Press Brake Automation
Robot press brake automation systems can be implemented on existing/used brake presses or new brake presses. There are many factors to consider when designing a brake press cell, such as the number, the size, and complexity of parts. A robot can either be mounted on the floor directly in front and middle of the brake press for smaller systems, or it can be mounted on a 7th axis floor track to accommodate larger systems. System peripherals within the automation will include part infeed and outfeed stations, squaring and regrip stations, and end of arm tool changing. For systems that are doing high volume, low mix, the programming can be done with standard robot programming methods. For systems that are doing low volume, high mix, offline programming is an effective way to program new parts without interrupting machine time.
There are different types of robotic press brake automation systems depending on the size, shape and complexity of the parts to be bent. Some systems use standard robot arms that are integrated with existing stand-alone press brakes. These systems require offline programming and simulation to create the bend and robot programs. Other systems use robots that are designed specifically for bending and can reach in and around the tool zone to form small and intricate parts. These systems have press brakes with large open heights and can operate with minimal setup time.
Reasons to robotically automate a press brake
There are several reasons you would want to transition over to a robotically automating a press brake operation.
- High-volume jobs that dominate one press brake and operator
- Highly repetitive tasks not suitable or safe for manual labor
- Low-volume jobs that are intermittently reoccurring
- Large parts that are difficult to handle or may take more than one operator to maneuver
- Process repeatability
Robotic press brake automation systems can offer significant benefits for manufacturers who need to produce high-quality metal parts with low per-piece costs. Bending robot systems are not only for repetitive jobs but can easily be programmed with the use of offline programming tools for short-run applications to decrease turn-around times while delivering excellent quality.
Midwest Engineered Systems custom engineers robotic solutions to work with your press brake throughout the metal bending process. Robots are programmed for proper placement and holding power to increase the quality of each part.
