Amada, a world-leading manufacturer of metal processing equipment and machinery, represented in the UK by Kidderminster-based Amada (UK) Ltd, has launched new environmentally-friendly fibre laser machines and bending machines that can be ‘used anywhere, by anyone, and revolutionise conventional sheet metal processing’. They will be on display at a number of leading regional shows including EuroBLECH (Germany) this week, and JIMTOF (Japan) and FABTECH (USA) in November.
The new AMNC 4ie NC unit is designed to respond to social and environmental issues and supports manufacturing sites around the world based on the concept of four Es: Easy (can be used by anyone), Efficiency (can be used anywhere, even remotely), Environment (environmentally friendly), and Evolution (developed with customers).
Fibre laser machines equipped with the AMNC 4ie control automatically adjust their chillers and compressors when idling, reducing CO
2 emissions by up to 65%. They also authenticate the operator’s face in order to automatically activate the operation screen and display the proper language in accordance with the operator’s skill level. They have evolved into easy-to-use machines that respond to the diversity of the workplace.
The fibre laser machines can monitor their CO
2 emissions via the AMNC 4ie control and reports can be easily created to submit to business partners. Furthermore, the machine can be operated remotely from a mobile device, allowing not only for remote monitoring of the operation status of the machine, but also centralised management of materials, scheduling and processing. It also enables a single person to operate multiple machines, which helps increase productivity.
The bending machine drive system has changed from a hydraulic hybrid drive to electric servomotor drive in response to customer demand. As a result, highly accurate processing is achieved while electrical consumption and running costs are greatly reduced. In addition, the machine incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) functionality that reduces the operator’s set-up work and helps to improve productivity.
It also features a unique guidance system that was developed based on Amada’s expertise in sheet metal bending processing, built up over many years. The mobile HMI, which follows the operator, advises the operator with icons and voice guidance when performing difficult or dangerous tasks.