Bending robots: What they are and how they work

August 7, 2024
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Bending robots: What they are and how they work

August 7, 2024
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What is a bending robot?

A bending robot is a programmable machine designed to automate the bending of metal sheets into various shapes and angles. 

  • Not just about bending: Bending robots can handle a wide range of jobs, from simple V-bends to complex multi-angle bends.
  • Adaptable and flexible: These robots can be programmed to work with different materials and thicknesses, making them great for various applications.
  • Major productivity gains: By automating the bending process, robots can often increase production speed and throughput — you can get more done in less time.

Major components of a bending robot system

A robotic bending system is more than just a robotic arm; it consists of many components working harmoniously.

Here are the main components: 

  • Robot arm: This is the system’s muscle, responsible for manipulating and positioning the metal sheet for bending. It typically has multiple joints and axes of movement to achieve the desired angles and shapes.
  • Bending tools and dies: These specialized tools are designed to shape the metal sheet according to your specifications. They come in several shapes and sizes, allowing for a wide range of bending operations.
  • Control units and software: The brains of the operation, the control unit, and the software orchestrate the entire bending process. They interpret your instructions, guide the robotic arm, and get you precise control over the bending parameters.
  • Safety systems and sensors: Safety should be the top priority in any robotic system. Bending robots have various safety features, such as light curtains, laser scanners, and emergency stop buttons, to protect workers and prevent nasty accidents.

How bending robots work 

Now, it’s time to understand how sheet-bending robots shape metal. 

Here's a quick rundown:

  • Loading up the metal sheet: First, the operator or an automated system loads the flat metal sheet onto the robot's work table. The sheet is secured using clamps or other fixtures to ensure it doesn't move during bending.
  • Getting the sheet in the right position: The robot's control system, often guided by CAD/CAM software, precisely positions and aligns the sheet according to the programmed bending instructions so that each bend happens at the correct location and angle. 
  • Time to bend: With the sheet in position, the robotic arm, equipped with the appropriate bending tool or die, moves to the designated bend line. It then applies controlled force to bend the sheet to the desired angle, creating a clean and accurate bend.
  • Releasing the finished product: Once all the bends are complete, the robot releases the finished part from the work table, allowing it to be removed for further processing or inspection.
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Major benefits of bending robots

Why should you consider adding a bending robot to your team? 

Here are some compelling reasons:

  • Huge levels of precision and repeatability: Are inconsistent bends and quality issues a fact of life? Not anymore! Bending robots are the ultimate perfectionists, delivering precise and repeatable bends that are beyond the capabilities of any human. This means less scrap, higher quality parts, and happier customers.
  • Much better productivity and throughput: Bending robots work tirelessly, never getting tired or taking breaks. They can bend metal sheets super-fast, significantly increasing your production output and throughput. 
  • Cutting down labor costs and hard work: Manually bending metal sheets can be a physically demanding and time-consuming task. Bending robots automate this process, reducing the need for manual labor and freeing up your employees for more complex and rewarding tasks. (They’ll still have to hit the gym to make up for all the reduced manual labor time).

Applications of bending robots

Bending robots aren't confined to a single industry; their flexibility and precision make them a major asset in various sectors. 

Let's take a look at some of their most common applications:

  • The auto industry: From shaping car body panels to creating intricate exhaust systems, bending robots are a driving force in auto manufacturing. They produce consistent quality, can speed up production, and have the potential to reduce costs, making them popular for large-scale manufacturers and smaller workshops.
  • Changing the aerospace game: Bending robots play a significant role in the aerospace industry by ensuring precision and consistency in manufacturing components for airplanes and spacecraft.
  • Electronics and appliance manufacturing: Bending robots help create various components for electronics and appliances, including sturdy refrigerator panels.
  • Construction and heavy-duty machinery: Bending robots aren't just for delicate work; they can also handle heavy-duty applications. In the construction industry, they're used to bend steel beams and pipes for buildings and bridges. In heavy machinery manufacturing, they shape metal components for tractors, excavators, and other large equipment.

Summing up

A bending robot can be a huge asset for metal fabrication. It offers a versatile and efficient solution for achieving precise, consistent bends in various materials and thicknesses.

It can improve productivity, cut labor costs, and make workplace safety more than an afterthought. 

Getting a bending robot can be a huge asset for modern manufacturing, and many major players across several industries are seeing huge benefits from this type of automation. 

Next steps

Ready to bring your shop floor to the 21st century? RO1 by Standard Bots, the cutting-edge six-axis cobot, is here to power up your business, whether running a startup or an industrial giant. 

  • Get more bang for your buck: RO1 offers top-tier performance at half the cost of comparable robotic arms, making advanced automation accessible to businesses of all sizes.
  • Be more productive: With its impressive 18 kg payload capacity and lightning-fast precision, RO1 effortlessly handles repetitive jobs.
  • Next-gen precision and consistency: RO1's advanced sensors and intuitive no-code interface empower anyone to program and deploy the robot regardless of their technical background.
  • Cutting-edge safety technology: RO1 comes equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including sensors and collision detection, to create a secure working environment for your team.
  • AI capabilities: RO1 uses smart technology that is on par with GPT-4 and learns and adapts to your specific needs, optimizing processes and minimizing downtime.

Contact our team today for a 30-day risk-free consultation and discover how RO1 can improve your metal fabrication processes, increase your productivity, and improve your bottom line.

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