Month: January 2025

At the latest EuroBLECH exhibition in Hanover, RAS Reinhardt Maschinenbau GmbH presented its newest innovation, the MiniBendCenter 2. This fully automated bending system is engineered to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and precision in small-part production, redefining industry standards.

Unmatched Automation for Precision Bending

Touted as the most advanced folding center for compact parts, the MiniBendCenter 2 incorporates cutting-edge robotics and sophisticated software to optimize production processes. Designed for uninterrupted 24/7 operation, it features MiniBend-Office software and an integrated robotic system, ensuring seamless material handling from loading to unloading.

Advanced Software for Seamless Operation

The MiniBend-Office software simplifies both programming and simulation, enhancing user control and reducing complexity. A strategic collaboration with Euclid further refines the system’s capabilities, enabling streamlined operations and higher efficiency.

Intelligent Robotics Redefining Workflow

A key highlight of the MiniBendCenter 2 is its intelligent robotic system, which automates loading and unloading tasks with precision. Equipped with servo-electric controls, the machine achieves exceptional accuracy and speed. The vacuum suction unit, featuring four independently adjustable suction cups, efficiently manages various materials while ensuring stable stacking of finished parts. Pallet changes occur seamlessly during operation, eliminating workflow disruptions.

High-Performance Bending with Minimal Downtime

Capable of processing sheet sizes up to 600 x 600 mm and material thicknesses up to 3 mm in steel, the MiniBendCenter 2 eliminates the need for manual part turning. Its bidirectional bending capability significantly reduces processing times, while automatic tool setup enables uninterrupted production, even during unmanned ‘ghost shifts.’

Setting New Benchmarks in Sheet Metal Processing

Thomas Berger, Automation Project Manager at RAS, highlights the groundbreaking impact of the MiniBendCenter 2: “This system represents a major leap in efficiency, precision, and automation for sheet metal processing.” With its advanced capabilities and compact design, the MiniBendCenter 2 is poised to become an essential solution for manufacturers seeking optimized automation in metalworking.

Beckhoff has unveiled new capabilities for its TwinCAT 3 PC-based control platform, targeting the specialized needs of additive manufacturing and EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining) technologies. These enhancements expand the flexibility and performance of the system with cutting-edge features and additional technology modules.

Evolving TwinCAT into a Versatile CNC Solution

The TwinCAT system, originally designed to integrate real-time control with multiple runtime systems like PLC, NC, CNC, and robotics, has developed into a modular powerhouse. The current iteration, TwinCAT 3, extends its capabilities further by incorporating advanced CNC functionalities tailored for applications such as additive manufacturing and EDM, including wire erosion and die-sinking.

New Additions to the TwinCAT 3 CNC Lineup

The updated TwinCAT 3 platform introduces several innovative features and technology packages. Among the highlights are:

1. TF5262 and TF5263 Modules: These components are optimized to address the complexities of additive manufacturing and EDM operations.
2. TF5291 and TF5292 Packages: Designed to expand the system’s capabilities, these new modules deliver enhanced support for real-time process control and machining precision.

Dynamic Contour Control and Tool Compensation

A significant aspect of the TF5262 module is its support for dynamic contour control (DCC) and tool radius compensation (TRC). These features work together to:

• Adjust the tool center point path dynamically, correcting contour inaccuracies.
• Provide real-time compensation for tool radius, tangent positions, and multi-path interpolation.
  Additionally, the module includes geometric feed adjustment (GFA) for maintaining consistent surface speeds and supports custom interpolation functions written in C++ via TcCom interfaces.

Extended Interpolation Capabilities

The TF5263 module introduces advanced interpolation functionality, enabling simultaneous programming of two independent paths within one CNC channel. Key features include:

• Synchronization tools to align multiple paths.
• Tool path adjustments, including compensation for tool nose radius.
• Conical coupling to harmonize paths and address discrepancies introduced by compensation mechanisms.

Predictive Process Control for Additive Manufacturing

Beckhoff’s TF5291 technology package equips TwinCAT 3 with advanced predictive capabilities tailored for additive manufacturing. This includes:

• Interfaces for PLC and ADS systems to forecast upcoming contour elements and their parameters.
• Real-time monitoring of dynamic values for individual axes during operation.

EDM-Specific Enhancements with TF5292

Targeting wire erosion and die-sinking EDM applications, the TF5292 module integrates features from TF5262, TF5263, and TF5291 while adding unique functionalities for EDM processes. These include:

• Retraction strategies to optimize machining cycles.
• Compensation techniques essential for the precision of EDM systems.

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By combining modular architecture with innovative CNC solutions, Beckhoff’s TwinCAT 3 continues to push the boundaries of control technology, offering tailored solutions for complex manufacturing processes.