Page 23 - MetalForming June 2012

Automation Productivity
1. Flexible Manufacturing System 92 percent
Beam-On System 75 percent Time
3. Standalone
Shuttle Table 52 percent
2. Load/Unload
number of machines required for the expected workload. As previously dis- cussed, the increase in throughput once the automation is installed can be dra- matic. No need to over-build the automation system and tie up operat- ing capital unnecessarily. And, remem- ber that most systems are modular, so if capacity requirements grow so can the capabilities of the automation system.
Material transfer—The two main considerations when contemplating material transfer are the maximum weight of the sheets being moved, and whether or not part sorting is required after cutting. All systems have limita- tions in terms of workpiece size and thickness, and many have a maximum capacity of 1-in. mild steel. Depending on system design, a fabricator may be able to load single sheets into a cutting machine without using the transfer device (traverser). This flexibility allows the fabricator to store and automati- cally load only commonly used sheet sizes, and load over-capacity sheets or
remnants separately. Traversers use a vari- ety of methods to transfer sheets of material, including suction cups and rakes (forks).
Part sorting is a
useful and relatively
new option available
with automation sys-
tems. There are a vari-
ety of designs available that can auto- matically separate the cut parts from the scrap skeleton, place the parts on an offload table and then move the skeleton onto a separate table or dump it into a scrap bin.
Automated system control—A load/unload system only requires a basic cell controller that directs the loading of a new sheet as the previous sheet completes the cutting cycle. This relatively simple control sequentially loads programs to cut on the machine.
More advanced management-line
controllers (MLCs) can be used for load/unload systems, and are required for an FMS. The MLC handles all production-management functions, enabling programs to be continually fed to the laser-cutting machines. It will manage raw-materials inventory and can keep track of partial sheet stor- age. Programs are prioritized through the scheduling function. The system loads and unloads as many as four machines by sending the appropriate material and program to the next avail- able machine, according to specified
Fabricating
PRODUCT NEWS
Next Stop: IMTS & FABTECH
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MetalForming/June 2012 21