Lesson 9 The reading module

Read the text: Vision-based press control and safety monitoring system

Pilz Automation Technology is launching a highly innovative monitoring and protection system for press brakes. Based on a camera and fail-safe machine vision system, the Pilz PSENvip helps users of press brakes to improve productivity and achieve a high standard of safety.

Suitable for press brakes up to 10m long, the system comprises an LED-based light source and a camera unit with an integral display. This camera unit is connected to either a PNOZmulti modular safety controller or a PSS (programmable safety system).

Easy to configure, the system creates protected fields that are constantly monitored and represented on the camera unit's display. Should any object, finger-sized or smaller, breach the protected fields, the press is stopped immediately (the system reaction time is less than 3ms). The PSENvip system is suitable for use on safety-related control systems conforming to Safety Category 4 of EN 954-1, Performance Level e of EN ISO 13849-1, and SIL 3 of EN IEC 62061. It also conforms to the requirements of EN DIN 12622, Safety of machine tools - Hydraulic press brakes.

Measurement and feedback

Moreover, as well as performing a safety function, the PSENvip also measures the angle of the bend being formed. This data can then be fed back into the press brake's CNC system, thereby helping to make the forming operation as accurate and efficient as possible.

After a tool change, the transmitter and receiver are easy and quick to realign thanks to the 'vision parallel' optical system. Both units are mounted on the upper die to save space, and they are resistant to vibration, diffused light and interference.

Please complete the form below to request more information about the PSENvip press brake protection and measuring system. Note that units are due to be available from the end of 2007.

Monitoring parts on the machine?

Many shops use machine tools equipped with in-process probing systems that ease job setup by capturing data which locates a part and establishes a work-coordinate system. Some manufacturers hesitate to use the systems to monitor machining quality, fearing it will drive up cycle times. But this is far from true. In fact, savvy shops can save money and boost productivity by checking parts such as large components, patterns, and molds, on the machine tool.

We use the phrase «on machine verification" to emphasise that verification, rather than inspection is key. Inspection tends to be an independent measurement, while verification implies a somewhat less-precise check because it's not, for example, carried out in a temperature-controlled environment. Even so, catching mistakes on the machine tool eliminates the need to remove parts for inspection on CMMs, except for the final inspection. Mid-process part-removal entails repeated cycles of machining and long equipment setup times. This is time-consuming for any component but can take many hours for large, heavy parts, such as press tools for automotive body panels. In addition, any mistakes during the set-up back onto the machine tool could result in a new series of errors in the component.

I. Reading Exercises:

Exercise 1. Read and memorize using a dictionary:

press brakes, an integral display, measurement, the transmitter, the receiver, a work-coordinate system, a temperature-controlled environment;

Exercise 2. Answer the questions:

1. What is Pilz Automation Technology launching ?

2. Where are protected fields constantly monitored and represented ?

3. What does the PSENvip also measure ?

4. Who hesitates to use the systems to monitor machining quality, fearing it will drive up cycle times ?

Exercise 3. Match the left part with the right:

1. This camera unit is	a) suitable for use on safety-related control systems conforming to Safety Category 4 of EN 954-1
2. Mid-process part-removal entails	b) far from true
3. The PSENvip system is	c) connected to either a PNOZmulti modular safety controller or a PSS (programmable safety system).
4. But this is	d) repeated cycles of machining and long equipment setup times.

Exercise 4. Open brackets choosing the right words:

Many shops( use/have) machine tools equipped with in-process probing systems that ease job setup by capturing data which( locates /works)a part and (establishes /depends)a work-coordinate system. Some manufacturers( hesitate /make)to use the systems to monitor machining quality, fearing it will drive up cycle times. But this( is/are) far from true. In fact, savvy shops can ( save/connect) money and boost productivity by checking parts such as large components, patterns, and molds, on the machine tool.