The Ultimate Bending Solution For Large Parts and Thick Materials

ASTRO 165W NT

The Ultimate Bending Solution For Large Parts and Thick Materials

Parts that typically require multiple operators or bending assist devices like work followers or overhead cranes are now processed safely and precisely while reducing both labor and processing costs. In addition, you’ll witness processing speeds that can outperform manual operation time by up to 22%.

The Astro 165W NT robotic system is engineered to handle a wide range of parts from large light gauge panels and channels to heavy gauge parts (up to .25˝ thick or more). The driving power in this innovative bending solution is the Hybrid Drive System (HDS ) press brake. Configured with an HDS 2204 NT, the Astro 165W generates 243 tons of bending force with its energy-efficient servo/hydraulic drive system.

The HDS series of press brakes integrated with the Astro 165W has a potentiometer backgauge system (see Figure 2) to ensure the part edge is square to the bend line on every bend. This addresses another challenge typically associated with processing large parts — the operator has to match the rotational speed and moving pivot point of the part during the bending operation (see Figure 3). This can be difficult with heavy parts or large, flimsy light gauge panels. The Astro 165W takes into account forming speed and pivot point conditions and matches them exactly. The results are bends that are accurate and consistent throughout the entire run.

An automated system with offline programming also better utilizes skilled labor in the bending area by allowing a shop’s “bending experts” to work on new jobs while the bending robot processes current jobs in queue. When the Astro 165W is combined with an Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) one operator can manage multiple jobs on multiple systems throughout the day, substantially reducing labor time as shown in Figure 1.

Astro-Easy Software

Amada has raised the bar on robotic bend-ing performance by providing Astro-Easy software to maximize the system’s processing time. Astro-Easy utilizes electronic part data enabling

operators to easily create an automated bending solution by selecting bend lines in a 3D virtual environment. All aspects of the process, in-cluding the bending program, load/unload, sequence and all movements required by the robot are generated. This includes simulating the whole

part process so the part can be run without interference or problems.

Figure 2: Potentiometer Backgauge System

Standalone Press Brake

ASTRO165 ATC

Operator Attended Time

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OfflineProgramming

Processing Time Reduced

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Total processingtime reduced forbetter throughput.

Operator Time

Figure 1: Reduced Processing Time

(Pinching Point)

Pivot Point

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Stripper

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Figure 3: Matching Pivot Points

Astro 165W NT’s configuration is built upon Amada’s HDS series of press brakes. The eco-friendly HDS is an electric/hydraulic, down-acting system that delivers superior

accuracy. The high-performance HDS press brake features a Hybrid Drive System that is engineered for low-energy consumption and requires less hydraulic fluid than conventional machines. The system’s super-accurate ram is capable of repeatability to within tolerances of ± 0.00004 .̋

For precise bending control at any position, a five-axis backgauge provides continuously updated feedback to the AMNC/PC control where exact positioning can be viewed at any time.

Hybrid Drive System (HDS) Press Brake

To maximize machine green-light-on time, this innovative robotic bending system is also equipped with an automated tool changer. The system automatically makes the appropriate tool selection while an integrated die cleaning unit ensures that the dies are maintained in optimal condition.

Automated Tool Changer

To further enhance performance, the Astro 165W NT is equipped with a Motoman ES165D six axis, shelf-type robot. Mounted on a rail in front of the press brake, this integrated robot functions as a seventh axis — enabling operators to use the press brake’s entire bed length when bending long parts.

Motoman ES165D

When pinch re-gripping is not possible (due to large part size) a re-gripping station is available to securely hold parts while the robot repositions itself. All aspects of the system are programmable offline through Astro-Easy software and controlled machine-side by the AMNC/PC control.

Re-Gripping Station

The ES165D robot can handle loads of up to 363 pounds and the system’s hand securely holds parts weighing up to 280 pounds. The Astro 165W’s hand chang-ing system is highly configurable with rails of different lengths to accommodate different part ranges and load/unload options. Numerous hands are available for bending a variety of part shapes and sizes. The system comes with two Automatic Hand Changing (AHC) stands that accommodate up to three hands each (six total) that the robot can draw from to bend parts of different sizes and weights.

Automated Hand Changing

7025 Firestone Boulevard • Buena Park, CA 90621 • (714) 739-2111 • FAX (714) 670-8020 • www.amada.com

Amada America, Inc.

Specifications

ASTRO 165W NT Robotic Bending System

Structure (A=Travel Axis) Vertical 6 axis multi-joint type + traveling axis 15.75 feet, 20 feet

Lifting Capacity 364 lbs. (includes hands)

Maximum Parts Size 59˝ x 118˝ (157˝ on HDS 2204 NT)

Minimum Parts Size 5.9˝ x 5.9˝

Thickness 0.024˝– (0.236˝ with special hands)

Power Requirement 6 kva

Positioning Accuracy ±0.0027˝ (Robot), ±0.0078˝ (Axis)

Robot Weight 3,400 lbs.

HDS 2204 NT Press Brake

Capacity 243 U.S. Tons

Maximum Bending Length 168.5˝

Distance Between Frames (B) 148˝

Open Height 26˝

Machine Length (C) 224.8˝

Machine Height (D) 126.57˝

Stroke Length 9.84˝

Approach Speed 7.87˝/sec.

Bending Speed 0.78˝/sec.

Return Speed 7.87˝/sec.

Power Requirement 99 Amps at 200 Volts

Hydraulic Oil Capacity 33.4 Gallons

Dimensions(Refer to the chart below for individual machine measurements.)

D

C

B

A