FABTECH 2015 Preview: Amada

Amada America will be highlighting its product lineup at FABTECH 2015 in booth S901. Check out the latest in automated bending enhanced by robotic technology.

Amada’s new HG 1003 ARs utilizes the combined forces of an ultra-precise press brake and a 6-axis robot to achieve maximum productivity and unattended processing. Designed to handle sheets up to 39" x 31" the system’s robot can support loads up to 44 lbs.

The 6-axis robot moves on a linear track to provide efficient stage bending with the flexibility to process materials anywhere along the entire length of the machine. Additionally, the HG 1003 ARs is equipped with an extended backgauge system. Amada has re-engineered the backgauge to provide unprecedented precision. Instead of two stops, there are now three. As with the previous design, two stops are for adjusting the depth of the part. Now, a third stop provides for lateral alignment. If required, automatic readjustments are performed immediately in both the X and the Y-axes. Two backgauges can be adjusted to different depths in the X-axis (Delta-X function) to ensure precise bending even if parts are asymmetrical. In addition, the ability of the robots to achieve optimum positioning at the backgauge has also been enhanced. Parts can be moved forward, backward and even rotated once they have reached the stop, to ensure the correct bending position.

An integrated camera system eliminates positioning errors when picking up sheets of material and also helps to ensure precise loading. The camera records the precise position of the material (which may have been misaligned on the stack) and transmits this information to the robot. Even the smallest of discrepancies can be detected and accurately compensated for, as early as sheet pick-up. During production, accuracy and process reliability are ensured by an angle measurement system that monitors bending operations in real time.

Additional automated features that are available for the HG 1003 ARs include an Automatic Gripper Changer (AGC) and an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC). As soon as a program requiring a different gripper is loaded, the robot automatically positions itself at the appropriate gripper station and completes the change. Similarly, an Automatic Tool Changer swaps tools and ensures that they are precisely positioned, thereby eliminating the need for position checks. As a result, tool setup times are reduced to a minimum and errors are eliminated.

In summary, Amada’s HG 1003 ARs is an innovative bending solution that leverages automation and robotic technology to increase precision and process reliability. Additionally, this new bending system eliminates errors and costly delays associated with manual setup. Now, even small lot processing can be performed cost-effectively.

For more information, visit www.amada.com.