Tool segment repositioning minimization for bending operations

In recent years, most press brake manufacturers have developed systems for automatic machine setup. During a setup operation, a machine layout is built both through loading and unloading of new segments and through repositioning of previously loaded segments. To decrease the number of time-consuming repositioning operations and thus increase the efficiency of those systems, this contribution investigates the optimal arrangement of tool stations and segments. Two different heuristics are proposed to solve this yet unexplored complex problem and their performance is compared. (C) 2022 CIRP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This contribution investigates the optimal arrangement of tool stations and segments in the automatic machine setup system of press brake. Two different heuristics are proposed to solve this complex problem and their performance is compared.