With a gantry system for the MAK 4 Evolution UD folding machine, the
Schröder Group is presenting a flexible automation solution for all machines equipped with the Advanced Handling System (AHS). The system is designed for easy operation, high productivity and the cost-effective implementation of automated manufacturing processes. Unmanned production, for example during late or night shifts, requires no robot and can be programmed entirely via the machine control.
Two suction frames positioned to the right and left of the machine load the sheets into the machine, then unload and stack the finished bent sheet metal parts. The actual bending process on the MAK 4 Evolution UD is already fully automated thanks to the AHS with rotating suction plate back gauge and bidirectional folding beam. The portal solution can be individually configured for the efficient bending of small, medium and large batch sizes. Compared with a robot-based solution, the portal offers several advantages: it is significantly more cost-effective, much easier to program and can be switched immediately to manual machine operation. This combines the benefits of full automation with the flexibility of manual operation, for example for prototypes or individual parts, in a single system.
Thomas Ostermair, sales manager at
Hans Schröder Maschinenbau GmbH, said: “With the gantry system for the MAK 4 Evolution UD, we have created a solution for unmanned production that requires significantly less investment and programming effort than companies would typically need when aiming to increase the utilisation of their folding machine without additional personnel. Of course, we are also happy to implement customised solutions, for example if bent parts are to be transferred to downstream processes via a conveyor. One of our key advantages is our in-house software development, which allows the entire automation process to be integrated directly into the machine control.”
Depending on customer requirements, the automation solution can be flexibly adapted to different lengths and sheet thicknesses. Customer-specific configurations and integration with other machines equipped with the AHS can also be implemented very easily using this concept.
The Advanced Handling System has also been specifically optimised as part of the machine’s ongoing development. A narrower manipulator travel path and additional integrated, robust brushes extend the system’s handling capabilities, particularly for narrower components. These parts can now be guided securely and moved with high precision. As a result, an even broader range of parts can be reliably picked up, positioned, manipulated and bent. For users, the further development of the AHS primarily means greater flexibility, a wider variety of parts and additional application possibilities in day-to-day production.
The MAK 4 Evolution UD has a clamping beam stroke of 1,090mm and, based on the sheet formats that can be handled by the AHS, a wide variety of part dimensions can be produced. Depending on the machine version, sheet sizes range from 500 × 500mm up to 4,000 × 2,000mm or 3,000 × 1,500mm. Sheets weighing up to 300kg can be processed.
Schröder expects the automation option to be of particular interest to manufacturers of control cabinets, panels and enclosures, furniture and refrigerators. Even smaller batch sizes can be processed fully automatically without extensive preparation. Detection of the pallet position and the sheet metal blanks placed on it enables fast and uncomplicated product changeovers.