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Multibend-Center Bending centers

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Multibend-Center

Bending centers

Welcome to the Future

Are you facing a shortage of skilled workers in sheet metal processing, rising production costs, long setup times, or challenges in maintaining consistently high bending quality without rework? Then it is time to enter a new dimension of metal fabrication. The RAS Multibend-Center fully automates your bending processes, from loading and positioning to precise alignment and unloading fast, scratch-free, accurate, and flexible, regardless of batch size.
Experience how maximum productivity and outstanding repeatability can transform your manufacturing operations sustainably. The Multibend-Center is available in three working lengths: 2160 mm, 2560 mm, and 3060 mm.

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Machine highlights

Fully automated bending processes for maximum efficiency
Fast tool change for high part variety
Highest level of precision and repeatability
Scratch free bending and long-lasting tools

Speed and highest productivity
characterize the Multibend-Center

Sensor on the Multibend-Center for Smart Predict

New: Predictive Maintenance

Detect failures before they happen

Smart Predict continuously analyses the sensor data of your Multibend-Center and warns you early of critical trends. This lets you plan maintenance instead of reacting to downtime.

Discover Smart Predict

Manual loading: Finished part will be send back to the operator. Optional: Finished part runout delivery bent parts to the opposite machine side.

Layouts

In addition to manual loading and unloading, there are a variety of options for automatic blank loading and unloading and stacking of finished parts.

Depending on the requested degree of automation, the manufacturing conditions and the available budget, multiple handling systems can be added to the Multibend-Center. Automation components can be added on the loading as well as on the unloading side. A direct linking of punching and bending is also possible in various configuration levels. Due to the modular design of the panel bender, later upgrades are also possible.

Examples of loading and unloading sides

Automatic blank loading from a single stack with the 1-station gantry loader. Optional: 2-station gantry loader.

Automatic blank loading from up to 4 stacks with a loading robot. Blanks are provided from an automated storage system.

Automatic blank loading with the RAS MiniFeeder. Either loading from a stack or taking over the blank from upstream processes.

Automatic unloading and stacking of finished parts with the RAS Palletizer (optionally 1, 3 or 5 station) with up to 15 stacking positions.

Automatic unloading and stacking of bent parts with an unloading robot. U-shaped pallet station. Horizontal and vertical stacking.

Punching-Bending: Coil, punching, shearing, blank rotation, bending, bent parts stacking

RAS Storage with loading robot at the Multibend-Center

New

New: RAS Storage

Bending without downtime

RAS Storage keeps your blanks ready in a compact storage tower with 6 pallets right next to the Multibend-Center. The loading robot requires no programming or teaching, and pallets are changed without interrupting the bending process.

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Pioneering solutions for bending

Salzmann Formblechtechnik GmbHSpeed counts

Salzmann is a leader in the contract manufacturing of sheet metal parts. Two bending centers from RAS, an intelligent loading robot and Bendex Office software enable automated, precise and repeatable bending processes for panels and cassettes up to 2560 mm long and 2 mm sheet steel.

FireblockRevolution in metal door production

In the heart of Ireland, Fireblock, a visionary manufacturer of fire and explosion resistant doors and windows, has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in metal fabrication.

CBC SrlEquipment for the leather industry

With the RAS 79.22-2 ECO Multibend-Center panel bender, CBC Srl has reduced its energy requirements and increased throughput and production flexibility

PromalProduction of high-quality metal furniture

PROMAL offers individual elements or "turnkey" systems. In production, the company relies on the performance of two RAS Multibend-Centers.

Walter Th. Hennecke GmbHAutomated flexibility

Hennecke is one of the most efficient suppliers of sheet metal components and assemblies in Germany. The wide range of production technologies also includes a RAS Multibend-Center with robot loading.

Société Giennoise de Chaudronnerie (SGC)Highly automated contract manufacturing

The company from Gien, south of Paris, relies on automation. With the RAS Multibend-Center, SGC has an extremely productive bending center in use.

