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TASK
At the end of a production line for aligning and cutting aluminium plates, subsequent automatic stacking is required. The speciality of the production lies in the wide range of formats and the versatile, virtually simultaneous switch between the various dimensions of the batches. The dimensions range from 1 x 1 m to 3.15 x 15 m (plate thickness 2 ? 15 mm) and all the intermediate formats.
The system is designed for a capacity of 5 strokes per minute in normal operation or 10 strokes per minute in alternating operation. The maximum vertical stroke is 900 mm, the horizontal travel from the removal position to the stacking station is 3500 mm.
SOLUTION
Stacking with series ZP-5 and ZP-6. A total of 10 portals are parallel-mounted on the steel support structure. In the plate length range up to 3 m, a so-called ?alternating? mode is used in which up to 3 portals work synchronously, alternating with the other 3 portals. The rear area, for which the ZP-6 portals are intended, is activated for longer plates.
Depending on the length, the necessary number of portals for the process is selected, and respective pairs of suction elements are additionally activated according to the width. To keep sagging of the plates to a minimum, a dense arrangement of suction elements with a spacing of approx. 350 mm is selected.
SCOPE OF SUPPLY
A total of 10 two-axis portals ? series ZP5 and ZP6 ? are arranged on a shared steel structure. 4 suction rows of 6 suction elements each per portal. They are activated in pairs via valve islands and are automatically controlled.
In addition to the 20 portal axes, the control package comprises an additional 8 belt drives, adjustment drives for limit stops and lateral centering, exit stations and an automatic elevating platform for advanced stacking. This is realized with a joint Beckhoff control system and Indramat servo-drives.
RESULT
The system meets the customer's criteria and has been in full production since the beginning of 2006. Work on a second system for steel plates with significantly heavier weights is ongoing.
The system partner is already planning to include the concept as a fixed component in several projects and may establish itself as a product for other applications even outside this industry.
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