Automated cell
January 1st 2007

A fully automated bending and punching cell developed by Unison has helped tubular metalworking contractor Olicana Products to dramatically increase its manufacturing capacity.

The cell is programmed to fabricate bathstands and currently produces Wshaped tubular frames with up to six bends and fixing holes every 11sec.

The machinery cell has allowed Olicana to increase capacity by adding an unmanned overnight shift.

The feed hopper is filled before staff leave for the day and, by morning, up to 2000 Cutting edge solution ENTER 10570 Tel: 0117 907 7403 finished parts are stacked and ready for shipment.

It consists of three major machines: a five-axis, allelectric 25mm tube bender from Unison's Breeze family; a robot arm; and a punch press. The input hopper's 2000 tube lengths capacity is enough for more than 6h of production.

The all-servo control of bending axes provided by the Breeze machine means set-up for a batch is completely automatic. A further benefit is in reduced energy use.