Döring GmbH & Co. KGStrengthening its own products

With the RAS Multibend-Center, Döring combines the manufacturing capabilities of the machine with its in-house design expertise

Schmid GmbHBending of ceiling panels

Schmid GmbH bends ceiling panels in rectangular and special shape on the RAS 79.31-2 Multibend-Center

C+P Möbelsysteme GmbH & Co. KGFuturistic office furniture and locker rooms

At C+P Möbelsysteme GmbH & Co. KG, you can find high-tech cabinets with features like an integrated USB charging station or electronic locking systems.

GronbachExtreme precision

The Austrian company Gronbach produces precision sheet metal parts on a RAS Multibend-Center with a 2 station gantry loader.

Adolf Schuch GmbHState-of-the-art production technologies

With state-of-the-art production technologies, including a RAS Multibend-Center, Schuch has earned a reputation as one of the leading suppliers of technical luminaires with higher protection ratings.

Miele & Cie. KGFlexible bending technology

Miele & Cie. KG relies on fast set-up, a multifunctional tool set, flexible swivel bending, high process capability and the optimization of logistics

HargassnerAutomated production

Hargassner, the specialist for pellet heating systems, needed a special system solution for the production of its boiler cladding

Bedrunka & HirthThree into one

With the RAS Multibend-Center, Bedrunka & Hirth can manufacture its products faster, better and more cost-effectively

FireblockRevolution in metal door production

In the heart of Ireland, Fireblock, a visionary manufacturer of fire and explosion resistant doors and windows, has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in metal fabrication.

MegablokAutomation from coil to locker

Import of the part's CAD-data (STEP, dxf, dwg, geo, ...)

Material tables for angle corrections consider the material type, the bending length, the sheet thickness and the desired bending angle

Automatic programming of the bending sequence incl. tool setup and part handling

Ranking of alternative bending strategies

Bendex-Software: 3D bending sequence simulation

CellControl: Material flow during operation

Programming

Bendex Office and CellControl Software

The Bendex Office software automatically programs the bending sequences based on the imported CAD data of the part:

Import of STEP, DXF or GEO files
Adding of angle corrections via material tables
Automatic one-click programming of the bending sequences including the tool setup
Ranking of bending strategies
Simulation of the bending sequence in 3D
Storage of the part program in a profile archive

For special bending sequences, the CellControl Office software allows manual intervention in the automatically generated bending sequences

Graphics-supported, manual modification of bending programs in the office
Screens and menus identical with RAS CellControl machine
Additional licenses are available for networks and multiple PCs

Automatic tool setup

The tool changer positions the upper beam tool segments automatically and quickly.
The individually acting tool change grippers move toward each other with lightning speed, grab the upper beam tool segments and place them exactly in position.
Tool changing within the program sequence is also possible, for example if the long sides of the part need to be bent before the short sides.
The tool changer is self intelligent. The software recognizes the required tool length from the workpiece dimensions. It selects the appropriate tool segments and automatically calculates the fastest tool change strategy.
In the bending program, it is also possible to set a fixed tool setup. This allows for example, to place specific tools with cut-outs on top of embossings in the blank.
A magazine to the right and left of the upper beam stores tools that are currently not used.

Suction frame for automatic blank loading

The peeling suction cups separate adhering blanks

A non-contact double-sheet check system ensures that the suction frame has lifted only a single blank

Different size suction cups can be positioned flexibly

Blank loading

Gantry loader: Suction cup frame

The suction frame is equipped with different size suction cups. A quick locking mechanism allows fast setups for maximum flexibility, if the suction cups need to be repositioned.

Peeling suction cups with a large stroke height can separate the top blank of a stack and ensure a smooth production process. A double material detection system makes sure that the suction frame has picked just a single blank. A clever software feature ensures that blanks with different dimensions, geometries and holes will be reliably loaded.

The spring mounted suction cups can lift blanks from a stack on an uneven floor. Moreover, even blanks with slight embossings, lying on a warped pile can be loaded.

