Complementing the cut-to-size saws of IMA Schelling perfectly, the robots take on the handling of strips, parts, and remnants

"Robots typically take on three types of task," explains David Schelling, Product Manager Cut-to-size at IMA Schelling. "Those that are dangerous, unergonomic, or monotonous." All these boxes are ticked when handling strips or parts during the cutting process. Robots from IMA Schelling take on the handling of strips, parts, and remnants. Optimized to work with the fh 4 and fh 5 cut-to-size saws, they can automatically cut parts up to 3200 mm long, 1300 mm wide, and weighing up to 150 kg.

"Our robot saw solutions are also ideal for the lower performance categories with 500 to 800 parts per shift," adds Schelling. "They can be used standalone with stacking or in a directly linked configuration." Depending on the customer's requirements, various stacking options are available: directly into pallets on the floor without using a lift table, or in special racks with additional stacking targets. Every type of stacking pattern is possible – from individual layers to chaotic. Even disposal of the waste can be customized, e.g., automated via a waste flap, on a vibration conveyor with chipper, or straight into a trash can.

Integrate Robots When Required

The robots can be integrated as and when required into existing manufacturing processes. In other words, it doesn't have to be a brand new investment, the robots can also be retrofitted. "Some customers appreciate being able to first install the line and then to integrate the robots at a later date," explains David Schelling. "That's no problem at all with our systems." An option that's only available from IMA Schelling.

Panels of varying shapes, thicknesses, weights, and materials pose no problems for the robots. Equipped with a vacuum load pick-up, they can even manipulate very thin metal and plastic panels when the load pick-ups are adjusted accordingly. The robots work quickly and accurately, reducing dead times and increasing plant availability and productivity.

Customized Solutions for Robot Handling

Users gain by being able to plan their production more accurately and exploit additional capacity, such as unmanned operation during the night. Staff shortages due to illness or vacations are also reduced. As the saws can still be operated manually in the time-honored fashion – for example for the cutting of books or special materials – maximum flexibility is guaranteed.

IMA Schelling supports its customers when introducing a robot solution. Do you produce in a directly linked configuration or by stacking? How are manual remnants to be dealt with? How does the design of the plant as a whole and the hall layout look? What is the maximum weight of the workpieces and what are their maximum dimensions? And what level of performance should the robot system deliver? IMA Schelling specialists clarify all these questions with the customer and work with them to create a tailor-made solution.