CIDAN Automation interfaces

Robot operation and fully automation

By adding a robot interface to your CIDAN folding machine with Prolink control system, it is ready for robotic operation and full automation. The robot picks up the sheet metal, adjusts it, positions it on the backgauge table, picks it up once the bending process is completed, and then neatly stacks the profiles.

A narrow sheet detail that only needs to be bent along the long sides is typically handled by the robot from the bending side, while larger details are managed from the backgauge side.

forma z betjänad av robot för automatiserad tillverkning av plåtprofiler

This is how it works

The robot is designed to perform a range of tasks with precision and care. It initiates the process by carefully picking up the sheet metal and adjusting it to the optimal position. The sheet is then accurately positioned on the backgauge table, ready for the bending process. Once bending is complete, the robot takes over again by lifting the bent sheet metal part and neatly stacking the profiles in an organized manner.

The robot’s flexibility in handling various types of sheet metal details is remarkable. For narrow sheet details requiring bending along the long sides, handling is efficiently managed from the bending side, ensuring smooth and quick processing. For larger and more comprehensive details, the robot adjusts its strategy and handles them from the backgauge side, ensuring a stable and secure process even for larger components.

cidan automation interface
  1. Up/down folder CIDAN FORMA Z 32 with ProLink control system and robot interface.
  2. Motorized backgauge with vacuum grippers. The sheet is positioned against the backgauge fingers or the bending beam.
  3. Robot with vacuum grippers.

Smart features with CIDAN’s robot interface

CIDAN’s robot interface transforms your folding machine into a fully automatic production force. You get smart integration and precision with robotic operation that streamlines your sheet metal handling.

Easy

Up/down folder, meaning the sheet does not need to be flipped for Z-bends. Easy programming and easy operation for the robot.

Flexible

Rotating Up/Down with two sets of tools. This provides maximum flexibility and maximum workspace around the tools.

Secure

Auto-tool detection – eliminates human errors when changing bending tools.

  • folding machine served by a robot on white background
  • folding machine served by a robot on white background
  • cidan robot interface
  • folding machine served by a robot on white background
  • folding machine served by a robot on white background
  • folding machine served by a robot on white background

FAQ

FAQ

Robot operation and full automation mean that a CIDAN folding machine can be prepared for robot integration and automated folding. With CIDAN’s robot interface and ProLink control system, the machine can communicate with an external robot or automation solution and become part of a more automated production flow. This makes it possible to reduce manual handling, increase repeatability and create a more efficient process for bending sheet metal parts.

CIDAN’s robot interface acts as the connection between the folding machine, the ProLink control system and the external automation equipment. The interface makes it possible to coordinate signals and functions between the robot and the machine, for example during sheet pick-up, positioning, bending and unloading of sheet metal parts. This creates the right conditions for robotic operation and full automation in production environments where precision, consistent quality and efficient sheet metal handling are important.

Robotic operation in sheet metal processing can reduce manual lifting, repetitive tasks and operator dependency in production. When a folding machine is integrated with a robot and robot interface, production can become more repeatable, stable and efficient over time. For companies working with recurring sheet metal parts or higher production volumes, robotic operation can contribute to increased capacity, better ergonomics and a more future-ready production environment.

Full automation is a good choice when a company wants to create a connected and automated flow for folding and bending sheet metal parts. It is especially relevant for recurring parts, larger series or production where high repeatability and shorter lead times are important. With CIDAN’s robot interface and ProLink control system, the folding machine can be prepared to become part of a larger automation solution for sheet metal processing.

Robot operation and full automation are suitable for companies in sheet metal processing that want to increase capacity, reduce manual handling and create a more efficient production flow. The solution is especially relevant for businesses in industrial sheet metal processing, construction, architectural metal & roofing, façade work, ventilation and other production environments where sheet metal parts are bent repeatedly. For companies that want to future-proof production and take a clear step toward automated folding, CIDAN’s robot interface is an important part of the solution.