Modern era products require bending solutions with high accuracy and versatility. Sheet metal products are used in a variety of high quality applications and require precise materials and correct bending angles. A correct angle ensures easier processing in the following steps of the production, less out of spec products, providing better customer satisfaction, higher efficiency, less wasted materials and lower costs.
Automated Angle Measurement & Automatic Correction of the Bending Angle
HACO , The Belgian Sheet Metal specialists, came up with a solution to this common problem. HACO Press Brakes offer an easy-to-use system to deliver metal sheets bent to perfection thanks to the IRIS Plus system. The Automated Angle Measurement systems from HACO commercialized under the name IRIS PLUS or ALFA-F are offered according to the type of press brake, the length and its characteristics. In short, HACO’s solutions offer highly accurate angle control that calculates spring back for each individual bend and controls the bend depth to achieve the correct angle.
The IRIS Plus measures the bending angle of the metal sheet and verifies this with the required angle in the bending program. The system comprises from 2 optical devices, a laser transmitter and a receiver mounted on both sides of the upper beam of the press brake. Simply put, the transmitter projects a light beam in the direction of the receiver captured during the bending process. The receiver then processes the light it receives which has the work pieces contours on it. Based on these contours/shadows, the module then calculates the angle of the work piece through a set of algorithms and compares this to the desired angle put in the bending software. If incorrect, the system automatically adjusts thanks to the Live Angle Bending module which signals to the press brake controller to change bending parameters to deliver a correct angle.
Because of the setup of the Automatic Angle Measurement system, being mounted on the beam, there is no mechanical wear and tear since there is no contact with the work piece or the tools of the press brake. The IRIS Plus system has very little moving parts and is easy to install and calibrate. This ensures the longevity of the system, easy installation and no interference with the mounted tooling.
HACO for Impressive Performances
The main benefits of the IRIS Plus is that it combines guarding detection for safety and fast production with angle measurement for precise bending. Different V-die openings (6 until 35 mm, only single V’s) are applicable. Due to the intelligent setup of the system there can be no collision with the work piece.
Besides the IRIS Plus system HACO offers also the ALFA-F Angle Measurement system consisting of 2 laser beam transmitters and 2 cameras on both sides of the workpiece. Suitable for a wide range of different V-openings (6 until 100 mm, only single V’s) it gives the user even more versatility, high precision and also works perfectly with 3D workpieces. Optimal workspace for operator and material is guaranteed, reliable even in heavy-duty circumstances.