PC400
PBT's PC-Based Control System
Intuitive Creation, Storage and Management of BendingPrograms
More Information
Modern and flexible
PBT's PC400 PC-based control system for three-roller bending machines was developed in 1995 and was the first to offer software-controlled bending. The PC400 is currently the most advanced and flexible control system on the market, offering countless advantages for small and large series production processes. The PC400 features easy-to-navigate menus and a simple, yet highly powerful user interface. Bending programs can be easily generated, managed and adapted.
Intuitive to use
The PC400 control runs on Microsoft Windows OS and can be incorporated into a corporate network. This allows central data management, automatic backup and the capability to create programs on an office workstation instead of in front of a machine. If desired, an interface can be made to CAD software so part programs can be created directly from drawings. Remote diagnostics and maintenance can be provided via internet connection, providing customers an even higher level of support.
PC400 hardware consists of a high-performance 15-inch multi-touch screen and industrial-grade computer with solid state disc. The system is mounted to a stand-alone pedestal on wheels. Through the use of open standards and off-the-shelf components, it can be expanded and specialized to fit different customer-specific needs.
Efficient & economical
The control programs allow any number of different segments to be arranged in sequence and bent in one or more passes. The PC400 allows for part programs with an unlimited number of bending segments and radii. It comes pre-programmed with modules for creating ellipses, spirals, coils, ‘Napoleon’ bends, S-bends and more, with just a few simple inputs. Documentation for each part can be saved as a PDF file and attached to the program. This feature makes it simple to include process sheets, images and other data within each part program.
By means of precise control of the X and Y-axis, perfect transitions are achieved between radii and straight sections. Non-conformances caused by the machine are excluded through the continuous regulation of the axis position during bending, from individual parts to large-scale series production. Unavoidable non-conformance in programmed data, resulting from different material elasticities, are corrected in the software by entering actual manufactured values. The result is consistent repeat precision and low reject rates.
Open and expandable
With the PC400 control system, an open system has been created. Whether integrated into a network or as an individual work station, the PC400's Siemens S7-1200 software allows the integration of supplementary modules in addition to the control of machines. In this way the PC400 becomes the central control unit for a 3D bending/ turning device, automatic radius measurement system, minimum quantity lubrication MMS, mandrel forward feed or even robotics.
Customer benefits
- Performance of the bending process in one or more passes, even with different radii within a single component
- Material catalogue / springback diagrams can be created for all profiles – up to and including automatic radius measurement
- All software tools / subprograms included
- Assignment and access of PDF documentation (image/text) for creation of workpieces using a corresponding program
- Optional interface with CAD software for the creation of programs based on design data
- Workplace-independent creation, management and data backup of programs by means of network integration
- Direct support from PBT experts at Boschert USA and in Switzerland
PBT control systems overview
| Manual | Tablet Teach-In | Tablet350 | PC400 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operation / Hardware | mobile handheld terminal | mobile handheld terminal / Tablet-PC / jointed arm bracket / freely mobile | mobile handheld terminal / Tablet-PC / jointed arm bracket / freely mobile | movable control panel / 15-Inch multi-touch display / industrial PC |
| Recommended for | low variability of bending forms | low variability of bending forms but high quantities | high variability of bending forms | high variability of bending forms and automated |
| Time requirement for determining the bending geometry | relatively high | relatively high | low | low |
| Series production | following manual setup | automated, after teach-in | automated, software-controlled | automated, software-controlled and can be integrated in automation |
| Programming / Storage / Processing of the radii and program calculation | manual | via teach-in / via tablet | software-based, number and length unlimited | software-based, number and length unlimited |
| Visual program check | - | - | as a graphic representation | as a graphic representation |
| Radii per bending part | 1 | 1 | optional | optional |
| Infeed rate | rapid traverse / crawling speed | rapid traverse / crawling speed | continuous | continuous |
| Additional bending | - | - | possible for 1 segment | possible for all segments |
| Rolling out | - | - | - | possible |
| Transition correction | - | - | - | possible |
| Program documentation | - | - | - | as PDF attachment |
| Program assistants | - | - | spiral coil | spiral coil, ellipses, “Napoleon curves”, S-bends, special forms, swimming pool roof, bending left/right |
| Control of additional options | - | - | - | open architecture for customer-specific extensions, e.g. CNC Z-axes, 3-D bending attachment or mandrel forward feed, automatic radius measurement |
| Remote diagnosis by PBT | - | - | - | via Internet connection |
| Software update | - | per USB stick | per USB stick | per USB stick / via Internet connection |
| Data backup | - | via USB port | via USB port | via USB port / network-based |
| Connection | corded | WiFi | WiFi | corded |
| Operating system | - | Windows | Windows | Windows |
| Network integration | - | - | - | possible |
| Safety | emergency stop, inching | emergency stop, inching, enabling switch | emergency stop, inching, enabling switch | emergency stop, inching, enabling switch optional: Connection for safety laser scanner |
| Axes | X-axis 1/100mm controlled optional: Y-axis 1/10mm resolution |
X-axis 1/100mm controlled Y-axis 1/10mm controlled |
X-axis 1/100mm controlled Y-axis 1/10mm controlled |
X-axis 1/100mm controlled Y-axis 1/10mm controlled optional: X-axis with servo hydraulics (PBT25, PBT35) optional: Y-axis with servo controllers (PBT35) optional: controlled Z-axes left/right |