According to a 2021 study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, the U.S. manufacturing skills gap could leave as many as 2.1 million jobs unfilled by 2030.
How are OEMs working to help close the skills gap? At LVD, we’re building more intelligence into our machinery and software to make the production process easier, faster and more reliable – leaving the technology to do the work.
Take the press brake as an example. Despite advancements, the press brake is still among the most labor-intensive of machine tools. As seasoned press brake operators retire and take a depth of knowledge and skill with them, fabricators are challenged to compensate for this loss.
Building a smarter machine
CADMAN-B programming software, for all models of LVD press brakes, features a high level of intelligence (automated virtual production engineering) built in, making it as easy as possible to go from drawing to finished part with very little input from the programmer or operator. And, because the offline (CADMAN-B) is connected with the real-time Touch-B icon driven touch screen controller, the part unfolding process is always accurate. This reduces errors, which makes it easier to produce quality parts.
Optimizing production flow
A better job flow reduces the burden on the operator. Because the CADMAN-B software develops every step needed to make the part, it simplifies the operator’s task(s), reduces the likelihood of mistakes and removes the need for highly trained workers.
Changing the face of automation
The Dyna-Cell robotic bending cell also offers a solution for the skills shortage.
Automation has the reputation of being time-consuming, expensive and customized to projects with a long lifecycle. Robot teaching is one area that has required significant time and experienced operators.
Dyna-Cell is a modern bending automation cell. Dyna-Cell needs no robot teaching, and programming for both the press brake and the robot is handled offline. Programming is made easy by automated and “drag and drop” functions within the programming software.
The bending software automatically calculates the optimal program – bending sequence, tool setup, finger positions, angle measurement positions and collision detection.
The robot software imports all bending data and automatically calculates all gripper positions taking into account the gripper force, collision detection and robot reachability. The system automatically calculates the fastest collision-free path for the robot across the complete bending operation.
For every job, the database contains all the setup information needed for the press brake and robot. All the information is available on the controller so that production can begin immediately.
Changing the face of automation
The Dyna-Cell robotic bending cell also offers a solution for the skills shortage.
Automation has the reputation of being time-consuming, expensive and customized to projects with a long lifecycle. Robot teaching is one area that has required significant time and experienced operators.
Dyna-Cell is a modern bending automation cell. Dyna-Cell needs no robot teaching, and programming for both the press brake and the robot is handled offline. Programming is made easy by automated and “drag and drop” functions within the programming software.
The bending software automatically calculates the optimal program – bending sequence, tool setup, finger positions, angle measurement positions and collision detection.
The robot software imports all bending data and automatically calculates all gripper positions taking into account the gripper force, collision detection and robot reachability. The system automatically calculates the fastest collision-free path for the robot across the complete bending operation.
For every job, the database contains all the setup information needed for the press brake and robot. All the information is available on the controller so that production can begin immediately.
With the wealth of digital information and 3D visualization available, the operator has a smart assistant to quickly set the cell up for production. Programming steps can be simple and quick, and take 20 minutes or even less, depending on the part.
At the heart of the Dyna-Cell is the Dyna-Press electric-drive press brake. See the Dyna-Press and CADMAN-B software in a full bending demonstration onboard the #LVDInnovationTour. Check the Tour schedule or request a visit to your facility.
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