™BendWizard 2.0Industrial IT Software

MAIN APPLICATIONSPress Brake

The Software Between The Sheet Metal And The RobotSoftware is a key component in a robotic press brake tending application. You need a user-friendly interface that can satisfy programming functionality, whether it's a new part or a part modification.

™BendWizard 2.0 has a new architectural platform that simplifies and improves the interface for programming the robot and press brake operation.

Robots have become commonplace in the metal fabrication process of press brake tending. Their major advantages over manual tending include:

! Improved quality! High productivity! Operator safety

ABB reserves the right to change specifications without notice.

BendWizard, RoboBender & RobotStudio are trademarks of ABB Inc.

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! Scrap reduction! Consistent repeatability

Traditionally, programming parts for small batches was way too time consuming.

BendWizard is a new innovative PC software, distinguished by a user-friendly interface, for offline programming and simulation on a press brake tending robotic workcell. BendWizard eliminates robot down-time for programming, reduces dramatically the actual programming time and requires minimal operator skills.

The problem-Time

The solution-BendWizard

ProgrammingSince the cell is shown in the 3D format with all peripheral components defined the operator can now begin to program the different phases of the operation which include:

! Loading the sheet from the feeding system! Double-thickness control! Part Centering! Bending sequence! Overturning and palletization

Integration of several operation sequences allows process modifications when problems are identified.

Part definition geometry

Feasibility studies are possible using orthogonal and three-dimensional views.

The system automatically verifies every phase of the program cycle including reach-ability of robot targets, the robots working envelope, potential interference and collision problems and when a problems is detected the operator has several tools available to make the necessary modifications.

Once done the program is converted to the robots operating language and downloaded. A first part program check is recommended.

All of BendWizard's processed data can be converted into reports for documentation and used for setting up future production runs or successive batches.

ABB SolutionsPress Brake Tending Center of ExcellenceV.le Edison 5020099 Sesto S. Giovanni (Mi) - ItalyTel. +39 02 262321 Fax. +39 02 26232 363http://www.abb.com/robots

Offline Programming & Simulation Software

System RequirementsCPU Pentium III or higher

800 MHzMemory 256 MB RAMDisc-space 700+ MBVideo Card* 32 MB supporting

Open GL, small fontsMonitor 1024 x 768PC Platform Windows NT 4.0Mouse 3 buttons

* GeForce chip set recommended.

Programming with BendWizard 2.0BendWizard is based on the RobotStudio™ platform, the new standard simulation tool for offline programming of ABB 6-axis robots.

As a first step in the programming of a new part, the user has to import the DXF/IGES drawing of the part and then make the virtual set-up of the press brake, using the proper tools.

The bending sequence is defined in an interactive way through the simulation of the robot and press brake cycle, verifying step by step that the part program is correct in terms of:

! Robot working area! Interference or Collisions! Reach-ability

The final result is the generation of the robot part program that can be directly downloaded to the robot controller.

BendWizard software is sequentially structured and made up of four different programming environments:

! Working cell configuration and setup: the definition of the layout through the selection of the system components and their positioning. Libraries are available for all the robot models, the system modules and the models of the press brake.

! Part definition: the definition of the geometry of the part to be programmed through the import of the DXF/IGES drawing or the creation of the drawing by means of an incorporated CAD system.

! Workcell set-up definition: definition of the setup of the press brake with the different set of tools required, of the robot gripper and the other adjustable modules included in the robotic system

! Bending sequence definition: the generation of the robot part program

The BendWizard 2.0 version uses 3D graphics based on solid modeling that makes movement within the virtual cell simple and easy for checking details and the bending sequence.

A typical BendWizard virtual robot cell.

Graphic windows and menu icons simplify BendWizard’soperation.

Import drawings from DXF or IGES files or use BendWizard’s own CAD functions.

BendWizard offers a large variety of press brake machines, robots and peripherals for the definition of virtually every type of cell.

A library of standard tools is available for setting up of the press brake machine.

™ ™The BendWizard and RoboBender relationshipRoboBender™ is ABB's standardized solution for complete press brake tending functional packages based on the robot reach, sheet metal dimensions and press brake size.

™Now ABB introduces BendWizard 2.0, an innovative software product developed for easy, fast, offline programming of the entire RoboBender product range. BendWizard, patented by ABB, is the result of three years development and incorporates the ABB experience and know-how in robotic press brake tending applications. All this while requiring minimal operator skills to program a small batch production of 50 parts or less.

Based on a solid and consolidated platformBendWizard is based on the ABB standard RobotStudio platform for simulation and part programming of ABB robots. With RobotStudio's virtual controller technology you are assured reliable, accurate representation of the robot control system. Virtual Controller exactly simulates the robot movements for checking reach, identifying interference problems and collisions, performing diagnostics, etc. And you get the added convenience of upgrades for every functional update.

Getting Started1. Examine the part geometry in the CAD environment. Import IGES or DXF files to preview the part or use BendWizard's own CAD functions to design the piece.

2. Next visualize the part in both the bi-dimensional flat sheet view and the 3-dimensional view showing the real time fold angles.

3. Now the operator can set-up the cell components. Select the robot, press brake and peripherals from the appropriate library then determine which punches and dies are required depending on the parts length and shape.

4. Last you can set-up the gripper, position the vacuum cups and magnets and even determine the needs for an overturning system in case of counter-fold operation.