A linear robot and precision saw work hand in hand on the Automatic Handling Device from IMA Schelling Precision

The AMD is designed specially for raw aluminium boards with high weights, such as full-size boards. A linear robot automatically controls the strip handling, from cutting to the transfer of finished boards. After manual feeding of the saw, the fully automated cutting process begins. If required by the customer, a labelling station can be integrated in the computer-generated cutting plan. The planning software makes it possible to complete multiple jobs in one workflow. This allows optimal utilisation of raw boards. The robot considerably increases the throughput of the cutting system.

Manipulation table with air cushion

After cutting, the robot grabs finished parts using vacuum grippers and transfers them onto roller tracks. Large leftovers and cuts that will not be further processed immediately are sent back to the warehouse. If a workpiece requires multiple work steps, the robot turns it precisely into the required cutting position. For efficient handling, the manipulation table after the saw is equipped with air cushion technology, which ensures smooth and gentle rotation of the aluminium boards. The feed rate and rotation speed of the robot adapt to the thickness of the board and the material properties. Open spaces on the large manipulation surface allow “temporary parking” of workpieces until they can be further processed.

Considerably reduced waste

Thanks to the cutting planning software, the AMD significantly reduces the amount of waste and offcuts. The system sorts any waste that can no longer be used by alloy, and automatically disposes of them in the container. For Markus Freuis, Head of the IMA Schelling Precision Business Unit, it offers a clear system advantage: “Waste is an unnecessary cost. With this system, we can optimise our material use and efficiently dispose of smaller sawing offcuts, sorted by material.” The first user of the AMD is a packaging machine manufacturer, which transfers its cut aluminium boards to a CNC milling machine for further processing. In the cutting plan, blanks are already produced for upcoming orders and placed into storage until the machines go into production.