Abstract: A die of a stamping press is described and includes: an upper portion including one or more first features; a lower portion including one or more second features that are complementary to the first features and apertures at locations, respectively, that extend through the lower portion; and optical sensors that are disposed within the apertures, respectively, of the lower portion and that are configured to measure directions of movement and distances of movement inward of outer edges of a substrate at the locations, respectively, during stamping of the substrate.

Abstract: A working head (1) for a compression or cutting tool (100) comprises a connecting portion (3) for a removable connection of the working head (1) with an actuation part (2) of the tool (100), two jaws (4) movable between an open position and a closed position to perform the compression or cutting, and a local storage (6) configured for storing one or more cumulative data representative of a stress history of the jaws (4), wherein the local storage (6) is fixed to the working head (1).

Abstract: A control apparatus of a machine tool includes: a slide position control unit configured to control a slide according to operation patterns; a pressure command generation unit configured to generate a pressure command for a die cushion according to the operation patterns; a pressure detection unit configured to detect an actual pressure of the die cushion; a die cushion speed control unit configured to control the die cushion, based on an error between the pressure command and the actual pressure; and a command reach determination unit configured to determine whether or not the error is greater than a pressure threshold, wherein the slide position control unit sets, based on a result of the determination by the command reach determination unit, a waiting period between the operation pattern at the time of the determination and the next operation pattern, wherein the slide is kept at its position during the waiting period.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for super cryogenic forming of a metal thin-walled curved surface part, including a super cryogenic medium conveying and pressurizing unit, a press, a die unit and a control system. A blank holder cylinder, a blank holder slide, a deep drawing cylinder and a deep drawing slide are disposed on the press. The die unit includes a male die, a blank holder and a female die. The super cryogenic medium conveying and pressurizing unit includes an autoboosting cryogenic container. A cryogenic channel in the blank holder, a cryogenic channel in the female die and a cavity of the female die are communicated with an outlet of the autoboosting cryogenic container by cryogenic pipes, respectively. A cryogenic pump is disposed on the cryogenic pipe between the cavity of the female die and the autoboosting cryogenic container.

Abstract: A method for forming a desired bend angle in an orthodontic appliance comprising: monitoring bending of the orthodontic appliance in a gripped state, the monitoring being continuous; in response to an initial bend angle in the orthodontic appliance in the gripped state being reached, causing the release of at least a portion of the orthodontic appliance so that orthodontic appliance is in a free state, measuring resultant angle of the bend in the free state; in response to resultant angle being within a predefined tolerance of the desired bend angle, determining that desired bend angle has been reached.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes attaching a die to a beam, where the die includes an array of transducers in a transducer region of the die, a first region extending from the transducer region to a first end of the die and a second region extending from the transducer region to a second end of the die. The transducer region of the die is attached to the beam, and the first region and the second region are not attached to the beam.

Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a die comprising an array of transducers in a transducer region of the die, a first region extending from the transducer region to a first end of the die and a second region extending from the transducer region to a second end of the die, and a beam, wherein the transducer region of the die is fixedly attached to the beam.

Abstract: The apparatus has a bending/cooling station mounted on a base. A tube clamping assembly is mounted on the base, movable towards and away from the bending/cooling station and including a tube clamping assembly and a tube rotation assembly. A tube heating assembly is mounted for movement between the bending/cooling station and the tube clamping assembly. Servomotors move the tube clamping assembly and the tube heating assembly, rotate the tube clamping assembly, and actuate bending at the bending/cooling station. The apparatus is controlled by PLC or PC-based programs, which effect movement via servomotors and control other parameters such as heating and cooling times and temperatures. Bending and cooling the tube at a first bend location, and heating the next desired bend location, take place in overlapping time windows, before advancing the tube to position the next desired bend location of the tube at the bending/cooling station.

Abstract: A method for forming a desired bend angle in an orthodontic appliance comprising: obtaining desired bend angle; determining initial bend angle to be applied in gripped state; causing forming of a bend with initial bend angle; monitoring bending; in response to initial bend angle in the appliance in the gripped state being reached, causing the release of at least a portion of the appliance so that appliance is in the free state, measuring resultant angle of the bend in free state; selectively executing: in response to resultant angle being within a predefined tolerance of the desired bend angle, determining that desired bend angle has been reached; and in response to the resultant angle being outside the predefined tolerance level of the desired bend angle, iteratively applying an adjusted bend angle to the appliance in the gripped state until the desired bend angle is achieved as determined in the free state.

