Projects
Automated strip feeding
Precise robot handling for continuous press automation
- Industry
- Metal
- Solution
- Handling / Palletising
AGS implemented a robot-based solution with vacuum gripping technology and laser measurement for the automatic feeding of steel strips into a punching press. The strips are picked up, measured, aligned and precisely transferred to the press feed unit.
» automation gain success «
Project highlights
- Industrial robots for automated handling
- Laser-based height and position measurement
- Vacuum gripper with sensor feedback
- Automatic strip alignment
- Integration into the existing punching line
- Order and quantity counting with data interfaces
Application & machining processes
- Picking up steel strips via vacuum gripper
- Position and rotation detection
- Transfer to the press feed unit
- Automatic alignment via axes and stops
- Single-cycle operation for adjustment and quality assurance
Operating & control concept
- Central PLC control
- Safe fieldbus communication
- Control panel with recipe storage
- Archiving of control, robot and camera data
- OPC UA interface for order data
Safety concept
- Redundant shutdown paths for robots and grippers
- Light grids and dual-channel emergency stop circuits
- Safety valves with feedback circuit
- Monitoring of distances to hazardous areas
Result
- Reduced physical strain during strip feeding
- Higher process stability
- Reduced scrap rate through precise measurement
- Continuous cycling even during tool changes
Insights | Process
Conclusion
The strip feeder automates a heavy manual process and combines precise measurement with reliable press loading.