ) and EuroBLECH ( 25-28 October 2022 in Germany ). n
www . mvd . com . tr
Die monitoring solution
With its “ Visual Die Protection ” ( VDP ), Schuler has developed an image-based monitoring system for dies that helps to avoid expensive repairs , downtimes or even total failures . It has already proved its functional capability on its progressive and transfer presses , as well as on the press lines of customers . Precisely how the solution in Schuler ’ s “ Digital Suite ” works was recently demonstrated by product manager , Christoph Pölzl , in an online seminar with around 60 participants .
While depositing a part in a transfer press during production , a gripper breaks off and remains lying on the lower die . This is the initial situation that Pölzl outlined at the beginning of the seminar .
“ Using the cameras we installed in the die space , we now have the ability to detect the gripper and stop the system so that no damage occurs ,” he explained and emphasised : “ This is not a fictitious example , but exactly what happened to one user .” A further example was an incorrectly inserted blank . “ In this case , too , we would stop the system and indicate to the operator where he needs to look for the fault so he can eliminate it as quickly as possible and restart his production ,” he explained to the webinar audience .
Another possible scenario was blanking scrap that has jammed and built up in a scrap chute , a problem that can be solved in the same manner . According to Pölzl , the aim is not only to avoid the cost of repairs , but also unplanned system downtimes , additional die changes and further production planning expenses . The VDP system minimises the risk of ending up in delivery bottlenecks .
The system can identify cracks in the part measuring just a few millimetres . The standard scope of delivery includes two cameras , one of which is normally mounted on the feed side and the other on the exit side , to monitor each half of the die respectively . For an especially long press bed , it is also possible to install a further device with a zoom lens to cover the middle area : “ Up to six cameras in total can be connected to monitor all forming stages ,” said Pölzl .
The system can be operated up to an output of 35 strokes per minute . One Schuler customer is reportedly operating their system at just over 50 . VDP can be set up in less than 24 hours , even on systems from other manufacturers . The system comprises an industrial PC in a mini control cabinet , an operator panel and camera consoles with
Product manager , Christoph Pölzl .
a protective housing to protect them from mechanical damage and contamination , such as oil mist .
“ Users have reported that the reduction in damage to the die and the increase in availability , as well as delivery performance , have contributed to savings of up to 120,000 euros per year and system ,” reported Pölzl .
The product manager demonstrated the system at a test station in the Innovation TechCentre . The visualisation system displays a total of eight tacho diagrams that indicate the monitoring result in a particular area , from the complete die right down to a single centring pin .
The VDP Analyzer extends the system and provides access to historical image series and data for a detailed analysis of production . This is intended to contribute to the continuous improvement of processes and avoidance of faults . n www . schulergroup . com
64 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR May 2022