Handling expert Strothmann extends its range of feeders by the new FEEDERplus8, an eight axis linear robot system which can transport and orient parts in various directions. The additional degrees of freedom provide for maximum flexibility in the feeding of blanks to complex dies and in parts removal. The new feeder can be installed in small press gaps with a minimum distance of 6,500mm between the press tables. The coordinated movement of the axes allows for the processing of ten to twelve large parts, e.g. side members, per minute.

"When we designed the FEEDERplus8, we considered our customers' demands on its applicability," says Derek Clark, CEO of Strothmann. "The feeder can also be installed in existing press applications with a small opening stroke because at about 250mm, the orientation axis is very lean and can access all dies horizontally. Our advantage is apparent: one feeder per press gap is sufficient to remove the parts from the press, orient them, and feed them into the following press", says Clark. The FEEDERplus8 has been designed for a payload of approx. 120 kg including blank, tooling, and tooling adapter. It can optionally be equipped with a system for automatic tooling change, which is attached to a crossbar by means of a saddle or an adapter for the robot tooling. The tooling can then be picked up and exchanged automatically; it can be made available via a shuttle system or by attaching it to the respective die set.

Thus, set-up times during die change can be reduced to a minimum. "A customer from overseas was deeply impressed with the feeder's flexibility and performance. Following the demonstration, the company immediately placed an order. It plans to fit its complete press line with this model in the future", says Clark.