ABB, the global power and automation technologies group, has introduced ‘BendWizard’ computer software, which can quickly and efficiently program robots for use in tending press brakes.
Offering the programming convenience of a conventional computer ‘wizard,’ BendWizard is already selling worldwide to press brake manufacturers and users. Increasingly, robots are specified to pick-up, align and bend metal sheets into required shapes. However programming a robot for a typical press brake application, such as manufacturing metal cabinets, for example, can be a complex and costly operation, and this limits automation to high volume production.
ABB has developed BendWizard to provide a rapid, simple off-line process giving metal fabricators the cost benefits of advanced automation for both small and large-batch runs, adding real value to their operations. By dramatically reducing robot downtime and making production runs for fewer than 50-off economically viable, BendWizard offers smaller workshops a genuine incentive to invest in modern automation systems.