SheetFlipper integrated with 2 station gantry loader

Gantry loader with SheetFlipper

With the SheetFlipper, blanks lying on a stack of sheets can be loaded to the Multibend-Center panel bender either flipped or not flipped over. The suction frame of the SheetFlipper picks up a blank, flips it over and transfers it to the suction frame of the gantry loader. The SheetFlipper can be added to the single station or the 2 station gantry loader.

Optionally flipping or not flipping of blanks to be loaded
Peeling suction cups separate the blank from the stack
Two suction circuits for economical compressed air consumption
Transfer of the flipped blank to the gantry loader
Fast cycle times

Matrix code scanner integrated in the suction frame

After scanning the matrix code, the software loads the appropriate bending program

Each blank is identified by the program information in the matrix code

QR Code Scanner in gantry loader suction frame

A QR code scanner can be added to the 1 or 2 station gantry loader. The suction frame moves to the indicated stack of blanks. Each blank comes with a QR code. The scanner reads the QR code and loads the stored program. Thereafter, the suction frame lifts the top blank from the stack, check for double sheets and moves the workpiece to the Multibend-Center.

Multiple holes in the inside area of the blank allow for automatic loading only with the additional magnets in the suction frame

Suction frame of the blank loading robot with suction cups and magnets

Robotic blank loading with suction cups and magnets

The intelligent loading robot can load blanks with a closed base surface using its standard suction frame. If blanks come with many holes or cut-outs the suction frame cannot create a vacuum. In this case, additional magnets can be integrated into the vacuum frame. This allows automatic loading of a significantly increased number of blanks by the robot.

Loading blanks with multiple holes and cutouts
Significant increase of blanks that can be loaded automatically

Flexible suction frame extension on the loading robot with 3 extension arms

Suction frame extension at the RAS Multibend Center

Manually adjustable suction cup positions

Adaptation of the suction frame to different loading situations

Suction frame for loading blanks with a narrow solid frame

The loading robot feeds blanks with large window cut-outs to the RAS Multibend-Center panel bender

Flexible frame extension on the loading robot

For blanks with large window cutouts or perforated middle sections, the standard suction frame of the intelligent loading robot on the RAS Multibend-Center can not generate any vacuum to lift and load the workpieces. The suction frame with flexible suction frame extensions solves this aspect. The three extension arms with two suction cups each, can be manually setup so that even blanks with only a small frame can be automatically fed to the panel bender.

Loading of blanks with only a small solid frame area
Manually adjustable extension arms

RAS MiniFeeder: System for automatic blank loading

The MiniFeeder can deliver sheets of different widths and lengths from a stack of blanks into the panel bender

The integrated scanner reads the barcode label, which sticks to each blank and loads the program

The double sheet check ensures that only one blank has been lifted

MiniFeeder: Loading of different blanks from a single stack

Example: Kit production of elevator panels
Blanks for 10 elevators with 9 panels each
Scanner reads barcode label attached to each blank and loads program
MiniFeeder with 8 round suction cups
Blank width sets number of active suction cups
Material thickness check
MiniFeeder transports blank to suction cup measuring table

The MiniFeeder activates the right number of suction cups

An alignment laser shows the operator the exact position while loading a new stack

Narrow oval suction cups grip the blank on non-perforated edges

MiniFeeder pulls the blanks from a stack into the machine

The MiniFeeder pulls the blank with the appropriate number of suction cups onto the measuring table

MiniFeeder: Loading of perforated blanks with a small border

Example: Ceiling panels
Stack of perforated blanks with a small border
MiniFeeder with 12 oval suction cups
Blank width sets number of active suction cups
Material thickness check
MiniFeeder pulls blank to suction cup measuring table

RAS Multibend-Center connected with a Trumpf punching machine and a robot that flips the blanks

The RAS MiniFeeder loads the blank from the punch table

The MiniFeeder activates the suction cups to match the blank width and pulls the blank onto a roller conveyor

