Front Of Line (Fol)

Fully automated blank loading for precise feeding at maximum throughput into
high-speed Tandem press lines

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.

Front of line_Edited

Our clients' challenges and how we address them

  • The automatic stack-loading system and pile carts guarantee safe, continuous feeding throughout production.
  • A new high-performance loading system separates and handles individual or multiple blanks while maintaining stability.
  • Conveying belts and vision-based centering systems ensure smooth transport and precise positioning of every blank.
  • The universal vacuum gripper automatically adapts to different sheet dimensions in under 3 minutes, eliminating complex changeovers.
  • 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 17
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

Manipulación inicial

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 pile 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.

Feeder desapilador

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.

Garra de ventosas

Universal vacuum gripper

The system automatically adjusts to different blank dimensions in less than 3 minutes, eliminating the need for dedicated tooling for each blank. This design increases versatility and agility during changeovers, reduces downtime, improves flexibility and lowers costs.

Cintas avance y localización

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 artificial vision, the system detects the position and orientation of each blank and enables correction before press loading.

Front of line_Edited

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.

Explore the complete line

From this automation, you can access the main product and other automations that make up a high-throughput Tandem line.

RELATED PRODUCT

Tandem
Press Line

We create solutions for OEMs and TIER1 suppliers that need to produce more, reducing personnel requirements in production and maintenance teams to a minimum.

Tandem Line VW Navarra

RELATED AUTOMATION

Press-to-press
Feeder

FeederWave is the inter-press transfer system developed by Fagor Arrasate to achieve the required production rates with greater stability than competitor systems.

FeederWave

Automatic
End of Line (EoL)

Designed to work in high-speed lines, it positions parts on the conveyor for ergonomic collection and protects the geometric and surface integrity of each part.

End of line

Contact

company logo Fagor Arrasate

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