Abstract: A method for forming a desired bend angle in an orthodontic appliance comprising: obtaining desired bend angle; determining initial bend angle to be applied in gripped state; causing forming of a bend with initial bend angle; monitoring bending; in response to initial bend angle in the appliance in the gripped state being reached, causing the release of at least a portion of the appliance so that appliance is in the free state, measuring resultant angle of the bend in free state; selectively executing: in response to resultant angle being within a predefined tolerance of the desired bend angle, determining that desired bend angle has been reached; and in response to the resultant angle being outside the predefined tolerance level of the desired bend angle, iteratively applying an adjusted bend angle to the appliance in the gripped state until the desired bend angle is achieved as determined in the free state.

Abstract: A bending apparatus has (a) a first manipulator which feeds a hollow metal blank of closed cross section in its lengthwise direction, (b) a second manipulator which supports a first support means disposed at a first position and a metal blank while feeding it, a heating means disposed at a second position downstream of the first position in the blank feed direction for heating all or part of the circumference of the blank, and a cooling means disposed at a third position downstream of the second position for cooling a portion of the heated blank, and (c) a third manipulator which constitutes a second support means disposed at a fourth position downstream of the third position in the feed direction of the blank and which moves two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally while supporting at least one location of the metal blank to bend the metal blank into a desired shape.

Abstract: A method for roller burnishing a cylindrical component part surface of a workpiece includes using a roller burnishing tool including at least one rolling element. The at least one rolling element is pressed by hydrostatic pressurization radially outwardly against the component part surface and is left to roll down on the component part surface by rotating the roller burnishing tool or the workpiece. The torque arising as a result of the friction between the at least one rolling element and the component part surface is detected and sent for evaluation.

Abstract: A bending apparatus has (a) a first manipulator which feeds a hollow metal blank of closed cross section in its lengthwise direction, (b) a second manipulator which supports a first support means disposed at a first position and a metal blank while feeding it, a heating means disposed at a second position downstream of the first position in the blank feed direction for heating all or part of the circumference of the blank, and a cooling means disposed at a third position downstream of the second position for cooling a portion of the heated blank, and (c) a third manipulator which constitutes a second support means disposed at a fourth position downstream of the third position in the feed direction of the blank and which moves two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally while supporting at least one location of the metal blank to bend the metal blank into a desired shape.

Abstract: A method for operating a measuring point for determining at least one measured variable of a medium is disclosed. The measuring point includes a base unit, which is connected releasably with a sensor unit, and which is provided for communication of a signal representing the value of the measured variable to a process monitoring facility. The following steps are included: at least one-time registering and storing in the base unit a value of a diagnostic parameter stored in the sensor unit or produced by the sensor unit; on the basis of this value conforming a prognosis value or prognosis interval stored in the base unit, and storing the conformed prognosis value or prognosis interval in the base unit in place of the previously stored prognosis value or prognosis interval.

Abstract: A crimping press (1) for manufacturing crimp connections is disclosed, comprising a frame (2), a die (14), a plunger (15) movable relative to the frame (2), and a drive (4) attached to the frame (2) for moving the plunger (15). According to the invention, the crimping press (1) furthermore comprises a beam (5) arranged between said drive (4) and said plunger (15) and/or said frame (2) and said die (14) and a sensor (8) for measuring the bending of the beam (5) arranged on or in the beam (5).

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating beneficial residual stresses in a target material by generating cavitation shock waves through the use of a cavitation intensification conditioner. Shock waves emanate through the target material from collapsing cavitation voids in a liquid jet to generate residual stresses without significantly deforming the surface of the target material. A high pressure liquid is accelerated through a submerged peening nozzle to generate a high-speed liquid cavitating jet that is further intensified and controlled by use of the cavitation intensification conditioner.

