Folding machines with a high degree of automation

The MAK 4 Evolution UD with Advanced Handling System – the highest level of automation in folding without the use of external robots

The Schröder Group will be demonstrating its leading role as a manufacturer of sheet metal-processing machines at the 17th Blechexpo exhibition (Stand 1804, Hall 1). Taking place from 21 to 24 October in the Stuttgart Exhibition Center, the company will be showcasing sheet metal-working machines for the most demanding requirements. The highlight is the MAK 4 Evolution UD for fully automatic folding of sheet metal up to 6mm thick.

The MAK 4 Evolution UD on display at the exhibition will have a working length of 3,200mm, and will be fully equipped with automatic toolchangers for the clamping beam and folding beam, which significantly reduce set-up times. With the POS 3000 3-D graphic control, the up-and-down folding beam, and the Advanced Handling System (AHS), workpieces can be completed fully automatically after one single positioning of the sheet metal.

The AHS is a pneumatic rotating plate with suction cups which can safely and precisely position blank sheets up to 3,700 x 1,500mm in size and weighing up to 236kg. The AHS includes a camera system for measuring the sheet metal contour, motorised reference axes for setting, and its own safety concept.

The PowerBend Multi (PBM) 4000 x 2.0mm motorised folding machine which will be on display at Blechexpo machine that sheet metal workers will appreciate as the back gauge can be set at an angle to enable tapered bending. This means that profiles can be manufactured that fit precisely into one another. The motorised folding beam adjustment of the PBM enables quick changes between different sheet thicknesses without manual intervention; and the rotating clamping beam not only offers flexibility, but also the extremely practical hemming function — hemmed folds can be produced completely in one step with the folding beam instead of in two steps with the clamping beam, as was previously the case. This hemming function is now also available on another machine which will also be on show at the trade show — the PowerBend Professional. This feature enables hemmed folds to be produced industrially in series with maximum repeat accuracy.

Pictured right: the hemming function on the PowerBend Multi and PowerBend Professional makes it easier to fold hems

Another powerful folding machine is the PowerBend Industrial UD 4000 x 5.0mm. It is the perfect solution for industrial processing of thick and thin, large-area sheets. Its biggest advantage is the clamping beam stroke of 850mm, which allows box depths of up to 400mm. Thanks to the motorised folding beam movement, switching between positive and negative bends with the up-and-down folding beam is particularly fast and precise.

In addition, the Schröder stand will cover the topic of cutting with the PDC 3200 x 3.0mm motorised guillotine shear. The motorised blade gap adjustment eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustment and operating errors, as the position is automatically calculated by the software control. Thanks to a blade gap adjustment of 0.02mm, the PDC cuts thin sheet metal with almost no burrs.

With the 134/15/2mm motorised slip bending roll, Schöder-Fasti demonstrates what it is famous for — machines for rounding with maximum repeat accuracy and the highest precision. The repeat accuracy in the feed and height adjustment of the rear roller is ±0.1mm. With the CR80 control system, not only can several radii be run in succession, but a so-called path curve-controlled run can also be programmed. This prevents stops and therfore unsightly creases in the sheet metal.