Abstract: An apparatus prepares data for manufacturing a product or a part with a pre-determined 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: An apparatus prepares data for manufacturing a product or a part with a pre-determined 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: An apparatus and method is provided for managing and distributing design and manufacturing information throughout a factory in order to facilitate the production of components, such as bent sheet metal components. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the management and distribution of critical design and manufacturing information is achieved by storing and distributing the design and manufacturing information associated with each job. By replacing the traditional paper job set-up or work sheet with, for example, an electronically stored job sheet that can be accessed instantaneously from any location in the factory, the present invention improves the overall efficiency of the factory. In addition, through the various aspects and features of the invention, the organization and accessibility of part information and stored expert knowledge is improved.

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 method, a system, and a computer program for graphically editing a computer generated sheet metal part model initially display the sheet metal part model on a computer display screen. The method, system, and computer program then select an entity of the sheet metal part model to edit, and select an editing operation to be performed on the selected entity. The method, system, and computer program also include performing the selected editing operation on the selected entity, and modifying the sheet metal part model in accordance with the performed editing operation. Finally, the method, system, and computer program display the modified sheet metal part model on the computer display screen so that a user views modifications of the sheet metal part model in real time.

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 backstage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail of the bending apparatus.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing data files, which reside on a computer network, relating to sheet metal part production. The method includes the steps of creating an identifier for a sheet metal part, linking the identifier with all the data files relating to the production of the sheet metal part, and selecting multiple linked data files in accordance with predetermined criteria. Consequently, when the identifier is operated on, the selected linked data files are substantially simultaneously subject to the same operation. The creating may include obtaining a sheet metal part name, determining a virtual folder hierarchy, and concatenating the virtual folder hierarchy and the sheet metal part name. All identifiers are stored in a single directory. The method may also include storing an index that includes a virtual folder hierarchy, and updating the index after every successful operation. The method may also include connecting to a server that is storing the data files.

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 backstage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail of the bending apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for managing and distributing design and manufacturing information throughout a factory in order to facilitate the production of components, such as bent sheet metal components. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the management and distribution of critical design and manufacturing information is achieved by storing and distributing the design and manufacturing information associated with each job. By replacing the traditional paper job set-up or work sheet with, for example, an electronically stored job sheet that can be accessed instantaneously from any location in the factory, the present invention improves the overall efficiency of the factory. In addition, through the various aspects and features of the invention, the organization and accessibility of part information and stored expert knowledge is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus prepares data for manufacturing a product or a part with a pre-determined 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: 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 backstage guide member which guides placement of a tooling stage along the die rail of the bending apparatus.

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: A computer program is provided for developing a bend model of a part to be produced at an intelligent production facility. In accordance with an aspect of the disclosed program, faces of the part are detected based on initial part information, and bendlines of the part are identified based on the detected faces of the part. Further, additional part information is generated by performing a predetermined operation (e.g., a folding operation or an unfolding operation) on the detected faces of the part. The disclosed program also includes other capabilities, such as the capability to perform clean-up operations on initial, 2-D part information and to selectively eliminate part thickness representations in order to facilitate the preparation of a 3-D representation of the part from the modified 2-D part information.

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 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: 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 apparatus and method is provided for managing and distributing design and manufacturing information throughout a factory in order to facilitate the production of components, such as bent sheet metal components. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the management and distribution of critical design and manufacturing information is achieved by storing and distributing the design and manufacturing information associated with each job. By replacing the traditional paper job set-up or work sheet with, an electronically stored job sheet that can be accessed instantaneously from any location in the factory, the present invention improves the overall efficiency of the factory. In addition, through the various aspects and features of the invention, the organization and accessibility of part information and stored expert knowledge is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for resolving a collision between a first face and a second face of a sheet metal part represented by a 3-D model. The faces collide with one another when a 2-D model of a flat sheet metal part, designed on a CAD system, is folded into the 3-D model displayed on the CAD system. The apparatus comprises a detecting means, an analyzing means and an eliminating means. The detecting means is for detecting each collision between the faces which become adjacent in association with folding the 2-D model into the 3-D model. The eliminating means is for eliminating the collision by designing a 2-D model of a modified flat sheet metal part which can be folded without causing the collision.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for managing and distributing design and manufacturing information throughout a factory in order to facilitate the production of components, such as bent sheet metal components. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the management and distribution of critical design and manufacturing information is achieved by storing and distributing the design and manufacturing information associated with each job. By replacing the traditional paper job set-up or work sheet with, for example, an electronically stored job sheet that can be accessed instantaneously from any location in the factory, the present invention improves the overall efficiency of the factory. In addition, through the various aspects and features of the invention, the organization and accessibility of part information and stored expert knowledge is improved.