Enhancements to Radan 2021 include many to the Radbend module. For instance, a new option improves collision checking during automatic sequencing.

Product manager Olaf Körner explains this is particularly valuable when bending long, thin parts such as guttering. “If the channel is particularly deep and bent in the wrong sequence, it could become jammed in the press brake, clamped around the tools. This type of part can be sequenced in such a way as to guarantee that collisions won’t happen.”

Radbend also now reduces handling when calculating sequences automatically, by lessening the need for tool and part rotations.

“Every time operators have to turn a part around, either by themselves or with a colleague, it takes time,” says Körner. “This new piece of functionality calculates a better sequence, meaning it can be fed into the machine in little steps, improving the handling.”

And the tool editor now shows important additional information by default, making it more user-friendly.

A number of items of new and enhanced functionalities have also been added to the Designer module. For example, Designer now indicates bends where the design radius differs from the expected result radius when using V-width as the unfolding method. This factor is important for the unfolding process, and the finished look of the component.

Feedback is now provided on overlapping unfolds, as Körner explains: “Sometimes, when a 3D model is unfolded, it doesn’t work – faces clash on top of each other. The user is now notified of this and shown the issue graphically.”
For further information www.radan.com

The folding of sheet metal can be automated using a new bending centre from Bystronic.

With the new solution, it is said that users can lower production costs, boost accuracy and consistency, and at the same time increase flexibility for dealing with small to large batch sizes.

‘Bending Cell’, as the system is known, is based on the company’s Xpert Pro press brake and is served by a seven-axis robot that is able to cope with a wide variety of component sizes and shapes. A gripper changer, tool changer and magazine, and material storage unit may be either factory-fitted or retrofitted at a later time, allowing not only component handling but gripper and bending tool exchange to be autonomous. The modular system enables existing Xpert Pro machines in the field to be automated.
Intelligent offline programming software saves time by determining the optimal bending sequence for every job. Moreover, the program for the next order can be downloaded without interrupting the current process.

While the robot is bending, staff can perform other tasks such as the supply and removal of sheet and parts, or operating a laser-cutting machine or welding system. The cell is simple to use, as both the robot and press brake are controlled using the same touchscreen. Importantly, the ByVision Bending user interface provides the user with an overview of the current job status and remaining production time, even on mobile devices (optionally).

Bending Cell is available as a turnkey automation solution for Bystronic’s Xpert Pro 100, 150, 250 and 320 press brakes. Maximum press capacity is 320 tonnes and bending length is up to 3 m. Five robot types are available with handling capacities ranging from 90 to 270 kg.

For further information www.bystronic.co.uk/en_uk