Abstract: A support system for a laser beam machine is provided which includes an inferred value production unit which produces an inferred value for each of a plurality of processing condition parameters indicative of conditions under which laser processing is performed, by use of an artificial intelligence function, and a display unit which displays the inferred value produced by the inferred value production unit. The support system further includes an input unit which allows an operator to enter a plurality of evaluation parameters that represent results of evaluation on a current processing state.

Abstract: An intelligent sheet metal bending system is disclosed, having a cooperative generative planning system. A planning module interacts with several expert modules to develop a bending plan. The planning module utilizes a state-space search algorithm. Computerized methods are provided for selecting a robot gripper and a repo gripper, and for determining the optimal placement of such grippers as they are holding a workpiece being formed by the bending apparatus. Computerized methods are provided for selecting tooling to be used by the bending apparatus, and for determining a tooling stage layout. An operations planning method is provided which allows the bending apparatus to be set up concurrently while time-consuming calculations, such as motion planning, are performed. An additional method or system is provided for positioning tooling stages by using a backgage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail the bending apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus prepares data for manufacturing a product or a part with a predetermined shape by using a bending press provided with detachable tools. The apparatus includes a computer memory that stores bending order information for manufacturing the product or the part. The bending order information is obtained after successfully completing bending operations and is associated with the product or the part.

Abstract: A punch guiding apparatus includes: a cylindrical punch guide to be vertically movably supported into a punch holder; a stripper plate is detachably mounted to a forward end portion of the cylindrical punch guide; and a ring-shaped fixture. In the construction, the fixture has a ring shape that both ends are brought into contact with or close to each other. Furthermore, the fixture has a non-circular shape in which it has a plurality of elastically deformed portions which are urged and come in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the punch guide so as to be enlarged.

Abstract: Equipment for the laser cutting of metal sheets is to hold the metal sheets in a vertical plans by means of a laser-focusing head (10) which is movable in a vertical plans relative to the metal sheet (12). The equipment includes an abutment member (18) carried by the focusing head (10) and intended to bear against that face (20) of the sheet (12) facing the focusing head (10).

Abstract: An apparatus prepares data for manufacturing a product or a part with a predetermined shape by using a bending press provided with detachable tools. The apparatus includes a computer memory storing bending operation support information obtained after successfully completing bending operations. The bending operation support information supports an operator later performing bending operations on a workpiece while manufacturing the product or part. The bending operation support information is one of dependent on and associated with the completed bending operations.

Abstract: An angle detection method for a bending machine for detecting a bending angle of a bent workpiece and an angle detection apparatus and an angle sensor thereof are provided. A detection light is emitted toward a workpiece from a light source while the angle sensor is rotated in the forward and reverse directions. A plurality of optical sensors arranged at mutually symmetrical positions with the light source being at the center thereof receive the reflection light from the measurement object. The quantity of received light is stored in relation to the rotation angle of the angle sensor detected by a rotation angle detector. An angle calculation portion calculates the angle of the measurement object based on the peak values of the data of the quantity of the received light and the rotation angles of the angle sensor corresponding to the peak values.

Abstract: Several methods and subsystems are provided for aligning a workpiece as it is being loaded into a die space of a bending apparatus, and for performing sensor-based control of a robot as it moves a workpiece from one location to another within a bending apparatus environment. A backgaging mechanism is provided with finger gaging mechanisms having force sensors for sensing forces in directions perpendicular to and parallel to a die. In addition, a robot gripper sensor is provided for sensing either or both of shear forces and normal forces created by movement of a workpiece being held by the gripper.

Abstract: A dimensioning system is provided for a computer generated model of a sheet metal part including a plurality of entities. The dimensioning system comprises a model display, an indicator, a selector, a dimension defining system, and a dimension display. The model display displays a representation of the model on a display screen. The indicator indicates to a user candidate entities of the model, in response to user events, that may be selected. The selector selects two entities of the model, based on an indicated candidate entity. The dimension defining system defines each dimension associated with the selected entities of the model. The dimension display displays dimension information on the display screen based on the defined dimension. A repositioning system is also provided for a computer generated model of a sheet metal part represented on a display screen. The sheet metal part has associated dimensions displayed along with the sheet metal part on the display screen.

Abstract: A setup planning technique is provided in which a family of parts to be manufactured is identified, and the setup constraints imposed by the various bending operations in the part family are determined. The setup constraints may define or describe spatial constraints on the sizes and locations of various tooling stages in the setup. After identifying setup constraints, setup plans are generated that satisfy all setup constraints. Any setup plan that satisfies all setup constraints may then be utilized to accommodate every part in the part family. Constraint propagation techniques may be utilized to identify compatible setup constraints and create setup plans. According to the various features and aspects of the invention, dissimilar sheet metal parts can share setups, and the need for extra tooling and fixturing may be minimized. Further, the present invention provides potential savings over state-of-the-art systems, and increases production capability and overall through-put of manufacturing facilities.

Abstract: A multi-window type NC apparatus comprises a process flow icon indication instruction portion, an icon corresponding program combination portion, and an icon corresponding program screen instruction portion. Then, this NC apparatus displays an icon group for indicating information setting screens along a process flow, and when any icon is pressed, displays an information setting screen of a program relating to that icon and receives an input.

