To remain competitive, automation is key. To support its customers in this endeavor, WEBER has expanded its product portfolio to include handling solutions for grinding machines. In addition to the autonomous unloading cell, WEBER now introduces its counterpart: the autonomous loading cell. This enables fully automated operation of deburring machines.

Unmatched Flexibility and Independence: With WEBER’s fully automated loading cell, all you need to do is supply the machine with workpieces, for example, stacked on a pallet. It doesn’t matter if the pallet contains only identical parts or a variety of different workpieces.

Similar to the unloading cell, a 3D vision system scans the pallet, captures the geometry of the workpieces, and automatically calculates a suitable gripping point for the corresponding robot tool.

 

Robot Safely Picks Up Each Workpiece 

The robot then picks up the workpiece using a vacuum suction gripper or a magnetic gripper. In any case, it ensures that the robot securely handles the workpiece - even those with cutouts or holes.

After picking up the workpiece, the robot may transfer it to a turning device if needed to flip the sheet metal part and allow for deburring on the underside. Additionally, the turning device measures the thickness of the workpiece, which is then directly transmitted to the deburring machine by the robot system.
 

Optimal Abrasive Utilization

 After transmitting the workpiece thickness and any other relevant parameters, the deburring machine is automatically adjusted. Once this is complete, the machine gives the robot permission to load the parts. The robot distributes the workpieces across the entire working width of the machine, ensuring optimal abrasive utilization.

The entire loading process, including the adjustment of the deburring machine, is fully automated, without manual intervention for teaching gripping and placement positions or human involvement.

Dominik Lindner, Head of Robotics & Automation at WEBER: “With our loading cell, we offer the perfect counterpart to the fully automated unloading cell. On this basis, WEBER enables complete automation of the deburring machine. Importantly, our handling systems can be easily integrated with various machines from different manufacturers.”

WEBER has entered its HS-4-1000 handling system for the "Euroblech Award 2024." Visitors to Euroblech 2024 can see the capabilities of the system at the WEBER stand.

The Benefits of the Autonomous WEBER Automation Solutions HS-4-1000 at a Glance:

• Complete machine control automatically
• Optimized abrasive utilization through intelligent workpiece placement on the input table
• Increased work safety and reduced personnel requirements
• Automatic geometry recognition and gripping point calculation
• Easy integration into existing ERP systems
• Intelligent, batch-overlapping sorting and palletizing
• Significant cost and time savings