Mid Atlantic Machinery Group  

6332 Flank Dr
Harrisburg,  PA  17112-2779

United States
717-541-1633
http://www.midatlanticmachinery.com
  • Booth: A3187

OUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN ROBOTICS AUTOMATION FOR MANUFACTURING

Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation’s strategic advantage comes from our 50+ years of collective experiences and ability to understand the areas in machine tool operation that can benefit from automation. We are not just a machine tool distribution company or a robotics distribution company; we are an automated machine tool solutions company. We are uniquely positioned in the market to help a variety of fabricators in the sheet metal and structural markets.

Robotic Modular Fabricator Package
Our patent-pending technology gives us the leading robotic integrated solution for press brakes currently on the market. Stop by our booth to see a TRUMPF press brake completely integrated with a Universal Robots collaborative robot. The UR10E cobot is able to do simple bends to complex 8 part bends. Beyond the Trumpf press brake, we are able to integrate with most press brakes, finishing machines, and welding solutions. The capability of this automated integration is not just limited to the press brake. 

Labor shortages are one of the biggest challenges facing our industry and this press brake operator package has been created with the metal fabricator in mind in every aspect. Run your machine for all three shifts, and allow your current employees to take on new projects and increase productivity in all areas. 

Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation's solutions include:

  • Finishing
  • Forming
  • Bending
  • Part Loading and Unloading
  • Machine Tending
  • Inspection
  • Vision

To learn more, stop by our booth A3187, view our educational resources, watch our video podcast or contact us today


 Press Releases

  • Mid Atlantic Machinery has created a new company: Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation. This new division will have a team of automation experts and engineers dedicated specfically to integrating collaborative robots with metal fabrication machine tools.

    MAMA is currently integrating robotics in manufacturing in the following ways; Machine Tending, Material loading and unloading, Quality Inspection, Material Handling, Deburring, Finishing, Vision, Forming, Bending, Cutting, Inspection.

    "We provide application engineering service to automate our customers’ processes by combining years of industry knowledge and staying up to date on the latest technological advancements," stated President Kevin Kilgallen. 

    The latest innovation complete with patent-pending technology is a Universal Robot Press Brake Operator Package which integrates the industry-recognized UR collaborative robot into the TRUMPF 7036 Press Brake.

    Press brake integration will be available for more than just the Trumpf 7036 press brake.

    "The common misconception is that the systems are high dollar and only shops who produce high volume can see a true ROI," shared Applications Engineer Joshua Mayse. "Our team of automation experts have the knowledge and know-how to provide automation solutions and capabilities to smaller job shops as well as larger OEMs."

    By combining our team of robotic specialists and expert application engineers, Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation is uniquely positioned in the market to help a variety of fabricators in the sheet metal and structural markets. Considered not just a machine tool distribution company or robotics distribution company; they are an automated machine tool solutions company.

  • Do you have a grip on your bending?

    Grippers are one of the most important parts of automation! Grippers act like fingers, molding to the shape of the part during the bending process. There are hundreds of types of grippers, but here are the four most common types for robots handling parts:

    Vacuum grippers

    Mainly used because of their flexibility! A Vacuum gripper adjusts to the part you are bending, therefore, it is a go-to for businesses that create multiple parts throughout their production.

    Pneumatic grippers

    Nicknamed “bang bang” grippers because of the noise they make locking in around a part. Like most grippers, pneumatic grippers operate on compressed air.

    Hydraulic grippers

    Hydraulic grippers are generally used with hydraulic systems working off cylinders with less surface area. They are the strongest grippers and are best when high levels of force are needed, i.e. large/heavy parts.

    Servo-electric grippers

    These types of grippers are typically used in industrial work. They offer finer control over gripping forces. Servo Electric grippers give you the opportunity to delicately pick up a part or use a different level of force to pick up and control heavier parts.

    All of these grippers serve a different purpose based on the type of material or part size needed. Additionally, these grippers can be customized for a variety of uses through additive manufacturing. 