Abstract: A curvature retaining device (1) includes two support points (25a) that can abut against one surface of a plate-shaped workpiece W, one or more pressing points (40a) that can abut against a position of the other surface of the plate-shaped workpiece (W) between the support points (25a), and forward/backward drive means (support unit (23) and pressing unit (33)) for moving at least either the support points (25a) or the pressing points (40a) forward to and backward from the other. Preferably, the two support points (25a) abut against the one surface of the plate-shaped workpiece (W) at a first distance (Ls), the two pressing points (40a) abut against the other surface of the plate-shaped workpiece (W) at second distance (Lp) shorter than the first distance (Ls), and a middle point of the first distance (Ls) and a middle point of the second distance (Lp) match with each other.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a crimping process is disclosed, which determines whether an actual force stroke progression (Fa)/force-time progression is, a) above, or, b) below an ideal force stroke progression (Fi)/force-time progression in at least one point. The method shifts an upper border (Bu) and/or the lower border (Bl) of a tolerance band upwards in case a) and downwards in case b), utilizing four zones (Z1-Z4) of determined force progression. Additionally, there are is an absolute upper limit (Lu), at which an upward shifting of the upper border (Bu) is inhibited, and an absolute lower limit (Ll), at which a downward shifting of the lower border (Bl) is inhibited. Moreover, a crimping press and a computer program product embodying the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A die cushion force control method and a die cushion apparatus generates a die cushion force on a cushion pad based on a die cushion force command value set in advance. A die cushion force command value equal to or larger than a target die cushion force command value is outputted initially in order to suppress an initial die cushion force overshoot generated when the target die cushion force command value configured to be stepwise is used as the die cushion force command value, then a die cushion force command value decreased continuously (gradually) so as to be smaller than the target die cushion force command value is outputted, and subsequently a die cushion force command value increasing gradually so as to be equal to the target die cushion force command value is outputted.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a machine bed for hydraulic presses. The machine bed has a bed body and at least one pretensioning unit. The pretensioning unit is realized in such a manner and cooperates with the bed body in such a manner that said bed body is acted upon by lateral pretensioning.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a crimping process is disclosed, which determines whether an actual force stroke progression (Fa)/force time progression is, a) above, or, b) below an ideal force stroke progression (Fi)/force time progression in at least one point. The method shifts an upper border (Bu) and/or the lower border (Bl) of a tolerance band upwards in case a) and downwards in case b). Additionally, there is an absolute upper limit (Lu), at which an upward shifting of the upper border (Bu) is inhibited, and an absolute lower limit (Ll), at which a downward shifting of the lower border (Bl) is inhibited. Moreover, a crimping press and a computer program product for employing the inventive method are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a set of interchangeable crimp units for a crimping machine. According to the invention each crimp unit comprises an integrated sensor for measuring a crimping force or a crimping displacement during the crimping process.

Abstract: A manipulator-guided folding (hemming) tool (1) includes a frame (9) having a preferably roller-shaped folding element (15, 16, 17, 17?) and a connection (10) for connecting to a manipulator (2), and a detecting device (34) for the loads that occur during folding. The detecting device (34) has an indicator (38) for the loads, which indicator is arranged on the folding tool (1). The indicator is preferably designed as an optical indicator and is arranged in a tool area that is visible during folding.

Abstract: A press-forming device includes a punch and a die, as a mold to be measured, and a strain measurement means arranged within the mold and measuring a strain amount generated by press-forming. The strain measurement means is positioned at the press-direction side relative to a radius end of a die shoulder on the material flow-out side when the mold is positioned at a lower dead point of press-forming. The strain measurement means is preferably positioned within a region defined by a surface which is away from the center of curvature of a curved surface of the mold by the distance ten times R, where R is a curvature radius of the curved surface.

Abstract: An electric cylinder system includes: an electric cylinder; and a control section that controls the electric cylinder. The electric cylinder includes: an outer cylinder; a rod configured to be capable of extending and retracting in an axis direction from an opening on one end side of the outer cylinder; a bearing provided on the inside of the outer cylinder; a rotating shaft rotatably supported by the bearing and driven to rotate with driving force of a motor; a screw mechanism that converts a rotary motion of the rotating shaft into a linear motion of the rod and transmits the linear motion; and a load detecting section that detects a load in an axis direction applied to the rod in a position where the load is transmitted from the rod through the screw mechanism. The control section controls the electric cylinder on the basis of a signal from an encoder of the motor and a signal from the load detecting section.

