To make sure that just one sheet is picked up, a probe measures the sheet thickness. To unload the finished parts the programmable suction caps pick the part up before the last stroke of the machine. A suction cap plate with several hundred programmable small suction cups allows the unloading of even critical parts. The biggest advantage of a system like this is the ability to sort the parts and to make them into proper stacks ready for further processing. As an alternative smaller finished parts can also be dropped through a part chute and be sorted into four programmable bins.
Consistent automation facilitates the removal of the skeleton quickly and safely.
Trumpf s Trumagrip does this on the right hand side of the machine, parallel to the next loading cycle. The duration of the unmanned operation as well as lot sizes and product mix have to be taken into account when further automation modules are discussed. Two sets of duplex carts may be sufficient for a customer with little variation in products, to progress through the night shift in an unmanned operation. Laser solutions Most of today s 2D lasers are equipped with pallet changers that allow loading and unloading of one pallet while on the second pallet parts are being cut. Nevertheless for an unmanned operation over a longer period of time additional handling systems and a link to the storage system can become necessary.