Novel Automatic Vacuum Workpiece-Manipulator for Sheet Metal Press Forming:An Instrumentation Study

We addressed the technical problem that cutting fluid may continuously and seriously pollute the vacuum system through suction-cup of the workpiece-manipulator operated by means of a negative pressure in the production line of sheet metal press forming.The total solution was a self-developed programmable logic controller(PLC) and a lab-built drainage unit to constantly and automatically remove the leaked-in cutting-fluid from the vacuum system.The newly-developed workpiece manipulator with automatic control and fluid drainage units has been stably working for several months in the production line.The results show that the total solution we reported displays quite a few advantages,including a higher level of automation,a greater efficiency,a better product quality,an easier maintenance,and a more attractive economic impact.