Abstract: A method is provided for setting up a tube bender having a bend die, a clamp die, a pressure die and a wiper die. The method includes providing a test-piece having an outer surface defined by a length and a substantially round cross-section. The method also includes arranging the pressure die, the clamp die, and the wiper die relative to each other in the tube bender, and arranging the test-piece relative to the pressure die, the clamp die, and the wiper die. The method further includes applying a force by the tube bender to clamp the test-piece, and determining whether the applied force is within a predetermined range of forces. Additionally, the method includes adjusting the arrangement of at least one of the pressure die, the clamp die, and the wiper die to apply a force to the test-piece that is within the predetermined range of forces.

Abstract: A roll-flanging tool, including a bearing structure having a connector, by which the tool can be connected via a connection plane to an actuator which can be moved spatially. A first arm and a second arm are spread apart from each other and connected to each other in a connection portion which includes the connector. A first flanging roller is mounted on an end of the first arm which faces away from the connection plane, such that it can be rotated about a first rotational axis which extends along the first arm and pierces the connection plane. A second flanging roller is mounted on an end of the second arm which faces away from the connection plane, such that it can be rotated about a second rotational axis. The first rotational axis intersects or crosses a perpendicular dropped onto the second rotational axis, in or on the roll-flanging tool.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus and methods are provided that apply a press force and a part of the press force is separately applied as a core crimp force for crimping a terminal to a wire conductor. A die assembly includes a die defining a cavity that includes an independently moveable core plate and a ram assembly includes a ram in force connection with a load pin and a core plate. When the ram applies the press force, the core crimp force will be separately applied from the ram through the load pin and core plate to produce a core crimp portion that connects the wire conductor to the terminal. The applied core crimp force is subsequently transferred from the core crimp portion to the core plate to the load pin and into the ram.

Abstract: A press-forming device has a punch (2), a die (7) which relatively moves with respect to the punch (2), a strain amount measuring means (8) which is provided inside a member to be controlled and measures a strain amount of the aforesaid member to be controlled which occurs in accordance with press-forming, when at least one of the punch (2) and the die (7) is made the aforesaid member to be controlled, and a strain amount control means (9) which is provided in the aforesaid member to be controlled and controls the strain amount of the aforesaid member to be controlled which occurs in accordance with press-forming. The strain amount control means (9) controls a drive amount of the aforesaid member to be controlled so that the strain amount measured by the strain amount measuring means (8) is in a predetermined range during forming. Thereby, reduction in a surface strain, improvement in shape fixability or the like of a press formed product can be achieved.

Abstract: A method corrects a head suspension by irradiating an objective part of the head suspension with a laser beam. The method is capable of precisely correcting the head suspension even when correcting the head suspension a plurality of times. The method removes residual stress created by the preceding correction from the head suspension, and then, carries out the next correction. Accordingly, the method can precisely correct the objective part of the head suspension with a laser beam even if the objective part has once been irradiated with a laser beam in the preceding correction.

Abstract: A crimping tool including a punch carrier, a plurality of punches movable in translation in radial housings of the punch carrier, a thrust member having an inside face co-operating with the outer ends of the punches, the thrust member being pivotally mounted relative to the punch carrier, such that pivoting of the thrust member causes a contact to be crimped, a tool body having two pivotal handles for causing the thrust member and the punch carrier to pivot mutually, and a member for adjusting the stroke of the punches, a sensor sensitive to the position of the member for adjusting the stroke of the punches, a sensor sensitive to an identity signal from a contact positioning tool, and a memory associated with the position sensor and with the identity sensor and arranged to record the data delivered by the sensors and/or to deliver the data to a data processor unit.

Abstract: A method is provided to determine a quality acceptance criterion using force signatures measured on a first and a second set of elements. The first set has no quality defect and the second set has a deliberate quality defect. Selection of an initial subset of time points is based on statistical analysis of the force data on the force signatures in the two sets. The quality acceptance criterion includes a quality threshold established using Mahalanobis Distance (MD) values and the MD values are produced from force data at a selected initial subset of time points for each element in the two sets. An output of the determined quality acceptance criterion is using the defined quality threshold to separate an element having a force signature into a group of elements having no quality defect or into a group of elements having a quality defect like the deliberate quality defect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine tool for processing a plate-like workpiece, including a processing tool. The processing tool is movable relative to the workpiece and the workpiece is movable relative to the processing tool along a common movement axis. A control unit selectively actuates the processing tool and the workpiece in such a manner that in a first processing mode both the processing tool and the workpiece are moved along the common movement axis and, in a second processing mode the processing tool alone is moved along the common movement axis. The invention further relates to a method for processing a workpiece of the kind mentioned above, to a method for creating a processing program, and to a computer program product having code for performing all steps of the method for creating the processing program.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for verification of the quality of placing of blind rivets. The verification method involves successively carrying out, during the application of traction force to a stem, initial measurements in an initial state of the application of the traction force to obtain an initial traction force and an initial displacement of the rivet stem relative to the rivet body, intermediate measurements in an intermediate stage of the application of the traction force to obtain an intermediate traction force and an intermediate displacement, and terminal measurements in a terminal stage of the application of the traction force to obtain a terminal traction force and a terminal displacement. The obtained values are compared to acceptable values in an assignment table.

