AMADA EGB 6013 ARce has a robot for loading and bending

The EGB 6013 ARce is a fully-integrated robotic bending system with a 6-axis bending robot with a traveling axis, automatic gripper changer, and automatic tool changer. Each stage of the bending process, including tool loading, gripper exchange, and robotic bending are performed at fast speeds to maintain high levels of unmanned machine productivity.

This system delivers on AMADA’s commitment to treat people and the global environment with respect. We achieve this goal by reducing CO2 emissions, promoting the reduction and reuse of waste, and protecting the global environment, including biodiversity, in all processes. We also provide environmentally friendly products and services through our business activities (for more, see https://www.amada.co.jp/en/sustainability).

Key Features of the EGB 6013 ARce include:

• Fast and accurate servo/electric drive system
• AMNC 4ie control with vertical multi-touch display
• Automatic tool changer
• Multi-axis robot performs consistent unmanned bending operations
• Two-backgauge system with side gauge ensures high-precision bending operations
• Offline programming software generates all articulation code for the robot and press brake
• Bi-S II angle sensor ensures consistent bend angles
• Automatic gripper changer allows robot to move seamslessly from tool change to production

The core of automation in the EGB 6013 ARce is the 6-axis robot with a traveling axis, which serves both the press brake and the tool storage area. Mounted on a rail in front of the EGB press brake, this fully integrated robot can traverse along the length of the press brake to facilitate multi-stage bending. The enhanced motion capabilities allow this robot to easily perform acute and obtuse bends.

The automatic tool changer allows the EGB 6013 ARce to make quick tool setups compared to manual operation. The unit is equipped with 27 different types of tools, saves space, and achieves 24/7 production. Punches can be reverse-mounted to increase bending flexibility.

Loading blanks is simple. The blanks are stacked (or placed on small stands, as in a vertical application) on carts. Once the carts are in the loading area, the robot arm can pick up the parts and bend them. (The carts can hold a stack of large parts or two stacks of small parts.) With multiple pallet stations for loading and unloading, shops increase their capacity and capability to produce a wide variety of parts.

When parts are unloaded, they can go to the two-stage conveyor which allows this system to achieve 24/7 production. Various unloading stacking methods can be selected according to the part shape. This conveyor system sits off to the side, easily reachable by the cobot which has a long transfer range.

Near the tool storage area is the automatic gripper changer. This unit exchanges the gripper according to the workpiece to ensure efficient and stable processing. Various types of grippers accommodate a wide variety of part shapes and sizes.

AMNC 4ie Control

AMADA’s intelligent AMNC 4ie control combines voice command control with a user-friendly graphical interface that displays bend results before processing. Also,

• The automatic capture function saves process data for offline programming to reduce the time spent at the control;
• Facial recognition provides quick access to the operators customized control interface, including that operator’s rights and privileges on the system;
• The operator easily performs tasks on the control with 2D touch-screen shape-forming manipulation; and
• AMADA’s vSDD software database provides program storage on a local server when control is networked

Other advanced features

There are many more features on the EGB 6013 ARce. For instance, a two-backgauge system with a side gauge ensures stable positioning of asymmetrical workpieces and simplifies positioning. The side gauge corrects lateral misalignments and stabilizes lateral positioning.

This press brake system has a very interesting methodology for ensuring only a single blank is being picked up from the cart. A magnet separator moves forward after the robot picks parts up to eliminate double part pickup. Magnet position is automatically adjusted according to the robot’s operation.

Through the course of a day or a job, a workpiece must be regripped to accommodate the next bend. When it’s time for the robot to change gripper placement, the regripping device holds the workpiece and rotates it if necessary. This device supports a wide variety of parts to accommodate the wide variety of gripper sizes.

A second generation of angle sensing is included on the EGB 6013 ARce. Bi-S II is a high-speed, high-precision, probe-style bend sensor that measures and adjusts the bend angle on the fly. Bend indicator technology eliminates test bends and reduces setup. Bi-S II automatically measures and corrects bend angles up to 85% faster than Bi-S technology.

This press brake is equipped with an electric servo drive system that achieves high-speed, low-torque and low-speed, high-torque motion with a single motor. This cuts down CO2 emissions by approximately 20%. The drive system allows independent control of the left and right sides to ensure consistent angle throughout the bend process.

It is rated at 66 US tons, and has a bed length of 51.18”; it uses AMADA’s AMTS IIIS tools. The system and its programming make punch reversal automatic. The robot can lift a weight of 44 lbs., including the gripper. The gripper station holds up to 7 types of grippers, plus the tool change gripper.

This advanced, automated press brake will be displayed at the AMADA America booth at FABTECH 2024 Atlanta. Be sure to see it doing its work in highly automated fashion.