An uprated version of Finn-Power's bending automation equipment offers greater speed of workpiece manipulation in front of the machine, assisted by a new design of manipulator for rotation.

Launched last year was an uprated version of Finn-Power's Bending Automation equipment, which is intended as a stand-alone cell or as an integral part of a flexible manufacturing system including sheet storage and handling, punching and/or laser cutting plus optional forming, and component sorting. Sole agent is Press and Shear Machinery, Tamworth. The key difference between the 'Express Bender' and its predecessor is the speed of workpiece manipulation in front of the machine, assisted by a new design of manipulator for rotation.

New also is a device for positioning the next sheet above the working area so that the subsequent component cycle may commence immediately.

Non-bending time is therefore minimised both during a sequence and before the next cycle starts, considerably increasing the productivity of the machine.

A parametric programming system is used to create a new part off line.

In addition to automated bending of panel sides, which may be very of complicated form, integrated cutting and roll forming functions may be incorporated.

The hydraulically-actuated machine is intended for processing steel sheet up to 3 mm thick (heavier gauge for aluminium and other softer metals), whilst maximum sheet size for the standard model is 1,500 mm x 2,800 mm.

The main advantage of this technique over manual pressbraking is that it is unnecessary to turn the sheet over when changing from positive to negative bends.

Nor does the sheet rise from the horizontal when making bends up to 135 degrees in either direction.

Rapid automatic tool changing may be provided to shorten set-up times.

The system comprises a central transfer device, two side transfer units and a central tool segment storage, allowing both coarse and then fine positioning adjustments to be made.

Hydraulic rather than mechanical upper tool clamping is available, enabling faster tool change times of three minutes on average.

With the additional upper tool system option, the geometry may be changed to suit, for instance, applications requiring bends of large radius.