Robust automation and new features in the EGB 6020 ATC e

If you are looking for a powerful bending solution that uses technology and automation to boost productivity and help the environment, the EGB 6020 ATC e is something you need to see at the upcoming FABTECH 2024 Orlando event.

This 66-ton (US) rated press brake also makes it easy on operators by automatically recognizing them, communicating in the operator’s language, and taking voice commands, all thanks to the control. Before we get too far into the operator conveniences, let’s take a general look at the product.

The first thing you notice is that it packs a lot of automation and technology into a fairly compact package. Even the Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) is a bit more compact, but it still has a 500mm tool loading capacity. Even the most complex, multi-station tool setups take only a few minutes to complete. Because the setups take so little time, it is an ideal response to the still-growing trend of high mix, low volume production. Yes, speed gains will be made in the operation of machines, but if you are eliminating time between green lights, you have a big advantage over competitors.

The other highlight that includes a human factor is that even the least experienced operators can efficiently set up bend programs within minutes. The ATC uses AMADA’s Modular Tooling System or AMTS, which accounts for load/unload motion and is designed to produce accurate punch tip alignment.

The product’s electric servo drive system achieves high-speed, low-torque operation and low-speed, high-torque operation with a single motor. This cuts down CO2 emissions by approximately 20%. This press brake also has electric auto-crowning, with independent control over the left and right sides of the bed.

The future of operator interaction

The AMNC 4ie control is used with the EGB 6020 ATC e. A few things are obvious immediately. First, it is a very “clean” design, with only a handful of buttons under the large touch-screen display. Second, a virtual number pad and readouts of process data bring a familiar interface to experienced users. Third, two AMNC 4ie bring innovative functionality. On top of the control is a scanner that gets bend information in real time, and toward the bottom is an embedded camera for facial recognition.

Imagine an operator coming back from lunch and walking up to the press brake. Automatically the press brake (via the control) recognizes that person, and they enter their password. This starts activity that includes security/qualification (What is this user qualified to do on this machine?), plus native language communication (Ms. X speaks Mandarin).

If the operator leaves for a user-configurable amount of time, the control, servo motors, heat exchanger, and LED lights automatically power off. Standby power is reduced by 50% or more when the timer is set.

The operator also can make voice commands to request, change, and verify bend information. A headset is included with the product.

For visual verification, a backgauge camera is mounted on the back of the machine It connects to the control and an HMI tablet to ensure correct bend position.

The Human Machine Interface (HMI) is yet another new and advanced feature. The HMI tablet automatically displays necessary information taken from cameras, angle sensors, and the control and displays the information to assist the operator during the bend process. The HMI moves with the operator to the next bend along a track on the front of the press brake. (The foot pedal moves too, to the next station in the complete setup.) Some of the key functions for the HMI include:

• Bending simulation: Simulation display from the control is duplicated and displayed in front of the operator to prevent bending errors. This reduces the number of trips between foot pedal and control.
• Guidance: Bending precautions are displayed in front of the bend position to reduce mistakes and ensure safe operation. This improves the production process for new employees and reduces labor costs.
• Backgauge monitor: The backgauge monitor shows where to place the workpiece in real time. Operators can easily confirm the correct bend position and reduce gauging mistakes.
• Finish angle display: Finished angles are recorded by the Bi-S II and displayed on the HMI tablet. This minimizes the need to manually measure the finished part. Measurements taken by the optional Digi-Pro handheld angle measurement device will also show on the HMI tablet and display how much correction is needed to meet the desired angle.

A time saver

The EGB 6020 ATC e represents a true and measurable time saver, as well as an advanced technological design that is operator-oriented, giving unprecedented options (looking at the AMNC 4ie or the HMI; and communicating at the control, or pedal, or headset) and get feedback (e.g. angle information from Bi-S II or Digi-Pro). Its fast setups and teardowns save time between bend programs.