Industry 4.0 Machinery for Smart Factory Operations

Highly efficient and flexible systems for the new generation of sheet metalworking from LVD Strippit, Inc. (Akron, NY) include ToolCell 220/30 Plus and ToolCell 220/40 Plus automated tool changing press brakes that reduce tooling set up time to maximize bending productivity. These press brakes can handle bend lengths of 120 in and 157 in (3 m and 4 m), deliver up to 240 tons of bending force and feature an open height of 22.4 in (570 mm) to accommodate higher tools. The machines use taller profile tooling (231 mm punches and 130 mm dies) that allow for the bending of parts with higher flanges. Each ToolCell hydraulic press brake features an integrated tool changer and tool storage system that precisely and automatically places tools, eliminating manual tooling adjustments. The machine automatically selects and places the tooling required for the job.

While the operator is preparing parts for the next job, the machine unloads the previous tool setup and loads the next setup, all without manual intervention. The tool storage system offers a flexible tooling configuration to suit specific application requirements. These ToolCell Plus press brakes have a standard open height of 22.4 in (570 mm) with a stroke of 11.8 in (300 mm). This can be enhanced to an opening of 26.4 in (670 mm) and a stroke of 15.7 in (400 mm), which provides the flexibility to bend a wider range of parts, from simple to complex. The accuracy of bending operations is assured with the patented Easy-Form® Laser adaptive bending system, standard on all ToolCell models. Easy-Form Laser provides in-process angle monitoring via laser scanners located on the front and back of the press brake table. The system transmits information in real time to the CNC control, which adjusts to ensure the correct angle. The bending process is not interrupted, and no production time is lost.

Using Easy-Form Laser, the press brake is able to adapt to material variations such as sheet thickness, strain hardening and grain direction, automatically compensating for any changes. As a result, ToolCell delivers consistent bending results from the first part. ToolCell is also Industry 4.0-ready thanks to the latest generation TOUCH-B control that features intuitive graphical icons used to control all parameters of the machine, ensuring fast and efficient operation. The control is linked to a central CADMAN® database where all production-relevant data is stored. This makes a fluent, digital transfer of production data from management systems to the shop floor possible. Communication to management, planning, production, quotation, costing, and other external software modules is handled via a standardized open interface.

Another highly efficient and flexible system for next-generation sheet metalworking is the Strippit PX-1530 punch press that can punch, form, bend and tap to efficiently complete multiple processes, including complex three-dimensional parts. With a capacity of up to 200 tools, the ability to use any tool at any angle anywhere on the sheet, and the ability to form flanges up to 75 mm high, this PX-Series machine offers complete versatility and is enhanced with the new TOUCH-P graphical icon-driven touch control.

Strippit, Inc., 12975 Clarence Center Road, Akron, NY 14001, 716-542-4511, Fax: 716-542-5957, www.lvdgroup.com.