The Schröder Group will unveil a gantry system for the MAK 4 Evolution UD at Euroblech 2026. It automates loading, unloading, and clamping, enabling unmanned production without robots. Other exhibits cover various tasks related to bending and cutting.
From October 20 to 23, the company will be showcasing, among other things, a new gantry system for the MAK 4 Evolution UD at the Hannover Exhibition Center. It automates loading, unloading, and clamping, thereby enabling unmanned production without robots.
Automatic Loading and Unloading of Swing-Bending Machines
Swing-bending machines with a bidirectional bending beam and the Advanced Handling System (AHS)—a rotatable vacuum plate stop—can automatically execute complete bending programs. The new gantry system expands the automated process to include loading blanks from pallets. The system can also visually measure the blanks, eliminating the need for additional referencing.
Unloading is also automated. Users can select from various palletizing options via the software. Programming is carried out through the machine control system. A robot is not required for this process. At the same time, manual operation of the machine remains possible at any time.
With the Powerbend Industrial UD 3200/6.0, Schröder is also showcasing a swivel-bending machine for steel sheets up to 6 mm thick. Since the machine bends both downward and upward, the sheets do not need to be flipped for opposite bends.
The 850-mm upper beam stroke provides clearance for deep workpieces. Standard equipment includes the POS 3000 3D graphic control system, a vacuum table stop, and a radius step-bending function. Bending programs can also be created on a PC during job preparation. This helps reduce non-productive time at the machine.
Two tool stations for different bending tasks
The manufacturer is also showcasing the Powerbend Professional as another swivel bending machine. It is on display at Euroblech with an up-and-down bending beam and a rotating upper beam, giving it two tool stations.
The machine also features a hydraulic tool clamping system and a pressing function. This allows envelopes to be produced in a single step.
For cutting sheet metal, the manufacturer showcases the PDC Power-Duo-Cut NC 3200/3.0. The sheet metal shear features the Classic Cut NC positioning stop as well as a pneumatically controlled forward sheet metal holding device with a sheet metal chute. It also features motorized cutting gap adjustment to accommodate the material being processed. In continuous operation, the machine achieves 34 strokes per minute.
Automation for Varying Batch Sizes
In addition to automation, the company emphasizes the ease of use and flexible operation of its machines when dealing with varying batch sizes. Central to this is the gantry system on the MAK 4 Evolution UD, which enables automated operation over extended periods, particularly for larger orders.
“In addition to their stability and repeatability, our machines are also valued for their ease of use, which also facilitates flexible operation with varying batch sizes,” says Markus Hibler, Managing Director of Hans Schröder Maschinenbau GmbH. With its gantry system for automatic loading and unloading, the company is demonstrating at Euroblech that full automation—even up to unmanned production—can be achieved without the use of a robot. This allows the machine to operate at high capacity for extended periods, especially when handling larger orders.
