FACE TO FACE
The TwinLine double-deburring and finishing line . Demonstration of Q-Fin robotic handling solution .
Kouwenbergh outlined Q-Fin ’ s latest TwinLine ( featuring two SER1200 Multibrush systems and a Q2S1200 turnaround system ) which it is about to install at Weber Maschinenbau ’ s facility in Germany .
“ We use turnaround systems for doublesided finishing of sheet-metal products . Weber Maschinenbau , for example , bought two of our latest SER1200 Multibrush finishing machines ( introduced at EuroBLECH 2022 ) with Q2S turnaround unit four months ago . This is a huge and impressive line for optimal two-sided finishing . Weber was quick to see its potential ; we may possibly add robots at the front and back of the line later ,” confirmed Kouwenbergh .
“ The TwinLine is for double-sided deburring and finishing with two machines , not one , because we are convinced that users looking for large-radius processing and rapid production cannot do this on one double-sided machine . One machine , in our experience , cannot put enough real pressure on the products for high-quality edge rounding . Our machines use a one-sided process and parts can then be turned using our Q2S1200 part-turnaround station ,” he added .
In the meantime , Q-Fin is working hard on the launch of its robotic cells for loading and unloading its finishing machines . Customers have also agreed to buy the first customised robot deburring lines as launch customers .
The 3D camera and the software combined with the gripper will make a big difference . Depending upon the shape , size , weight and material of the product being handled , the right robot cell can be offered . One of Q-Fin ’ s launch customers , INNO-metaal in Eindhoven , will start with a loading robot in front of the deburring machine and use another robot for unloading the machine next year . Q-Fin ’ s second customer is looking at a SER1200 system with robots at the front and back of the line ( and 3D camera to scan products and unload them onto AGVs holding pallets ). Entered for a Blechexpo Best Award , the RC1200 Robot Cell has been developed by
Q-Fin in collaboration with key partners .
The fully programmable , ‘ all-in-one ’ SER1200 Multibrush deburring system provides flat sheet-metal parts automatically with a wide range of finishes : deburring ;
grinding ; edge-rounding up to 3mm ; oxide removal ; directionless finish ; line finish and / or Radius 2 +. All machining stations are individually adjustable and programmable for reproducibility of products and to eliminate the risk of operator errors .
“ The new machine can now process parts with a maximum width of 1200mm and is fully automated . It has a smarter structure , uses much less energy and can also be connected to an ERP package or scanner , so that the machine is no longer dependent on settings by the machine operators ,” explained Joost Kouwenbergh .
Pushing the edge
Q-Fin has seen high growth levels over the last few years . In two years , the company moved from 30 to 45 people . Kouwenbergh expects a 40 % rise in turnover this year , as a result of the company ’ s impressive growth levels .
“ We place enormous importance on continuous innovation or ‘ Pushing the Edge ’, as we like to call it . If we spot a niche for a new type of machine , we will introduce it . Eight engineers , out of 45 people here in Bergeijk , focus on research and development activities . Our latest projects have been centred on software and product handling ,” he told ISMR .
A strong example of a significant R & D project is the company ’ s new Qonnect +
ISMR October 2023 | ismr . net | 79