Abstract: An angle detection method for a bending machines for detecting a bending angle of a bent workpiece and an angle detection apparatus and an angle sensor thereof are provided. A detection light is emitted toward a workpiece W from a light source 9 while the angle sensor 3 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions. A plurality of optical sensors 11, 13 arranged at mutually symmetrical positions with the light source 9 being at the center thereof receive the reflection light from the measurement object W. The quantity of received light is stored in relation to the rotation angle of the angle sensor 3 detected by an rotation angle detector 33. A angle calculation portion 35 calculates the angle of the measurement object W based on the peak values of the data of the quantity of the received light and the rotation angles of the angle sensor 3 corresponding to the peak values.

Abstract: An upper tool holder apparatus in a press brake includes: a holder main body having an upper tool supporting section for supporting an upper tool a lower portion of the holder main body and further having a mounting; an upper tool clamp supported to the holder main body having an engagement projection at the bottom end of the upper tool clamp which is engaged with a drop-prevention groove provided in the upper tool; a pressing section provided on a lower portion of the upper tool clamp; clamping force applying means for applying a clamping force which clamps the upper tool by pressing an upper portion of the upper tool clamp; clamp operating means for transmitting the clamping force from the clamping force applying means to the upper tool clamp and for releasing the clamping force; and a wedge piece, which is engaged with the drop-prevention groove provided in the upper tool, provided on an upper portion of the engagement projection provided on the lower portion of the upper tool clamp, a force being applied

Abstract: A forming method of forming a plate-shaped workpiece using a female tool having a concave section of a desired shape and a male tool which matches with the female tool, includes the following steps: providing an elastic punch in a cylindrical holder provided in the male tool; pressurizing and compressing the elastic punch relatively by a pressuring member; pressing the holder against the workpiece by means of one portion of the elastic punch; and projecting one portion of the elastic punch from the holder so as to deform a portion of the workpiece to be processed according to the shape of the concave section of the female tool so that the workpiece is formed in a state such that the workpiece is nipped pressingly between the female tool and the holder.

Abstract: A dimensioning system is provided for a computer generated model of a sheet metal part including a plurality of entities. The dimensioning system comprises a model display, an indicator, a selector, a dimension defining system, and a dimension display. The model display displays a representation of the model on a display screen. The indicator indicates to a user candidate entities of the model, in response to user events, that may be selected. The selector selects two entities of the model, based on an indicated candidate entity. The dimension defining system defines each dimension associated with the selected entities of the model. The dimension display displays dimension information on the display screen based on the defined dimension. A repositioning system is also provided for a computer generated model of a sheet metal part represented on a display screen. The sheet metal part has associated dimensions displayed along with the sheet metal part on the display screen.

Abstract: Object of the present invention is to provide a method or a system by which an operator without skills in bending operation can easily and quickly perform precise bending operations on a sheet workpiece by following skilled operator's experience, hints or data. To achieve this object, the method of this present invention comprises the steps of storing data for a shape of said part; storing data for a bending order for manufacturing said part from said workpiece; selecting tools for performing each of bending operations; storing data for the selected dies; storing bending press control data for controlling the operation of said press to performs the bending operations in said bending order; and storing bending operation support information for supporting an operator for performing the bending operation by using said bending press.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosed invention, characteristic portions of graphic images to be used for machining in the form of profiles of a plurality of templates are first registered in advance along with machining design data corresponding to the respective profiles of the templates and including machining methods adapted to the respective profiles of the templates in the form of template machinings. Then, a specific characteristic portion is extracted out of the graph image given for a machining operation and the extracted characteristic portion is collated with each of the registered template profiles. Thereafter, the template machinings for the template profile recognized to be corresponding to the extracted characteristic portion as a result of the collation are read out from the registered data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for integrating an intelligent manufacturing system with an expert sheet metal planning and bending system. The intelligent manufacturing system manages and distributes part design and manufacturing information throughout the locations of a production facility. The expert planning system includes a plurality of expert modules for proposing a bending plan, including bend sequence and tooling selections, and robot motion planning and repositioning. Through the various features and aspects of the present invention, an operator can selectively modify and adapt these integrated systems for particular bend applications, including robot-based and human assisted bending operations.

Abstract: An operating state setting device and method of a plate material processing machine, includes multiple keys having corresponding functions relating to operation of the plate material processing machine. The keys include a skill mode selecting key for selecting an expert or beginner mode, an automatic mode key for executing a numeric control processing program, a manual mode key for allocating manual control of a movable member to the operator and moving keys for controlling the movable member in the manual mode. A numerically controlled controller is provided for setting an operating state of the plate material processing machine corresponding to the selected skill mode and executing a detailed procedure in the expert mode and a simple procedure in the beginner mode. The simple procedure may include an internal execution procedure and an editing history selection and corresponding product image display.

Abstract: A multi-window type NC apparatus comprises a process flow icon indication instruction portion, an icon corresponding program combination portion, and an icon corresponding program screen instruction portion. Then, this NC apparatus displays an icon group for indicating information setting screens along a process flow, and when any icon is pressed, displays an information setting screen of a program relating to that icon and receives an input.