Side pushers square the blank at the end of the roller table

The intelligent loading robot takes over the blank, flips it and delivers it to the panel bender

MiniFeeder connection with robotic loading

In this blank loading option the MiniFeeder moves the blank from a punching machine via a roller table to the intelligent RAS blank loading robot. The robot picks the blank, flips it over and feeds it to the Multibend-Center, without having to be programmed or taught. System requirements:

Direct connection only
Punching: One raw blank becomes one punched part
The punching machine communicates the program name
The Multibend-Center loads the program and recognizes the blank width out of the program
The MiniFeeder activates the matching number of suction cups and pulls the blank onto the roller table
The roller table transports the blank towards the Multibend-Center and references it
The intelligent loading robot flips the blank and feeds it into the Multibend-Center

Folding beam with manual crowning option

Bending

Folding beam with crowning option

The standard folding beam stands out with excellent bending results. This is based on the very rigid box design, which is provided with a basic crowning. This solution is completely sufficient for more than 95% of the applications in hundreds of installations so far. In order to meet even extreme requirements for straightness of bends and for step bending of radii, a folding beam with manual crowning option is available.

One-piece tool (left) and divided two-piece tool (right)

Two-piece basic segments and adapter tools

Side view of the two-piece basic segments and adapter tools

Side view of the divided two-piece tool shows the large free space around the tool

Divided two-part tool consisting of tool body and tool foot

Divided two-piece upper beam tools

The upper beam tools of the RAS Multibend-Center panel benders offer large free spaces in front of and behind the tools. The clearance provides an almost infinite variety of design options for the parts. In addition to single-piece tools, divided two-piece tools are also available. What are the benefits of the divided two-piece upper beam tools?

The two-part tools allow the foot to be exchanged if individual parts require cutouts at the tool sole
In the event of damage to the bending edge, only the lower foot needs to be replaced.
It may also be necessary to change the foot when bending thicker materials that require reinforced tools
If a low angle foot is advantageous for pre-bending closed profiles, only the foot needs to be changed

Full surface brush table in the exit area of the panel bender

Full-surface brush table in the entry area of the panel bender

Multibend-Center with brush table

Several Multibend-Center configurations are available with optional brush tables.

Standard clamping foot of the main manipulator

Small and narrow parts

In addition to the standard main manipulator, the machine can be equipped with a narrow or a small main manipulator foot. The change of the clamping feet is done manually with a few simple steps. The additional clamping feet open up applications for small and narrow parts.

The belt conveyor transports the parts to the unloading position

Unloading of finished parts

Finished part belt conveyor

On the finished part belt conveyor, the 4 conveyor belts are exactly synchronized with the run-out speed of the finished parts from the Multibend-Center.

Gentle and smooth transport of bent parts
Precise stopping and positioning of parts
Lifting function of the belts for parts with negative last flange
Manual unloading from the finished part belt conveyor
Optional unloading automation with Palletizer or unloading robot

The stationary Palletizer stacks finished parts horizontally on a single pallet station

Palletizer grabs a finished part from the belt conveyor

Palletizer moves to the stacking position

Palletizer stacks the part. Stack types can be selected.

The variable suction cup frame of the Palletizer automatically adjusts to the size of the bent part

3 station Palletizer in longitudinal orientation

3 station Palletizer in transverse orientation

5 station Palletizer transverse with mix of small and large parts

5 station Palletizer transverse with max number of stacks

Palletizer unloading system

The Palletizer automates unloading and stacking of bent parts. In the stationary solution, the Palletizer stacks the parts on a single pallet. Alternatively, the Palletizer moves on a linear axis and can serve multiple stacking positions.

Horizontal stacking of bent parts
Manual part unloading still possible
Number of stacking positions depend on the part size
Stacking positions longitudinal or transverse to run-out
Stacking directly on each other or with rotational offset
Fixed or adjustable motorized suction frame
Safety system with electrically monitored doors

The pallet system transports pallets to the robot unloading position

Cross-transport of pallets in a U-shaped pallet system

Pallet arrived at the robot unloading position

Unloading a bent part on a pallet. Here: just 4 suction cups inside the part.

