How to choose a suitable small unit bending robot?
[2025-07-08]

How to choose a suitable small unit bending robot?


To select a suitable small unit bending robot, factors such as workpiece parameters, robot performance, bending process, software system and cost should be comprehensively considered. The following are the specific points:

Considering the characteristics of the workpiece:

Size and weight: define the maximum and minimum size and weight of the workpiece, and select the robot with matching working range and load capacity. If processing large workpieces, it is necessary to choose models with long arm span and large load; If the workpiece is small in size and light in weight, a small robot can be selected to save space and cost.

Shape and material: determine the type and motion mode of robot gripper according to the shape of workpiece. If the shape is complex, special gripper may be customized. At the same time, the hardness and toughness of different materials are different, which affects the bending force and technology. It is necessary to choose a robot that can adapt to the processing of the corresponding materials.

Pay attention to robot performance;

Degree of Freedom: Six-axis robot has high degree of freedom, can complete the work with complex trajectories and angles, is suitable for most sheet metal processing scenes, and has relatively low cost. If the product size changes a lot, or needs to work in a large range, seven-axis robot can be considered, which has a wide range of bending sizes and excellent trajectory.

Repetitive positioning accuracy: The higher the accuracy, the smaller the bending angle and size error. For the workpiece with high accuracy requirements, the robot with repetitive positioning accuracy within ±0.1mm should be selected.

Working speed: Working speed affects production efficiency and should be selected according to production requirements. However, too fast speed may affect the accuracy and stability, which needs comprehensive consideration.

Consider the bending process:

Bending follow-up technology: high-quality bending follow-up technology can make robots automatically follow and adjust according to the running speed of the slider of the bending machine, ensure bending accuracy and reduce workpiece deformation, so robots with advanced bending follow-up technology should be selected.

Automatic die changing and gripper changing function: If the production involves the switching of multiple dies and grippers, the automatic die changing and gripper changing function can improve the production efficiency and reduce manual intervention, which is suitable for small batch and multi-variety production.

Evaluation software system:

Programming mode: Robots with parametric programming and off-line programming functions can reduce programming difficulty and time, improve debugging efficiency and make it convenient for operators to use.

Simulation function: The software with simulation function can verify the program in the virtual environment, find problems in advance, optimize the bending path and process, and reduce the risk and time of on-site debugging.

Pay attention to supporting equipment and services:

Supporting equipment: consider the compatibility and coordination between the robot and supporting equipment such as bending machine, raw material rack and finished product placing table to ensure the smooth operation of the whole bending unit.

After-sales service: Choose a manufacturer with good after-sales service to ensure timely response and maintenance when the robot fails, and reduce downtime. At the same time, manufacturers should be able to provide training services to help operators master robot operation and maintenance skills.

Weigh the cost factors:

Procurement cost: The prices of different brands and models of robots vary greatly, so they need to be selected according to the budget. However, we should not only pursue low prices, but also comprehensively consider performance and quality to ensure that the production needs are met.

Operating costs: including energy consumption, maintenance costs, etc. Choosing a robot with low energy consumption and simple maintenance can reduce the long-term running cost.


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