First folding robot working at Anssems AanhangwagensPrint this page
At the end of last year, we announced the introduction of a universal folding robot; universal, because the folding robot can be used on every existing CNC-folding machine with back stop. In the meantime, the first folding robot was delivered to Anssems Aanhangwagens in Rijen where it is being used 8 hours a day for the handling of heavy profiles.
Anssems Aanhangwagens modified its production by producing products in set plate in stead of profiles, and invested in its own folding machine some two years ago. However, setting of large product parts up to a length of 4,000 mm requires handling by two man. For the trailer manufacturer, the heavy manual work was one of the reasons to search a robotised solution.
John Anssems: "Most suppliers offered an all-in solution with a new folding machine. The universal folding robot that Valk Welding offered us, could be used without any problem without own folding machine. Programming too went smoothly, and we already had good experience with Valk Welding for the delivery of three welding robot installations; we did not hesitate to take a decision. By now, work with both folding machine and robot is very satisfactory and we are using the installation even after working hours, resulting in an even larger increased production than initially expected."
The folding robot consists of a Nachi robot type SC 80 LF, provided with a long front arm in order to have sufficient working space even for the large products. The Nachi robots are available with a maximum handling capacity of 700 kg.
The Nachi robots are being programmed teach-in. By making use of macros with the most commonly used standard processes, the folding robot can be programmed in an easy and fast way. Because the robot follows the plate, the control always knows where the product is. No need to programme the track, and moreover, moving out of the folding machine is also known.
The project at Anssems was successful, not only because of the savings in personnel expenses, but also because collaborators no longer have to do monotonous, dull and heavy work. Although the folding robot is not faster, the use of it has lead to higher output: the folding robot needs no break, and even continues working after hours, without requiring monitoring.
(Source: various professional magazines)