Vertically and horizontally stacked parts

Finished part rotator for reciprocal stacking of bent parts

Pallet system with intelligent robot unloading

With automatic unloading and stacking of bent parts, the panel bender can be run in an unmanned shift. The unloading robot picks up the finished parts from the runout table and stacks them according to the selected stacking pattern. The intelligent unloading robot does not have to be taught or programmed.

The pallet system automatically provides empty pallets
Full pallets will be delivered to the forklift pickup position
Pallets without a back panel allow horizontal part stacking
Pallets with a back panel also allow vertical stacking
The pallet system layout can be adjusted to local floorspace conditions

Horizontal stacking of parts. Every second part flipped.

Two stacks on one pallet. Overlapping stacks.

Parts stacked with a side shift. Every second part flipped.

Horizontal stacking with an angle offset

Horizontal stacking with a rotation of every other part

Vertical stacking on a pallet with a back panel

Vertical stacking with a rotation of every other part

Intelligent unloading robot: Stacking strategies

There is no need to teach or program the intelligent unloading robot. Simply select a stacking strategy and the robot does the rest. Stacking strategy examples:

•    Parts stacked horizontally
•    Parts stacked horizontally and rotated to each other
•    Parts stacked vertically (pallet with back panel)
•    Every second part turned
•    Parts lying in each other
•    Two stacks side by side or behind each other

RAS Multibend-Center—Technical data

	RAS 79.22-2	RAS 79.31-2	RAS 79.26-2
Working length	2160 mm / 85"	3060 mm / 120.4"	2560 mm / 100.8"
Material thickness max (400 N/mm² / 58,000 PSI)	2.0 (2.5) mm / 14 (13) ga	2.0 mm / 14 ga	2.0 (2.5) mm / 14 (13) ga
Box height max (four sides)	203 mm / 8"	203 mm / 8"	203 mm / 8"
Blank length max	2260 mm / 88.9"	3160 mm / 124.4"	2660 mm / 104.7"
Blank width max	1500 mm / 59"	1500 mm / 59"	1500 mm / 59"
Dimensions (Basic machine)	5100 x 5400 mm / 201" x 213"	8650 x 6100 mm / 340" x 240"	5900 x 5800 mm / 232" x 229"

Success stories with the Multibend-Center

Salzmann Formblechtechnik GmbHSpeed counts

Salzmann Formblechtechnik GmbH is one of the leading job shops for sheet metal parts in the three-country region Austria-Germany-Switzerland. Two RAS bending centers are used for panels and cassettes up to 2560 mm bending length and up to 2 mm mild steel thickness. One machine is connected to a automated warehouse that provides punched blanks. An intelligent loading robot picks up the top blank from the selected stack, separates it, flips it and feeds to the panel bender. An optical scanner measures the position of the delivered blank. For maximum bending accuracy, the main manipulator positions and rotates the part with one hundredth of a millimeter positioning accuracy and one thousandth of an angular degree rotation accuracy. The automated panel bending line folds all positive and negative flanges automatically. The Bendex Office software programs the bending sequences automatically starting from the geo data of the parts with a single mouse click. With its automation, the Multibend-Center is extremely flexible and four times faster than automated press brakes. In addition, it can be operated by semi-skilled workers.

