Profile bending machine control system
PC400
Convenient creation and saving of bending programs
More Information
Modern and flexible
The PC-based control system for 3-roller bending machines was developed by PBT, and in 1995 it was the first to offer the capability of controlling bending tasks using software. The PC400 is currently the most advanced and flexible control system on the market, and offers countless advantages for small and large series production processes.
Intuitive operation
On the basis of a high-performance Windows PC with a state-of-the-art multi-touch display, bending programs can be created, managed and controlled intuitively on the moveable control terminal, without the need for programming skills. Here the graphic display of the programmed workpiece allows visual inspection of the programmed data. The hardware is network-compatible and can easily be integrated into the existing IT infrastructure.
Efficient and economical
The control programs generated allow any number of different segments to be arranged in sequence and bent in one or more passes. Subprograms for the creation of ellipses, handrails for spiral staircases, “Napoleon curves”, S-curves or special shapes are already available as standard.
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-conformances in programmed data, which can result e.g. from different material elasticities, are corrected in the software by entering actual manufactured values – consistent repeat precision and low reject rates are thus ensured.
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, by means of Siemens S7-1200 the new PC400 also allows the integration of supplementary modules in addition to the control of machines. In this way the PC400 becomes the central control unit for e.g. the 3D bending / turning device, automatic radius measurement system, minimum quantity lubrication MMS, mandrel forward feed or even robots.
Your benefits
- Performance of the bending process in one or more passes - even where there are different radii within a 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 thanks to the remote maintenance capability
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 |