Our current economy is heading for rough waters, and material costs and freight are two things causing headaches for manufacturers. Some metal fabrication companies are looking at ways of increasing capacity without having to pay for building expansions.
One simple solution has been the advent of robotic press brakes.
We expect manufacturers to focus on improving operational efficiency and boosting production. Robotic press brakes have emerged as one of the most promising solutions for manufacturers.
With the help of robotic press brakes, manufacturers achieve significant gains in operational efficiency and production rates. They streamline the entire process of manufacturing by integrating various advanced features. With the help of robotic press brakes, manufacturers can improve accuracy and reduce setup time.
What are Robotic Press Brakes?
A robotic press brake is a machine that implements a robotic arm to perform various pressing functions. It enables manufacturers to automate pressing processes, which allows them to save time and money. A robotic press brake is a computer-controlled machine that applies force to parts by pressing them between a die and a bed. We use robotic press brakes to manufacture parts for automobiles, aerospace, shipbuilding, and other industrial sectors.
3 Ways a Robotic Brake Helps
Reduce Human Error
The more manual parts of your production process are, the more opportunity there is for human error. A robotic press brake helps to reduce human error in several ways.
A robotic press brake is programmable, producing the same part with consistent accuracy. Robotic press brakes can also adjust to compensate for operator error. The machine will compensate if the operator accidentally uses too low or too high force. That means a robotic press brake produces quality parts every time, even if the operator is new or making a mistake.
Robots also don't get tired or distracted. A production line pauses while an operator takes a break, slowing the production process. By programming it, a robotic press brake can run 24 hours, requiring no rest, helping consistently meet production goals.
Increase Productivity
A robotic press brake dramatically increases your production capabilities. With a press brake, you get one shot at forming each part. The press brake brings the sheet of metal down onto the part to be formed, finishing the part.
However, the robotic press brakes can be programmed to move metal sheets without continually forming any of them. This process allows the machine to form multiple parts, making no adjustments to the machine after the first part is formed. This allows a robotic press brake to form multiple parts while only taking up the same amount of space as one press brake.
Just like a robotic press brake can run 24 hours a day, it can also be programmed to run as quickly as possible, forming parts to meet production schedules.
Produce Tighter Tolerances
When you're manufacturing parts, it's essential to have consistent tolerances. When different parts have different tolerances, they may not work together correctly, reducing durability. A robotic press brake allows you to set the exact pressure that forms each part, meaning you can set tighter tolerances for each part.
If you're manufacturing something that must fit together perfectly, having tighter tolerances can be critical. A robotic press brake can also read the thickness of the sheet of metal and make minor adjustments to compensate for any thickness variations: even if your sheet metal supplier has some sheets that are slightly thicker or thinner than others, the robotic press brake will compensate.
Types of Robotic Press Brakes
Pick-and-place robotic press brakes
Pick-and-place robotic press brakes are ideal for manufacturing smaller parts. These machines are equipped with a vision system and have an automated arm that handles small components and allows the robot to view the part.
In addition, these robots include a suction cup, a gripper, and a vacuum table that can be programmed to pick up a part and place it at the required location.
Blind robotic press brakes
Blind robotic press brakes are used to manufacture more significant parts. These presses have vision systems; however, some can also use blind robotic press brakes for making smaller parts.
However, these types of presses can't be used for precision work.
Robotic Press Brake Key Features
Maximal pressing force: Robotic press brakes can have pressing forces of around 50 tons, making them suitable for manufacturing bigger parts.
Automatic feeding: Robotic press brakes can feed raw materials automatically, making them suitable for high-production environments.
Automatic loading of dies: robotic press brake to load the dies automatically, making them suitable for low-production environments.
Automatic ejection of the finished part: the press brakes eject the finished part automatically, making them suitable for high-production environments.
Who Should Use Robotic Press Brakes?
Manufacturers looking to improve operational efficiency and boost production should invest in robotic press brakes. They manufacture a wide range of parts, including small and large components. Robotic press brakes can help manufacturers improve accuracy and save time, which is something that conventional presses can't do. A robotic press brakes perform various tasks, including loading, unloading, and palletizing.
In Sum
Robotic press brakes have emerged as one of the most promising solutions for manufacturers. They can manufacture various parts, including small and large components helping manufacturers improve operational efficiency and boost production.
These press brakes are valuable equipment for any manufacturing company, reducing human error, increasing productivity, and producing tighter tolerances. As the manufacturing industry becomes more competitive, it's crucial to stay on top of production. A robotic press brake helps you do just that.