Page 14 - MetalForming June 2013

Tech Update
Press Brake Boasts Automatic Tool Changer
and Bend Indicator to Eliminate Setup and Test Bends
Amada’s new HD-ATC (automatic tool changer) press brake, built on its high-per- formance HD series platform, features a hybrid drive system engineered for low energy consumption—it requires less hydraulic fluid than conventional machines. In addition to being eco-friendly, the
hybrid drive system maintains a high rate of repeatability—±0.00004 in. To main- tain bending accuracy while processing materials that vary in type, thickness and grain direction, the machine includes bend-indicator sensors (probe or laser) to enable trial-free bending. Bend angles
are measured and adjusted on the fly to ensure correct angles on the first bend and to monitor and adjust angles through- out the run.
The ATC can store more than 86 ft. of precision tooling. Its four-axis manipulator selects and places punches and dies from the tool magazine into the brake, avoiding costly delays typically associated with conventional tool changes. Tool changes are performed in 3 min. or less.
A precise (±0.0004 in.) tapered backgauge provides continuously updat- ed feedback to the machine’s AMNC/PC NT-based control. To provide maximum productivity, the HD’s intelligent control digitizes the bending process and deliv- ers highly efficient offline program- ming. Enhanced network functions within the control allow operators to call up complete sets of bending data from the server. In addition, the control can
12 MetalForming/June 2013
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