After Machine-as-a-Service (MaaS) for laser cutting machines, the remote service for automated bending cells is Blechnext’s next innovation in sheet metal processing.
Machine-as-a-Service for the bending process includes the purchase of an automation cell by Blechnext, which is linked to a bending machine from any manufacturer at the sheet metal processing company, as well as all remote programming, monitoring and troubleshooting. In this model, the sheet metal processing company commits to a contractually agreed minimum utilization of the bending cell, while Blechnext is responsible for the entire operation.
Automate complex bending processes
Fully automating the bending process is no trivial matter, because unlike laser cutting, bending or folding sheet metal has so far required a great deal of human expertise: planning the bending sequence, assessing material deviations due to the physical process or guiding the sheet metal to prevent incorrect bending. Automation cells that are combined with a bending machine allow the bending process to be carried out unmanned.
The Blechnext bending cell consists of a bending machine – which may already be available or newly acquired – and a pre-installed automation cell from the manufacturer Starmatik. The handling of the sheets, which was previously the task of skilled workers, is carried out by a robot with several grippers equipped with suction cups, magnetic grippers or a gripper tool and adapted to the sheet metal worker’s range of parts. The software process, which connects the bending machine and automation cell, enables high efficiency and quality. In addition, there is a measuring and camera technology that ensures compliance with tolerances when new parts are run in and can be used for automatic quality inspection of large batch sizes. Once material loading and unloading has been ensured, the automation cell can run fully automatically, including the set-up processes of the bending machine and the robot’s grippers.
How sheet metal workers benefit
Sheet metal workers can benefit from the Blechnext offer in three ways:
No programming knowledge or technical expertise is required for the bending cell, as Blechnext takes over all tasks for setting up, programming, monitoring and troubleshooting the system via remote control.
Automating the bending process enables longer running times and greater machine productivity; the bending process becomes more efficient and cost-effective. In addition to large series, small quantities are also possible depending on the component.
The automated bending cell is an answer to the shortage of skilled workers in sheet metal processing, as it enables largely unmanned production. Operators only have to provide the material and carry out maintenance.
In addition to the leasing option, the sheet metal processing company can also purchase the automation cell (or the entire bending cell) itself, while Blechnext also takes care of the entire remote provision and operation.
Web:
www.blechnext.de