Schneider-ElectricEfficiency increased by 410%

Schneider Electric is a globally active company headquartered in France. Its two main business areas are power distribution in medium and low-voltage networks and industrial automation. At its production site in Capellades near Barcelona in Spain, Schneider Electric manufactures control cabinets and distribution cabinets on highly automated systems. A poster hanging in front of a combined punching and bending line proves that automation pays off. This sheet metal processing line consists of punching modules from Pivatic and an automated panel bending line from RAS. Schneider Electric puts the increase in efficiency through this line at 410%

Walter Th. Hennecke GmbHAutomated flexibility

Hennecke is one of the most efficient suppliers of sheet metal components and assemblies in Germany. The multitude of manufacturing technologies also includes a RAS Multibend-Center with robot blank loading. The panel bender produces medium to large batch sizes of complex sheetmetal parts with the precision and repeatability of a Swiss watch. Its skills are just as much in demand with prototypes, e.g. if a sample is to be at hand quickly and without the need of expensive special tools. "Quick cycle times, precision and costs per part are the decision factors for the use of the panel bender", explains Managing Director Klaus Dürksen and says: "Short and reliable delivery times are important criteria for our customers when choosing their supplier". Managing Director Frank Felmet adds: "Just by the automatic tool setup, we realize time savings of up to 80% compared to press brakes".

FireblockRevolution in metal door production

In the heart of Ireland, Fireblock, a visionary manufacturer of fire and explosion resistant doors and windows, has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in metal fabrication. By implementing advanced technologies, the company has managed to increase productivity fivefold while establishing new quality standards. Read here how this is possible in detail

CBC SrlEquipment for the leather industry

CBC Srl manufactures custom equipment for leather goods and shoe factories, specialized in cutting and leather processing. By doing so, the Italian company adds order and efficiency to the leather goods production. At its Prato factory, CBC designs, develops and manufactures the finished products, which are made from steel blanks. These products utilize production space more efficiently, shorten process times and increase workplace safety. The RAS 79.22-2 ECO Multibend-Center panel bender, with a bending length of 2160 mm, reduces energy consumption and increases throughput and flexibility. But let's start at the beginning.

PromalProduction of high-quality metal furniture

PROMAL has been active for 35 years in design, production and marketing of high-quality metal furniture for cultural institutions (bookstores, libraries, universities, museums, archives) and for the office. The company offers single elements or "turnkey" installations. In production, it relies on the performance of two RAS Multibend centers. With these bending centers, the company produces fully automated furniture elements, which are created from large-area metal parts. The well-established partnership with Alpemac is a key factor in the success and activity of the company based in Pianezza in the province of Turin.

Société Giennoise de Chaudronnerie (SGC)Highly automated contract manufacturing

The Société Giennoise de Chaudronnerie (SGC) is a job shop for sheet metal parts equipped with state-of-the-art production machines. The company from Gien, south of Paris, relies on automation. With the RAS Multibend-Center, SGC not only operates an extremely productive bending center but has also connected this automated panel bending line to an automated storage system and loads the blanks with their own robotic solution.

Döring GmbH & Co. KGStrengthening its own products

Döring GmbH & Co. KG comes from the field of contract manufacturing. However, today the metal specialist designs its own product ideas. Döring sells these products mainly on the Internet. With the RAS Multibend-Center, Döring pairs the manufacturing capabilities of the machine with their in-house design know-how, and develops creative solutions that do not yet exist like this on the market.

Schmid GmbHBending of ceiling panels

Company Schmid from Simmerberg, Germany, bends ceiling panels in rectangular and special shape on the RAS 79.31-2 Multibend-Center. On many parts the process starts with a STEP file. After having imported the 3D data into BendexOffice the software creates the program with a single mouseclick.

C+P Möbelsysteme GmbH & Co. KGFuturistic office furniture and locker rooms

If you imagine a rattling metal structure with doors falling with clattering noise when you hear the term steel cabinet, you should have a look at the office and wardrobe cabinets of C+P Möbelsysteme GmbH & Co. KG. There you can find high-tech cabinets with features like an integrated USB charging station or electronic locking systems. Several RAS panel benders are involved in the emerging process of these cabinets.

GronbachExtreme precision

The Austrian company Gronbach produces precision sheet metal parts on a RAS Multibend-Center with a 2 station gantry loader. Due to embosses in the blank special upper beam tools are used. Many parts come with large window openings. Therefore the main manipulator has to clamp and bend the blanks off-center. As the downstream processes also incorporate TIG welding the bend results need to be extremely precise.

