RAS MiniBend Center 79.05 CNC Robotic Folding Machine with Tool Changer – Year 2014
Year
2014
Make
RAS
Model
MiniBend Center 79.05
Description
CNC Robotic Folding Machine with Tool Changer
Max Thickness Capacity
16 Ga
Min/Max Blank Length
1.97″/23.62”
Min/Max Blank Width
1.57″/23.62”
Max Material Thickness
11 Ga. (Depending on the Tool)
Pallet Size
47″ x 31.5″
Main Manipulator Positioning Accuracy
X-Axis: (+/-) 0.0008″ Y-Axis: (+/-) 0.0008″ Z-Axis: (+/-) 0.002″
Rotation Axis
(+/-) 0.01 Deg.
Tool Changer Accuracy
0.0008″
Folding Cell Upper/ Lower Beam Length
98.4″ / 98.4”
Folding Cell Upper/Lower Folding Beam
90.5″ / 98.4″
Features
18″ Touch Screen Moveable Operating Panel
Camera Scanning System
Finished Part Conveyor System
Kuka Kr 16-2 Robot
Leveled Blank Quality
Material Handling System
Servo Motor Drive
Transfer Table with Suction Cups
Two Raw Material Carts
Two Skelton Pallets
Upper And Lower Tool Magazine
Tooling Included
RAS MiniBend Center 79.05 CNC Robotic Folding Machine with Tool Changer – Technical Evaluation (Year 2014)
1. Technical Evaluation Overview
The RAS MiniBend Center 79.05 is a CNC robotic folding machine manufactured in 2014, designed for automated panel bending with integrated tool changing and material handling. Based strictly on the provided information, the system supports sheet thickness up to 16 ga (with up to 11 ga depending on tooling) and processes blanks within 1.97″–23.62″ length and 1.57″–23.62″ width ranges.
The folding cell features upper and lower beams of 98.4″, with folding beam lengths specified at 90.5″ (upper) and 98.4″ (lower). The machine includes an upper and lower tool magazine with a tool changer accuracy of 0.0008″, supporting automated setup changes.
Material handling and manipulation are provided by a KUKA KR 16-2 robot, a transfer table with suction cups, two raw material carts, and two skeleton pallets. The main manipulator positioning accuracy is specified as ±0.0008″ on X/Y and ±0.002″ on Z, with a rotation axis accuracy of ±0.01°. Additional features include a camera scanning system, finished part conveyor, servo motor drives, and an 18″ movable touchscreen operating panel. A 47″ × 31.5″ pallet is specified.
Parameters such as cycle time, maximum flange height, minimum bend radius, and material types are not provided and should be verified.
2. What to Check Before Buying
Given the automation level and missing details, inspection should focus on:
Folding mechanics and tooling:
Condition and alignment of upper/lower beams and folding blades across the full beam length.
Verification of tool changer repeatability (stated 0.0008″) and completeness/condition of included tooling.
Confirmation of thickness capability relative to tooling (16 ga vs. 11 ga depending on tool).
Robotics and handling:
Calibration and repeatability of the KR 16-2 robot; check gripper suction integrity and vacuum stability.
Operation of the transfer table, carts, and skeleton pallets for reliable flow.
Vision and control:
Performance and calibration of the camera scanning system for blank detection and orientation.
Control software versions, backups, and interlocks; verify HMI operation on the 18″ touchscreen.
Accuracy and process stability:
Validation of stated positioning accuracies under load.
Consistency of folding angles (rotation axis ±0.01°) across different part sizes.
3. Typical Industrial Applications
Based strictly on the provided configuration, the MiniBend Center 79.05 is technically suitable for:
Automated folding of small to medium sheet-metal panels within the specified blank ranges.
High-mix/medium-volume production benefiting from tool changing, vision guidance, and robotic handling.
Applications requiring consistent bend accuracy and reduced manual handling.
Material grades, achievable tolerances, and flange limits require confirmation through testing.
4. Common Risks in Used Machines
Typical risks for used robotic folding cells include:
Tool wear or incomplete tool sets, limiting thickness capability.
Robot calibration drift affecting placement and angle accuracy.
Vision system misalignment leading to handling errors.
Software/licensing gaps or missing backups for automation sequences.
5. Maintenance and Service Considerations
With no service history provided, considerations are general:
Routine inspection of folding beams, servo drives, and tool changer mechanisms.
Regular calibration of the robot, vision system, and angle measurement.
Preventive maintenance of vacuum systems and conveyors.
Backup of control parameters, robot programs, and vision recipes prior to changes or relocation.
Final Note:
The RAS MiniBend Center 79.05, as specified, is a compact robotic folding cell with integrated tool changing and vision-guided handling. While the provided data defines its core envelope and automation features, a complete technical evaluation requires verification of folding performance across materials and thicknesses, tooling completeness, software configuration, and accuracy through on-site inspection and trial runs.
