Page 12 - MetalForming Magazine March 2022

Automation
Innovative Press-Linking Automation for Tandem Lines Reduces Costs and Space
Linear Automation and its strategic German partner Strothmann Machines & Handling GmbH have introduced the FeederPlus 6neo to the North American Market. The single-arm feeder links two presses together in a press line, removing a formed blank from one press and placing it in the next press. It can center and feed single blanks or pairs, and outfeed oriented finished parts. Maximum feed rate: 16 formed blanks/min., each weighing as much as 100 kg.
Due to the smart combination of mod- ern mechatronics and innovative software, the feeder can perform front-of-line and end-of-line functions typically performed by costly and highly space-consuming additional equipment. Its telescopic axis contributes to the feeder’s compact design that reduces press pitch to 5200 mm while still enabling automatic tool change within the uprights with only one rotatable cart per gap, saving money and space.
In addition, the Y axis can rotate by 90 deg. during process flow, increasing pitch and helping to make the unit retro- fittable to existing tandem lines.
Linear Automation: www.lineartransfer.com
Robotic Orbital Sander
The AOV-10 robotic orbital sander from ATI Industrial Automation reportedly is ideal for robotic surface preparation and finishing, and built-in compliance makes it well-suited for many different robotic application types—even those that require a light touch, according to company officials.
Manual material-removal operations depend upon skilled people’s ability to feel and visually inspect subtle changes in surface conditions, which allows them to instinctively adjust forces to com- pensate for variations and produce a uniform process on the workpiece. This technology provides an alternative. For systems using the AOV-10, a pneumat- ically actuated, adjustable compliance mechanism provides dynamic control of contact forces, ensuring ideal, repeat- able results and accommodating a vari- ety of applications.
The axially compliant sander can be used as a direct replacement for manual surface-preparation and -finishing tech- niques to ensure high-quality results without safety hazards or compromised labor. The compact and lightweight design suits a range of robot sizes and types, from collaborative robots to industrial models.
Double-acting motion reportedly offsets the weight of the AOV-10 to produce the desired finish no matter how the tool is configured. Users can mount the AOV-10 directly to their robots or fixtures in any orientation, including upside-down, and also integrate ATI’s Auto Media Chang-
er for hands-free exchange of sanding media.
ATI’s robotic sander is opti- mized with 3M abrasives and includes a curated 3M media kit of sanding discs and backup pads. ATI Industrial Automation:
ati-ia.com
3M Abrasive Systems Division: www.3m.com
Rocklin Debuts Turnkey Automation for Hard Surface Coating
Rocklin Manufacturing, Sioux City, IA, has introduced a turnkey automation solu- tion for its Rocklinizer carbide-application equipment line—Rocklinizer Automation. The Rocklinizer spark deposition process applies hard and wear-resistant coatings onto steel surfaces to extend machine life, reduce downtime, delay capital expen- ditures, reduce inventory and optimize grip. Typically achieved through a manual coating process, with the introduction of Rocklinizer Automation manufacturers can apply the coating in an automated three-step process.
1. Measure and position the workpiece in the machine’s large X-Y-axis frame.
2. Insert the electrode into the appli- cator and adjust power and speed as needed.
3. Input the part dimensions using the integrated touchscreen control and trigger the coating process.
Unlike welding or metal spraying, the process generates a minimal amount of heat, and the electrode material will not separate or flake off. After Rocklinizing, no heat treatment, grinding or other surface treatment is necessary.
Use the process to improve the grip on tube-bending dies, collets and robot grippers; eliminate slug pullback during punching and stamping; increase cutting- tool life; and more.
Rocklin Manufacturing: www.rocklinmanufacturing.com
10 MetalForming/March 2022
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