A leading US-based manufacturing solutions provider has upgraded its capabilities by adopting Prima Power’s Laser cutting + Punching + Buffering + Bending (LPBB) integrated and flexible system.
Cadrex, a US manufacturing solutions provider, has enhanced its capabilities by adopting a system that allows them to sell more parts and always be on time: Prima Power’s integrated and flexible Laser cutting + Punching + Buffering + Bending (LPBB) system. It includes the Combi Genius laser/punch press, a loading and stacking robot, the Combo Tower, and the EBe automatic bending machine.
The Combi Genius combines punching with advanced fiber laser cutting to boost productivity, ensuring high speed and quality. A significant change to the sheet metal fabrication process by combining different technologies, such as servo-electric and fiber laser, to process components in one setup. Faster and more accurate, the system eliminates the need for multiple setups and longer production times.
“We decided on Prima Power’s LPBB integrated system, which includes the laser/punch Combi Genius, a loading and stacking robot, the Combo Tower and the EBe automated bender,” says Ed Moryn, automation manager for Cadrex. “We reviewed the different capabilities of the system, and what would fit into our building. We also discussed where Prima Power was with Industry 4.0 and we concluded they would be a good partner to move forward with.”
“The efficiency and productivity of the EBe panel bender has been phenomenal,” says Steve Riemenschneider, director of engineering soft tool for Cadrex. “We have infrastructure parts that have hems, up and down bends, and some bends that are large, measuring up to 2 ft. by 8 ft. The panel bender replaces three press brakes and six people”, he says.
“With the current marketplace, adding six additional press brake operators would have been a real challenge. The EBe picks the sheet off the Combi Genius, bends it and then stacks it for assembly. Our throughput is much better. The automated EBe has eliminated much of the human error that occurred when bending was done with manual press brakes.”
Riemenschneider says the Combi Genius allows the company to use its standard turret tooling that we have in its stand-alone turret punch presses. “It produces 300 parts per hour and runs lights out. Between the Combo Tower and the loading and stacking robot that was added to the Combi Genius, we have seen 300% productivity gains in comparison to our standard methods. The bender is closer to productivity gains of 500% to 600% percent.”
Contact: Barry Rooney