Page 36 - MetalForming January 2020

Robotic Press Tending
Improved Press-Robot Interaction
To ensure that robots operate effec- tively in press lines, communication and synchronization are key.
“At the end of the day, every second matters and the closer the relation between robot kinematics and those of the press, the more productive the process becomes, perhaps bringing a second or millisecond of difference, which adds up greatly over a job run,” Roda says. “As slaves to the presses, robots can work with them in a coor- dinated manner. While not difficult with stroke-by-stroke presses (mechan- ical or servo-driven), timing robots with presses running in continuous mode demands a different type of coor- dination, which, for example, ABB is integrating in some new lines.”
Ultimately, successful integration of robotic automation in press and related workcell operations depends on much more than speed.
“I always say that automation is
about much more than speed,” Roda says. “Not only must a part quickly move from point A to point B, but it must do so reliably, which relates to line uptime. Then, the part must exhibit the required quality. Quick production of parts with high uptime but low quality is not good. Proper automation delivers a balance of speed, reliability and quality.”
Answer to Skilled-Labor Needs
Inclusion of robots for press tending offers numerous advantages as detailed above, and also provides a solution to the shortage of skilled labor. “Not only the skilled-labor shortage, but the fact that employees constantly rotate out of press lines make robotic press tend- ing an ideal solution,” Roda says. “Eas- ing the inclusion is the availability of software that simplifies robot program- ming and operation.”
An example: RobotWare StampApp, part of ABB’s StampPack software for facilitating automation of stamping cells. StampApp allows users to inte-
grate, program and operate robotic stamping cells, features a graphical assistant that enables users to perform robot teaching without specific pro- gramming knowledge. Cell operation becomes intuitive thanks to a graphical human-machine interface (HMI) that provides clear process information, according to company officials. And, both HMI and programming can be adapted, through the StampApp con- figuration tool, to varying cell setups and production processes.
With so many developments in robotic press and workcell tending, the technology deserves a new look from metal formers, who would do well to keep total cost of ownership in mind during assessments.
“From the engineering and com- missioning phases to line operation and maintenance,” Roda concludes, “robotic press lines cost considerably less than dedicated machinery such as linear part feeders and other hard automation.” MF
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