Abstract: To provide a reliable terminal crimping apparatus and a terminal crimping method, which crimps an electric wire to a terminal having crimping pieces, ends of which curve in a direction of approaching each other, the terminal crimping apparatus includes a first die for placing the terminal on a surface thereof, a second die arranged correspondingly to the first die and freely approaching and parting the first die to crimp the crimp pieces by approaching the first die, and a third die arranged correspondingly to the first die and freely approaching and leaving from the first die to approach the first die before the second die crimps the crimping piece so as to push the electric wire toward the bottom plate and insert the electric wire between the pair of crimp pieces.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus and methods are provided that apply a press force and a part of the press force is separately applied as a core crimp force for crimping a terminal to a wire conductor. A die assembly includes a die defining a cavity that includes an independently moveable core plate and a ram assembly includes a ram in force connection with a load pin and a core plate. When the ram applies the press force, the core crimp force will be separately applied from the ram through the load pin and core plate to produce a core crimp portion that connects the wire conductor to the terminal. The applied core crimp force is subsequently transferred from the core crimp portion to the core plate to the load pin and into the ram.

Abstract: A die cushion controller, for driving a die cushion, disposed in opposition to a slide of a press machine, by controlling a servo motor, including: a pressure command portion which prepares a pressure command value for exerting a predetermined pressure to a press material disposed between the slide and the die cushion; a pressure detecting portion which detects an actual pressure exerted on the press material; a speed correction value preparing portion which prepares a speed correction value by multiplying a differential value of the pressure command value prepared by the pressure command portion by a coefficient; and a first speed command portion which prepares a speed command value to be instructed to the servo motor based on the pressure command value prepared by the pressure command portion, the actual pressure detected by the pressure detecting portion, and the speed correction value prepared by the speed correction value preparing portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a turned blank at a workstation in a progressive forging machine comprising simultaneously monitoring both the force on a tool in the workstation and the crank angle of the machine, determining a reference crank angle when the tool is subjected to a force at the workstation about to deliver a blow and a blank in the workstation is properly angularly aligned, operating the machine to forge blanks in a normal manner when a force on the tool at the workstation occurs substantially at the reference crank angle, and interrupting said normal manner when the force on the tool at the workstation occurs before said reference crankshaft angle to enable the blank being formed at the workstation to be separated from remaining blanks being forged in the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for deep rolling the passes or radii on the transitions between journal and cheeks or flanges of crankshafts by means of a deep rolling device (1) of a deep rolling machine, said deep rolling device having a lazy tongs-type design. The deep rolling device (1) has two tongs arms (2, 3) that are articulated to each other via a pivot joint (24). The corresponding outer ends (4, 5, 9, 10) of the tongs arms (2, 3) are provided with a deep rolling tool (6) or a force generator (11) for generating the deep rolling force. A measuring tape (18) and a sensor (19) which are provided on the pivot joint (24) are used to measure the impression depth of the deep rolling rollers (12) under the effect of the deep rolling force. A measuring device (22) mounted on the exterior (21) of a tongs arm (2) is used to measure the degree by which the tongs arm (2) bends under the effect of the deep rolling force.

Abstract: A disclosed device and method are useful for monitoring a tube bending process. An example sensor detects a force associated with moving a mandrel in tubing during at least a portion of a tube bending process. The detected force is used to determine a quality of the tube bending process. For example, a detected pulling force provides an indication of whether a bent portion of a tube is within an acceptable range of a desired configuration. The detected pulling force is also useful to provide an indication of whether a condition of a mandrel or a machine used during the process is as expected.