Johnson ControlsEfficient production of air conditioning units

Johnson Controls from Norman, Oklahoma (USA) bends the body parts of their air conditioners on two RAS Multibend-Centers. They market their HVAC units under the brand names of York, Luxaire, Fraser-Johnston and Coleman. The panel bender automatically folds the workpieces before an operator takes the bent parts from the buffer table. Manufacturing Engineer Tom Langford is enthusiastic about the reliability and precision of the two Multibend-Centers.

Adolf Schuch GmbHState-of-the-art production technologies

Tradition and modernity are the hallmarks of Adolf Schuch GmbH. In 1895, when Adolf Schuch shortly after the invention of the incandescent lamp, created the first waterproof incandescent light bulb fitting, no one could have dreamed how the company nowadays produces its special light fixtures. With state-of-the-art production technologies, including a RAS Multibend-Center panel bender, the 350-person company has earned a reputation as one of the leading suppliers of technical luminaires of higher protection categories.

Convotherm Elektrogeräte GmbHMultibend-Center bends steam cookers

Convotherm Elektrogeräte GmbH produces combi steam ovens. Since 2008, the company based south of Munich, has been manufacturing the housing components of its eleven oven models on the RAS Multibend-Center panel bender. The target for the investment was a flexible production system matching the assembly sequence of the cookers.

Miele & Cie. KGFlexible bending technology

An investment in a panel bender might have many different reasons. While most companies just look for more productivity in metal bending, other producers use a more global approach. One of these companies is Miele & Cie. KG in Lehrte near Hanover. Short cycle times were not their main focus for the RAS Multibend-Center investment. Issues like fast machine set-ups, a multifunctional tool set, high levels of part design flexibility and system reliability as well as improved logistic sequences have been much more important.

GlombInnovative sheet metal processing

The company Blechbearbeitung Glomb is based in Pinneberg, Germany. Today, the fabrication specialist employs 60 people. Glomb provides competent consulting in all aspects of sheet metal processing to its customers and therefore strongly contrasts with the wide range of general job shops. A RAS Multibend-Center panel bender with robotic blank loading complements the already wide range of production capabilities.

SAS InternationalAdvanced manufacturing

SAS International is a world leader in the design and manufacture of precision engineered metal systems for suspended ceilings. The SAS UK manufacturing facilities rank amongst the most modern and fully equipped in the world. The Bridgend facility in South Wales manufactures ceiling tiles, and heating and cooling elements. Maybole in Scotland is responsible for special architectural metalwork. In 2007 SAS improved their production capabilities adding three automated folding systems RAS Multibend-Centers.

HargassnerAutomated production

On the Hargassner shop floor space is limited. The pallet oven specialist therefore requested a special solution with an intelligent loading and unloading robot for the production of their boiler trims. The blanks are provided by a Stopa storage system and the robot can pick and load blanks from up to 4 different stacks of material without a need of being programmed. The unloading robot stacks the finished parts on pallets and also calculates its movements fully automated.

Bedrunka & HirthThree into one

Just like every company throughout the world, the German company Bedrunka & Hirth, must make its products faster, better and less expensively to be competitive in the European market. The RAS Multibend-Center panel bender not only processes their parts faster, but also allows many product redesigns with fewer components.

Henke GmbHSemi-finished also creates profit

Karl Hermann Wolf is proud, that his enterprise, located in the German town Altenstadt, has been a supplier to international well-known companies for many years. But more and more he has had to deal with foreign competitors. Therefore he decided to invest in a fully automated RAS Multibend-Center.

PalazettiPellet stove creates a feel-good atmosphere

Over the years, the pellet stove has more and more taken on the role of a well-being stove, but above all it has become a design and decoration object. The RAS Multibend-Center ECO supplies Palazzetti directly with finished enclosure parts for the stoves, which do not need to be post-processed, and this in consistent and visually flawless quality. The quality of the end product in terms of surface finish is outstanding. With the bending center, Palazzetti is highly efficient on one hand, as the automatic tool setup significantly reduces the cycle time of the bending operations. On the other hand, they are very flexible, as the automatic tooling system allows them to switch extremely quickly from one program to another.

