Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 16

58 Contact: PIERCARLO BONOMI piercarlo.bonomi@trebi-bs.com Any robotic evaluation will come to this conclusion; while articulating robots are ideal for picking and placing materials; cartesian arms (gantry-style) would be better suited to low pressure or gravity die casting cutting. Cartesian arms are capable of moving in multiple linear directions in small spaces (compaction of 20 kg), and are able to perform straight-line insertions. Cartesian robotics allow for cutting performances never seen before, of pieces at incredible speeds in limited spaces. All robotic systems require programming. In any system, it is preferred to program offline which gives you the ability to prepare programs to be sent to the machine, while the machine is running and properly check systems before testing the program directly on the machine. BAND SAWS Automated and high-speed cutting means greater wear and tear on the band saw. Standard band saws would wear out quickly in this scenario. Therefore, advances in band saw technologies needed to be enhanced to keep pace. As a result, band saws are now available with reinforced steel and flywheels made with hardened tool steel to handle this type of demanding automation. Our saw also includes hydraulic tensioning of the blade, with a pressurized and lubricated web guiding system. Any automated cutting system needs a heavy-duty saw to be a reliable, safer, and longer lasting option. Any automated system also must maximum safety. When reviewing any system, ensure that the loading of the piece, and piece changes can be accomplished with minimal operator interface. We suggest seeing any automated system in operation, to see how the operators are able to manage the pieces that are to be cut. CUTTING PRECISION Automated cutting is the surest way to repeatability, ensuring the highest quality. Cartesian robotic cutting will provide cutting precision to +/- 0.15 mm –which is impossible manually. This allows you to reduce the processing times of the subsequent phases (mechanical processing or grinding). Above all, any automated system should provide the following advantages versus manual cutting: 1- Reduction of cutting time 2- Increase productivity of the department 3- Reduction of risks for the operator 4- Noise reduction 5- Simplification of production 6- Quality improvement