    3D Printing

    Mid Atlantic Machinery’s applications engineer, Josh Mayse, integrates collaborative robots with metal fabrication machinery such as press brakes and finishing machines. He is very successful, however, initially he could not find a gripper on the market that was meeting all of his needs. He decided to take matters into his own hands and he is making his own! Through the process of 3D printing, Mayse developed a pneumatic vacuum gripper that is interchangeable for varying part weights and tasks. He currently has patents pending for his developments.

    Mayse’s gripper, which printed for around 38 hours, emulates the bend of the operator’s wrist. The curvature of the grippers allows the for multiple bends on a singular part. The ability to vacuum, grip and pinch one part in the bending process proves the versatility of the product.

    Contact Us Today

    With the robot technology’s ability to hold many different programs, cobots are in use on all kinds of machines. The more programs you can create within the “mind” of the cobot, the more parts you can form, deburr, and weld through robotic grippers.

    Between the capability of collaborative robots and Mayse’s new gripper technology, the possibilities of automation integration are limitless! Contact us today to learn from our expert himself about automating your business.

  • There are a lot of questions surrounding automation in the fabrication world and justifying machine tool robotic integration projects can seem risky without the proper guidance. To alleviate some concerns, we asked our in-house Application Engineer and automation expert Josh Mayse to help. Below are some of his answers to the most frequently asked questions that he hears when speaking to customers about robotics and machine tool integration.

    We hope this article will answer some of your immediate questions on the topics of; Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation, the Press Brake Operator Package, Modular Integration, Safety Scanners, Robotic Programming, Gripper Technology, and more.

    If you don’t see your question below or are interested in speaking with Josh about your specific application contact us today for an automation consultation.

    Why Mid Atlantic’s Cobot solutions?

    The collaborative robot itself is a very versatile tool. The challenge becomes how to apply the tool to solve a specific industrial challenge. This is where Mid Atlantic Machinery’s Engineering sets us apart from the competition.

    We have developed a standardized interface method to run a wide range of machine tools. This interface allows the robot to be integrated into different machine tools in minutes with the use of quick disconnect cord sets. After the robot can communicate with the machine the next challenge becomes gripping the parts. Mid Atlantic has patent applications for versatile multipurpose gripping systems that allow us to cover a wide variety of parts without developing an expensive custom, end of arm tool for every application or part.

    We like to think of ourselves as fabrication process experts, and as a result, we understand the equipment as well as the robotics.

    Can your Press Brake Operator Package Handle Large Parts?

    Yes, the press brake operator package can be sold with any of the 4 Universal Robots collaborative robots. The family of robots includes the UR 3e, UR 5e, UR 10e, and UR16e which offer payloads of 3, 5, 10, and 16 kg respectively.

    I preferred the Universal Robot 10e as it gives me the best ratio of payload to reach and with the robot outfitted with our fully loaded patented gripper technology it yields a good amount of effective payload for part handling. If you have larger or heavy parts that you want to bend, we can look at moving up to the 16e; However, you must keep in mind that moving up in the family does limit the reach of the robotic arm. There are also several ways we can optimize the program to support heavy parts, such as having the arm follow the part throughout the bend.

    What requirements for a press Brake to be integrated with this solution? Can it be fitted to a different brake other than a TRUMPF?

    The only real requirement for the machine is that it bends and we’re able to repeat them fairly accurately. Once we can achieve that we can begin the process of robot integration.

    In order for us to automate the brake, we must be able to get the transducer to properly stop the ram at a few positions throughout the bend. In order for the robot to manipulate the part we’d have to stop at three points; the clamping point, the bottom of the bend, and the end of the brake program.

    Ultimately, it comes down to having a quality machine. You do not want to automate something that is only going to make incorrect and scrap parts faster.

    Can the robot be programmed for other applications?

    Yes, The robot is capable of being programmed to perform a variety of activities.  Some of the most common applications and applications that are out in the field are; Press brake operations, CNC machine tending, loading and unloading of Finishing equipment, Robotic Sanding, and Quality Inspection Equipment.  If you’re interested in learning more about any of these particular applications contact Mid Atlantic Machinery to schedule a time for us to talk.

