SMEs Gain Diverse Auto Handling in Multi Purpose Fabrication Technology


Even though it is considered to be an entry-level into automation of sheet metal machinery technology, the Finn-Power E5 Compact Express is now being viewed by SME fabricators in Australia and NZ as a breakthrough world-class technology that is within their budgets and footprint constraints.

Apart from its compact nature and energy efficient operation, the new E5 Compact Express distributed by Maxitec Pty Ltd has a diverse excellence in sheet handling ability.

In effect, it provides smaller businesses with affordable yet sophisticated loading and handling capabilities together with a compact, high-performance servo electric turret punch press with fully automated material handling capabilities.

All up, the Australian SME fabricator can now affordably be armed with a multi-purpose machine for bending, forming, tapping and marking.

With fully programmable punching and upforming stroke (NC-axis), the unit is available with 20 ton and 30 ton punching force.

During sheet loading, raw material sheets are loaded using pneumatic suction cups in a gripper. Gripper movements, horizontal and vertical, are actuated by electrical motors with brake and inverter drive.

This eliminates manual handling to provide fast and accurate sheet loading for all purposes. The loading table has 300mm movement out of its position to provide easier positioning of sheet stacks.

Sheet separation is ensured by using a three-way method. Magnets in a loading table separate sheets on the stack, a corner lifter in a gripper removes double sheets, and air blow secures separating function.

Double sheets are detected in every loading cycle to ensure uninterrupted loading cycle and machine function.

Every sheet is squared to ensure optimal sheet position and loading accuracy. Sheets can be used from edge to edge and quality of all production is excellent.

When the sheet has been processed, it is placed on a moving machine table. The moving table delivers the sheet, skeleton and parts to the top of the unloading table. Parts and skeletons are pushed to an unloading table, while the moving table returns to its normal position.

The E5 Compact Express has an unloading table with scissor movement to provide optimal unloading height for all parts and skeletons.

Automatic loading and unloading makes it possible to use several combinations of automatic and manual loading and unloading cycles. Its manual loading table is free for use for manual loading and unloading.

For economic operation, the E5 has low electric connection (connection power is 15kVA (3 x 20A), consumption (average power consumption of 5kW) and maintenance costs. Extremely compact size and small foot print make it easy to place in every facility.

The machine is most suited to small fabrication shops wanting to introduce some level of automation. It can be easily worked in manual mode just like any conventional turret press.

Ease of manual loading is greatly enhanced by the availability of 4 positioning pins ensuring optimal operator ergonomics. Unloading of processed components is semi-automatic: the machine places the components in a freely programmable position on the table thus making the operator's work much easier.

During automatic operation, sheets are loaded from a loading table to the clamps of the turret punch press.

Ready sheets are unloaded using a moving table and is carried out simultaneously while the loader is loading the next sheet.

Processed sheets can be stacked on an unloading table, which is located below the moving table and is adjusted automatically as the sheet stack grows. Raw material can be added and unloaded sheets removed while the machine continues to operate.

Material flow to and from the machine is from one direction, its loading table works at optimal operating height, it has large loading sheet stack capacity of 350mm stack height and 3,000kg stack weight.

With integrated unloading in the machine table, a scissor table is provided for optimal height for unloaded sheets, large unloading capacity is at 400mm and 3,000kg, there is uninterrupted machine run during material changes, several combinations of manual and automatic operations are available, while one machine side is always available for temporary manual loading and unloading.

Raw material sheets are loaded by using pneumatic suction cups in gripper. Gripper movements, horizontal and vertical, are actuated by electrical motors with brake and inverter drive.

This provides fast and accurate sheet loading for all purposes. The loading table has 300 mm movement out of its position to provide easier positioning of sheet stacks.

The unloading table with scissor movement provides optimal unloading height for all parts and skeletons.

Placing of the automatic loading and unloading unit makes it possible to use several combinations of automatic and manual loading and unloading cycles. The manual loading table is free for use for manual loading and unloading.

The E5 Compact Express has the capability or long-term unmanned production cycles so it can be used for a 'lights out' operation or to allow redeployment of personnel to other duties during this automated process.

For more information, please contact Mr Andrew Bentrup, Maxitec Pty Ltd. Unit 19/5, Clerke Place, Kurnell, NSW 2231.
PO Box 2808, Taren Point, NSW 2229
Ph: (02) 8543 9900, fax: (02) 8543 9940. email: andrew@maxitec.com.au

In New Zealand: Maxitec NZ Ltd
PO Box 7786 Sydenham Christchurch NEW ZEALAND
Ph: (03) 341 1080 fax: (03) 341 1090

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