GERMAN AMERICAN - Strothmann

ware for the linear robots
which is provided by ATR, the
group’s specialist for system
integration.
KISS – Keep it simple, STROTH-
MANN
“Often, a simple solution
brings about the greatest
effect”, says Derek P. Clark.
“The linear robot, for example,
with its clearly defined movements
along linear axes, greatly
simplifies control. And there
are almost no centrifugal
forces. Even large blanks can be
transferred at high speeds without
bending or buckling. The
high degree of dynamism of
the shuttles is also based on a
simple idea: The smaller the
mass, the more easily it can be
accelerated. That’s why the
German American Trade · Vol. 15 · No. 3
A glimpse into the near future: Vision based centering station
The trend towards increased
flexibility within the automotive
industry continues. The
ability to process a larger
range of blanks (from ashtraysized
sheets to complete body
sides) as well as single or double
blanks improves utilization
rates and reduces costs, but
also puts enormous demands
on the devices which position
the blanks for optimum press
loading. A tried and tested
solution is STROTHMANN’s
mechanical centering station
whose overall breadth is continuously
adjustable to fit
sheet size. But high flexibility
means also high complexity,
which limits the possibility of
further improvement. Because
of this, STROTHMANN is developing
a new system: “At the
moment, we are working on
reducing the number of
mechanical components by
integrating an image processing
system into the centering
station”, explains head of
development Rainer Massow.
Our goal is not only to increase
flexibility, but also to be considerably
faster than the
mechanical solution.”
STROTHMANN will present the
new device at the 18th
International Sheet Metal
Working Technology Exhibition
(Euroblech) in Hanover /
Germany, in Oct. 2004.
Cover Story
Linear
movements and
a stationary
motor provide
a high level of
dynamism
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