Abstract: A method for changing a force control gain expressed as a ratio of force error to velocity command value in a control circuit performing a force control of a servo motor driving a die cushion disposed opposite to a slide in a press machine. The method includes: obtaining a difference between a displacement of the slide and a displacement of the die cushion in a state in which the slide and the die cushion collide with and are exerting force on each other; detecting the force when the difference of the displacements is obtained; calculating a spring constant of a structural portion based on a proportionality between the difference of the displacements and the force, when regarding the structural portion including the slide and the die cushion as an elastic structure; and changing the force control gain based on the spring constant using a fixed proportionality that exists between the force control gain and a reciprocal of the spring constant.

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of a crimped connection between a conductor and a contact includes operating a crimping device to exert a crimping force on the conductor and the contact. From the crimping force curve that occurs during the crimping, a normalized force-distance crimping force curve is derived and a compression area is determined which lies under a reference crimping force curve. The crimping force curve and the reference crimping force curve are subdivided into several zones, the subdivision taking place under consideration of the size of the compression area. A further area that lies under the crimping force curve is determined and used to infer the quality of the crimped connection. A device for performing the method is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring clinched joints senses lateral displacement of die segments during formation of a joint, which depends on joint button diameter. The system determines whether a joint is acceptable by correlating acceptable button diameter with acceptable amount of punch advancement. A predetermined number of unacceptable joints indicates excessive punch and/or die wear.

Abstract: A high-pressure press includes a pressure vessel surrounded by a force-absorbing press frame. The high-pressure press also includes a detection structure for detecting changes in length of at least one column comprised in the press frame, the changes in length depending on the pressure inside the pressure vessel. The detection structure includes a limit switch, which is adapted to detect if the change in length of the column has reached a threshold value and, in that case, interrupt a pressing operation in progress and reduce the pressure inside the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A drive for operating a movable part with respect to a fixed part includes: a driving member having a linear shape and being made of a shape-memory alloy; and a crimp terminal for holding one end of the driving member at the fixed part or the movable part. At least a part to which the driving member is crimped in the crimp terminal is made of stainless steel.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a die cushion mechanism including a servo-motor as a drive source and producing a force adapted to be applied outside. The control apparatus includes a force commanding section for commanding a force to be produced by the die cushion mechanism; a force detecting section for detecting a force produced by the die cushion mechanism; a force controlling section for executing a force control on the servo-motor, based on a force command value commanded by the force commanding section and a force detected value detected by the force detecting section; and an abnormality preventing section for preventing, in association with a control state of the servo-motor, the die cushion mechanism from producing an abnormal force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for marking parts by percussion including a mobile punch (3) adapted to strike a part (2) to be marked so as to deform it, the device being characterized in that it includes impact detection means capable of detecting impact of the punch (3) on said part (2) to be marked and processor means functionally connected to the impact detection means to evaluate the time between the impact time and a predetermined origin time before the impact time.

Abstract: In a rotary tube bender, a first set of pressure sensors is located between the normally disposed mating surfaces of a wiper die insert and its wiper die holder; and a second set of pressure sensors is located between the axially disposed surfaces of the wiper die insert and the wiper die holder. Signal outputs of the first and second sets of pressure sensors over the course of bending cycles are compared to previously determined nominal signal outputs for drift indicative of whether a realignment or replacement of the wiper die should be performed.

Abstract: A crimping device has for each crimper an anvil including a conductor anvil provided with a force sensor on which the force that arises in the conductor anvil during the crimping operation acts. The conductor anvil rests on a sensor body which in turn rests on a supporting part of the crimping device. The force sensor measures the force that is required to manufacture the conductor crimp, the quality of the crimped fastening being assessable by reference to the force curve generated by the force sensor.

Abstract: A robotic bending apparatus for bending archwires and other types of elongate, bendable medical devices into a desired configuration includes a first gripping tool and a moveable gripping tool. The first gripping tool can be either fixed with respect to a base or table for the robot or positioned at the end of robot am. The moveable gripping tool is mounted to the end of a moveable robot arm having a proximal portion also mounted to the base. The robot preferably comprises a six axis bending robot, in which the distal end of the moveable arm can move relative to the fixed gripping tool about three translational axes and three rotational axes. The gripping tools preferably incorporate force sensors which are used to determine overbends needed to get the desired final shape of the archwire. The robot may also include a resistive heating system in which current flows through the wire while the wire is held in a bent condition to heat the wire and thereby retain the bent shape of the wire.