Robotic Press Brake Automated Metal Bending
Project summary
MWES provided this firm with a robotic press brake tending automation system that would perform multiple bends into metal sheets.
The Challenge
When working within the automotive and defense industries, contractors and subcontractors are expected to maintain high-quality standards on shipped finished goods as well as throughout the manufacturing process. While quality is first on the mind of the customer, flexibility in the automation system was also paramount. The system had to be capable of handling as many different parts as possible including parts that weight in excess of 500 lbs. Lastly, the system had to do numerous different bending operations on a single piece based on the part being made.
The Solution
MWES provided our customer with a fully automated press brake tending work cell that could bend various parts. The system features a single industrial robot equipped with three tool-changing end-of-arm tools, a part squaring table and re-grip station, infeed and outfeed stations, and most importantly comprehensive safety systems. A Bystronics Xpert 250 and BendWare robot programming software handled the bending process.
The system operator uses a forklift to place a pallet of sheet metal blanks into the infeed station. The operator then selects that part using the IRC5 FlexPendent which initiates the production cycle. The robot proceeds to pick a sheet metal blank from the pallet and places it in the squaring stand. Once the blank is squared and settles in the squaring stand, the robot picks it up from the squaring station and transfers it to the brake press machine.
At the brake press machine, several different forming operations can be performed on the part depending on the final part being produced. If more than one bend is required, the robot runs the part through the re-grip station in between bends. Once all the required bends have been performed on the part, the robot transfers the part to the outfeed station where the operator can inspect and remove the completed part from the system.
Impact to the Customer
After a review of existing specifications, process data, programs and interviews with the engineering team, production managers and machine operations, MWES was able to execute a successful solution for our customer. The solution MWES delivered to our customer increased their manufacturing productivity and improved the quality variance of finished parts. Moreover, this system improved overall worker safety by taking operators out of extremely heavy lifting situations and personnel have increased quality control through remote access to the system. This easy-to-operate solution added new features and capabilities to this manufacturer’s press brake process.
Midwest Engineered Systems has a wide range of experience building robotic press brake tending solutions. If you want to improve your machine tending throughput, we have the knowledge and experience to make the project successful.
Contact us to learn how Midwest Engineered Systems can automate even your most complex and challenging operations today!
Innovation Through Automation
Client Details
A global leader in metal fabrication and processing for the automotive and defense industries.