Kimmel GmbH & Co. KGShortage of skilled workers forces automation

Kimmel GmbH & Co. KG started automating manufacturing processes more than 20 years ago. By using a panel bender RAS Multibend-Center ECO with a working length of 2560 mm, the sheet metal parts specialist from Simbach in Bavaria, Germany, is able to react very flexibly to order peaks. Volker Kimmel concludes: "With the RAS bending center, we have achieved all our objectives. Easy operation, flexible response to new challenges, low space requirements, and automation within bounds to counteract the increasingly critical labor shortage."

Punching-bending lines

The Partners

RAS and Pivatic are well-known, top-performing and established manufacturers of sheet metal working equipment on the market. The two companies contribute their know-how in punching and bending and offer punching-bending lines as a joint solution.

Pivatic, based in Finland, was established in 1975 and is today part of the Ursviken Group. More than 450 sheet metal processing lines are a convincing proof of the efficiency in automatic punching.

RAS completes the lines with its Multibend-Center panel benders and can also palletize bent parts or forward them to downstream systems using additional automation components.

The Concept

The unique Pivatic-RAS solution integrates two sheet metal processing technologies in a single production line: punching by Pivatic - bending by RAS. Compared to other systems, the material moves only once through the Pivatic punching machine. The result is a punched part produced faster than with any other flexible flexible punching system.

This punching speed, combined with the bending speed and flexibility of the RAS panel bender, results in an automated manufacturing solution that features low cycle times, high productivity, low logistics and handling requirements, high part design flexibility, and low cost per part.

The integrated line is very compact and requires minimal shop floor space. Due to the flexibility of both technologies, this fantastic and modular line is suitable for high production batches as well as for small quantities down to batch size 1.

Punching – Bending Line starting from blanks

The Production Process

The punching process can start from sheet metal blanks or from coil. The RAS bending module can consist of one of three panel benders (RAS 79.22-2, 79.26-2, 79.31-2). Additional slitting and cut-to-length shears provide precise blanks for the bending process. After bending, the palletizer optionally stacks the finished parts.

The Software

A line control software organizes data communication to the components of the production line, sends information to an ERP system and generates statistical data. State-of-the-art technology complies with industry standard 4.0. Programming of the punching and bending sequences based on 3D and 2D CAD drawings can also be carried out automatically.

Synchronized punching and bending sequences

The Benefits

Reduced logistics effort and improved material flow
Reduced work-in-process inventory
Reduced human errors due to automated processes
Synchronized processes increase throughput and efficiency
Low costs per part due to short cycle times
Up to 120 punching tools simultaneously accessible (no changeover times)
No punching skeleton
Automatic blank loading, squaring, positioning, bending and unloading
Fast up/down folding sequences without flipping the part
Highest level of bending precision and repeatability
Automatic tool setup
Scratch-free bending, no tool wearr
Optional stacking or forwarding of finished parts

Pivatic-RAS punching-bending layout starting from coil

Pivatic-RAS punching-bending layout starting from blank

Pivatic-RAS punching-bending layout starting with a blank tower and single sheet access

Pivatic-RAS punch-bend layout starting from coil. Additional modules: Cut-to-width, discharging of punched parts, palletizing of bent parts.

The Layouts

With four different layouts, a Pivatic-RAS punching-bending line can be adapted exactly to the customer's needs.

Connected punching and bending line: Wall panels for elevator cabs

Applications

The video shows how an automatic production line punches and bends wall panels for elevator cabs. The Pivatic punching line starts from blanks and punches the panels in one pass through the punching machine. After rotation of the sheets, the RAS Multibend-Center panel bender automatically bends the wall panels. Each panel can be different in geometry, dimensions and material.