    Am I stuck having this robot automate only one of my machine tools?

    No. Unlike automation of the past, the robot can be easily redeployed to many different tasks. The robot can be used for other applications that are considered to be collaborative without requiring caging. Some examples would be an adhesive application, palletizing, or loading and unloading parts on and off of finishing or inspection equipment.

    A good example to illustrate this is a welding robot. In the past, the stationary, job-specific, robotic welder could only weld. If the robot didn’t have work the high dollar, capital investment asset sat unutilized. Today thanks to Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation and Universal Robots that same robot could be running a press brake or loading a CNC when not welding. This is due in part to the size of the collaborative robot, the 110V power supply, and the force and torque monitoring. With these built-in Universal Robot features, modularity and versatility are made possible.

    What safety features does the press brake robot package come with?

    It is important to note that the robot is shipped as partly completed machinery according to 2006/42/EC. The Robot is considered to be collaborative, also known as force and torque limited, as shipped. However, when put into service operating a press brake the robot is no longer considered to be in a collaborative application. The robot will be moving at high speed with sharp sheet metal and therefore requires additional protection.

    That’s why we’ve created a package that includes a two-zone, safety scanner that is performance level D per ISO 13849. The scanner has programmable zones that can be customized to the application. When the first zone is entered the robot reduces its speed to 250mm/s which is defined as an avoidable speed by OSHA. When the second zone, or the danger zone, is entered the robot stops. The robot can be set up to resume work once the scanner is cleared or wired to an acknowledgment button outside of the safety protected zone. Light curtains can also be used in combination with physical barriers or safety scanners as required per application.

    At the completion of the project, we’ll perform a full ISO/TS 15066 compliant risk assessment for collaborative robot cells, will which take into account and mitigates any additional risk as necessary.

    Does the robot have a name?

    Yes, our robot is called Bender and has served us well. We know that as soon as you start working with your robot, you’ll form the same appreciation and will give yours a name as well.

    We hope this article helped you see how Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation can help bring your robotic integration ideas to reality. If any of your questions were not answered here and you would like to learn more, contact us today to schedule a meeting with Josh Mayse, our Application Engineering team, or Bender.

    Featured Video - Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation: Press Brake Operator Package


 Products

  • Robotic Modular Fabricator Package
    Unleash the power of collaborative robots into fabrication shops with the Robotic Modular Fabricator Package from Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation. ...
     

  • In today’s high demand business environment, we are all looking for ways to expand our capabilities and increase business efficiencies. Automation is one way that shops try to save time, labor and increase overall safety. This used to include high cost and complicated integration…Until now.

    Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation is proud to introduce a simple yet robust package to integrate a variety of manufacturing processes including:

    • Press Brakes & Bending Applications

    Automate your bending with a variety of end effectors and our patent pending gripper technology.  Learn about our Vacuum and Rotary Grippers that, when combined with the Robotic Modular Fabrication Package allow for accurate, effective, and unattended feeding of your existing press brakes.  With the Modular Robotic Fabricator Package lights-out production, increased throughput, increased safety, and much more is achievable.

    • Finishing & Deburring Applications

    We understand that labor costs are likely one of the largest items on your company balance sheet and maximizing the quality and effectiveness of your workers is critical.  That is where our Robotic Fabricator Package is ready to increase throughput, eliminate unsafe work, and save you money. With automating the loading and unloading of parts onto your deburring machines you’ll drastically reduce the impact on your labor and increase throughput.

    • Inspection & Quality Control Applications

    Making sure your subassemblies and final parts are error free is a necessary step in any manufacturing operation.  With the Modular Robotic Fabricator Package, you can achieve high repeatability, and remove the typical errors or inconsistencies in manual inspection processes.  The result is increased throughput, scrap reduction, and bottom-line savings for you and your business.

    • And More! 

    Mid Atlantic Machinery Automation's Robotic Modular Fabricator Package combines the flexible and modular abilities of collaborative robots to several fixed machine tools commonly found in fabrication shops worldwide. You’ll soon see how our system will accelerate your automation ROI & take your business to the next level.

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