PRECISION METALFORMING demanding job for press brake operators . To avoid this , the Toolbox is installed on the side of the press brake so that tools / dies can slide onto the guide and new tools / dies can be installed . Sliding , rather than lifting , protects both the operator and the tool .
Industry 4.0 in focus
European . Erick Rousseau ’ s ultimate aim is to attract customers outside Europe , especially in the USA and Canada .
“ Steady , supported growth is the way to go . We continue to grow , step by step ,” he smiled .
Continuous innovation
At JEAN PERROT ’ s anniversary event this September , it will showcase a new robotic cell innovation . It is aimed at supporting pressbrake operators , improving useability and productivity and securing production ( reducing the time for production changeovers ).
At the Global Industrie exhibition in Lyon ( France ) this March , it showcased its largest ever press brake ( a MANEO Premium model of 540 tons and 3m length ). It focused on heavy press brake and ancillary technologies / accessories at the show .
“ We designed the bed ; RAM ; special die clamping technology ; tool slides etc . We have also developed an active hydraulic crowning system with gauges on the frame of the press , which was on display at Global Industrie . This compensation system adjusts the curvature of the lower beam automatically during the bending phase for perfect bending results ( equal and consistent angles ) along the length of the bend ,” Erick Rousseau told ISMR at the exhibition in Lyon .
JEAN PERROT has also developed logistical accessories around the press brake to support the operator , improve productivity and reduce the risk of accidents and muscular injuries . For example , it has developed new motorised sheet followers on press brakes ( part of its ‘ green ’ initiative ) to reduce set-up time and simplify machine operators ’ work .
These bending aids provide valuable practical assistance ( including automatic height adjustment , according to workpiece size ) for operators , especially for heavy or large parts . They are easy to move and active / inactive modes can be controlled directly on the sheet follower to avoid safety risks ( e . g . LED light on the sheet follower ).
The Toolbox was also on display at Global Industrie in Lyon . This manual toolbox enables the tool line to be changed in less than five minutes . Tool change can be a heavy and
Press brakes with Toolbox tool storage .
JP angle measurement and correction system for press brakes .
Remote control touchscreen for press brake .
Hydraulic crowning system for press brake .
Augmented reality glasses for service and maintenance .
JEAN PERROT has fully embraced opportunities around Industry 4.0 , with its own software engineers in-house and innovations such as its HMI software connectivity to ERP systems . Around four years ago , it launched augmented reality ( AR ) and virtual reality ( VR ) products .
“ They were originally dedicated to technical service support but now we have some maintenance contracts ( delivering AR glasses to customers so that they become our eyes and hands , and we can support them ). We developed our own software and applications and now Augmented Reality is included in our 4.0 maintenance contracts . It works extremely well and we used AR technology / glasses to install presses in China and Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic when there was no travel allowed . We also developed our own program working with Hololens , sending back images etc .,” explained Erick Rousseau .
JEAN PERROT uses Virtual Reality ( VR ) technology for concept reviews with its customers . When the design phase is complete , it invites customers to its facility and transfers the 3D design into its new VR format so that customers can ‘ see ’ the real production line using the VR mask .
“ The customer can virtually ‘ walk ’ inside his line and check every facet of the line e . g . maintenance access ; ergonomics ; check for conformity etc . We try to anticipate any future issues and involve the customer in the design validation phase with these new VR tools . It is an impressive and productive tool to improve the quality of our designs . We developed
40 | ismr . net | ISMR May 2023