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High-speed blank feeding
Fagor Arrasate’s Front of Line ensures fast, precise and fully automated blank feeding to the first press, enabling operation at high stroke rates. The installation can handle steel and aluminum in single- or double-blank configuration and in inline or parallel orientation.
It is equipped with a latest-generation destacker feeder, a universal vacuum gripper, and an advanced centering and press-loading system.
Retos de nuestros clientes y cómo los resolvemos
Stable handling of large blank stacks → The automatic stack-loading system and shuttle carts guarantee safe, continuous feeding throughout production.
Difficulty feeding blanks at high speed → A new high-performance loading system separates and handles individual or multiple blanks while maintaining stability.
Reliable feeding into the press → Conveying belts and vision-based centering systems ensure smooth transport and precise positioning of every blank.
No reliance on dedicated tooling for each blank → The universal vacuum gripper automatically adapts to different sheet dimensions in under 3 minutes, eliminating complex changeovers.
Blank separation → The system separates blanks using magnets for ferromagnetic materials and air blowers for non-ferrous materials such as aluminum. Side stops prevent stack movement during separation, and the whole system features automatic adjustment.
Front of Line performance
Up to 18 blanks/min Single-feeder configuration
Up to 20 Blanks/min Synchronized dual-feeder configuration
3 min Universal gripper adjustment Automatic adaptation without dedicated tooling
Modules - Front of Line
Initial blank handling
The system automates stack feeding and the separation of steel and/or aluminum blanks, in single or double configuration, for subsequent unloading. A shuttle cart positions the stack inside the loader and, once lifted, the blanks are separated for pick-up by the feeder. When the stack is finished, the cart exits to ensure safe and continuous reloading.
Destacker feeder
The feeder automates blank pick-up and loading onto the conveying belts for transfer to the centering area. It can handle blanks in one- or two-feeder configurations, adapting to different production requirements. Its patented design optimizes productivity without compromising handling stability or quality.
Universal vacuum gripper
The system automatically adjusts to different blank dimensions in less than 3 minutes, eliminating the need for dedicated tooling for each format. This design increases versatility and agility during changeovers, reduces downtime, improves flexibility and lowers costs.
Conveying belts and blank location
The belts transport each blank smoothly and in a controlled way from the destacker to the press, guaranteeing continuous flow without damaging the blank surface. Thanks to integrated machine vision, the system detects the position and orientation of each blank and enables correction before press loading.
Centering and press loading (CFW)
The system allows the simultaneous loading of one or two blanks into the press, maximizing productivity in every cycle. Its different degrees of freedom ensure accurate centering during transfer. Its two-feeder-based design enables synchronized operation for large blanks, as well as individual operation for double blanks in both parallel and inline layouts.