Belgium-based LVD Company nv, a leading manufacturer of sheet metalworking equipment, has launched the new Easy-Cell 80/25, the latest in a line of robotic bending cells for automated bending. Easy-Cell offers high flexibility to produce a wide range of components with the precision of a built-in adaptive bending system which ensures bend angle accuracy from the first part. The robotic bending cell incorporates LVD’s advanced software for fast, simple offline programming of both press brake and robot. Users benefit from the productivity of automated bending with high-process reliability and low-part cost.

Easy-Cell 80/25 combines an Easy-Form 80-ton press brake with KUKA industrial robot to handle parts from 100 x 100mm up to 1,600 x 1,200mm and weighing up to 25kg. The press brake features a 2,500mm bend length, five-axis back gauge, and 2,500mm crowning table, and possesses the versatility to accommodate a broad scope of bending applications.

The cell features multiple robot grippers that can be easily changed to suit the job. The robot uses a unique swivel function to optimise workpiece regripping. The swivel movement reduces the time it takes for regripping, improving overall cycle time. Easy-Cell is equipped with LVD’s Easy-Form laser for bend accuracy assured from the first part. Automation with built-in quality assurance provides a high degree of consistency in production, especially critical for automated operations.

Easy-Form Laser uses adaptive, in-process control over the bend angle. The system compensates for material variations such as sheet thickness, strain hardening and grain direction. Scanners continuously measure the bend angle and transmit the information in real time to the CNC control for immediate adjustment of the punch position to achieve the correct angle. The bending process is not interrupted and no production time is lost.

Powered by LVD’s CADMAN-SIM software, Easy-Cell accelerates ‘art to part’ production with automatic generation of bending and robot program. The software defines all gripper positions and optimises the program for bending sequence, collision-free operation, and other parameters. Programming is handled offline. No robot teaching is required.

With Easy-Cell, LVD has expanded its portfolio of bending automation solutions to meet the challenges of present-day manufacturing. Easy-Cell has the flexibility to handle a wide range of applications with built-in quality control to ensure repeatable accuracy in continuous, automated production.