Schröder's Automation Leap
The Schröder Group just launched the MAK 4 Evolution UD. This system features a Fanuc robot for full automation. Their software controls everything, no robot expertise needed. Few solutions handle heavy sheets over 100 kilos. Typically, robots operate press brakes, which is slow and complex. Schröder's swing bending machines are changing this. They are entering areas dominated by die bending.
"Clamp Once, Bend Everything"
Schröder's bidirectional swing bending automation is efficient. It follows "clamp once, bend everything" for fast cycles. Euroblech showcased this impressive heavy metal bending future. The robot loads sheets up to 6mm thick. Sizes can be up to 3000 × 1500 mm. Finished products are automatically stacked. Pneumatic stops and the bending beam enable robot-free operation.
Keeping Things Simple
Schröder aimed for a robust, user-friendly solution. It combines high repeatability with fast cycle times. Crucially, bending happens without robot intervention. The swing bending machine is already highly automated. Precise sheet positioning is key. Their Advanced Handling System uses optical edge detection. Two cameras detect the sheet's position. This happens right behind the bending line. It's compared to the flat sheet geometry. This ensures the material matches the bending program.
Precise Positioning System
A position measurement process also occurs. It detects component rotation and offsets. The machine quickly calculates axis adjustments. Instead of backgauge measurement, the sheet is measured 200 mm behind the bending line. The machine's suction plate stop handles positioning. This eliminates the need for precise robot placement. Slower robot contact with backgauge pins is limited. It's only for sheets up to 2500 × 1200 mm. This prepares the next sheet during the main operation.
Seamless Robotic Handling
The robot first picks a blank from the pallet. It passes it to double sheet detection. This simple system prevents picking up two sheets. Spreader magnets at pickup stations also help. The robot arm then correctly positions the sheet. A simple centering table is used. The robot places the sheet on the angled table. It slides against two fixed stops. The bending center's suction plate stop aligns it for bending.
Efficient Idle Time Use
The robot then stacks the bent products. A turn station can be used. It holds the product vertically. The robot grips from the other side. This allows stacking in different orientations. Also, raw blanks often need flipping after laser cutting. The turn station handles this. This avoids a separate manual process. However, flipping for reverse bends isn't usually needed. The up-and-down bending beam handles those.
Boosting Cycle Times
The system achieves high cycle rates efficiently. The robot loads blanks while the machine sets up. While bending occurs, the robot loads the next blank or unloads a finished part.