Cutting edge innovation

Robotics & Mechatronics

3rd Quarter 2010 Robotics & Mechatronics

First Cut’s Capital Equipment Division has introduced the new Kaltenbach 1201 Coping Robot (KC) into its range of cutting machinery.

First Cut’s new Coping Robot

The robot has a range of functions, including coping, bevelling, cut-to-length mitre cutting, notching/slotting, hole cutting, contour marking and splitting.

The KC was designed for sections, angles, channels and rectangular tube coping. Mounted on a portal frame, it consists of six axes with extended seventh and eighth axes.

Steve van Wyk, director of First Cut, explains: “It has an extended operating range which comes about by moving the robot in an additional horizontal seventh axis on linear bearings. An eighth robot axis is the M 158 G-NC pusher type length measuring system, so coping can take place over the full measuring range.”

An added feature is the plasma torch used for marking profiles with numbers, which are still visible after shot blasting and painting. Before coping, an optical laser distancing sensor scans the profile size and position.”

Van Wyk further explains the ease of use of the KC 1201: “Several work pieces can be cut out of one profile, and then subsequently coped. If neighbouring components within a nest have matching mitre cuts, these can be executed with a common cut without producing a drop out.”

Coping is just one of the many modes of operation of the KC 1201. The new robot also cuts material to length and bevels on ready cut inner contours or copes, as well as on smooth cuts. In addition it cuts circular holes and slots and does longitudinal cuts.

The KC1201 features simple programming. It takes direct imports of DSTV files from all major CAD systems so no manual programming is necessary. The program can also manage data for several work pieces nested on one profile. The design offers 3D visualisation for all parts and off-line simulation before processing.

The gripper type measuring system has an hydraulic gripper running on a linear bearing and support rail. “This offers high accuracy”, says van Wyk. “Forward and backward movements are possible, and the entire system lends itself to easy transport of short length materials,” he concludes.

For more information contact Andrew Poole, First Cut, +27 (0)11 614 1112, [email protected], www.firstcut.co.za

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