November 5, 2012 - Rexroth enhances CNC for punching and nibbling machines. The CNC system solution IndraMotion MTX seamlessly works together with the Rexroth electrohydraulic punching and nibbling machine. The interface for data exchange between the control unit and the nibble axis, which comes preprogrammed ex works, reduces programming and commissioning expenditure by approximately 50%. In a current punching machine benchmark press, the Rexroth complete solution increased the previously-achieved stroke rate by around 30%. With a sheet feed of 1 mm, a stroke of 3 mm, and a sheet thickness of 1 mm, the Rexroth solution increases productivity from around 700 to about 930 strokes per minute.
That allows for a maximum stroke rate of up to 1,600 strokes/min in typical nibble mode, rendering it the fastest automation for punching and nibbling machines available on the market today. The IndraMotion MTX CNC system solution used is universally based on open standards like the sercos automation bus, IEC 61131-3, and NC programming in G-code. That allows users to program sequences themselves, fast and efficiently. In four MTX power stages, the system family covers the spectrum of all customer wants and needs. All versions use the same software core and the same engineering environment.
That makes it possible for users to reuse programs and parts of programs in other machine sizes. Predefined technology features for punching, nibbling, soft punching, notching, and conversions further reduce time to market. With CNC cycle times of 0.25 ms and faster SPS command processing, the IndraMotion MTX creates the prerequisites for the highest level of productivity. Via a preprogrammed interface, the CNC system solution controls the electrohydraulic nibble axes from Rexroth.
These ready-to-install modules with a power unit, cylinder, and its own Motion Control decentrally control the punching head movements. Users can choose from three versions: standard, advanced, and high performance, with 200 kN and 300 kN nominal force. They each work in typical frequencies between 600 and 1600 with a 4 mm stroke. In graving mode, the stroke rate increases to up to 4,000 strokes per minute. The Motion Control HNC100-3X, which has been optimized for hydraulic drives, is responsible for the decentralized position control.
Comprehensive function libraries replace complex programming with simple parameterization. At the same time, its openness offers a high degree of freedom for realizing individual solutions. In initial applications, the complete solution has shown a savings potential for programming and commissioning of around 50% – the reason being that all interfaces are coordinated and the preprogrammed features need only be parameterized. That reduces time to market. The predefined technological features ensure a maximum stroke rate with an optimal motion sequence.
In operations, the transparent architecture facilitates diagnoses and simplifies product conversions.