Sheet metal punching and bending center S4+P4

sheetautomaticconstruction

Overview
The S4+P4 flexible manufacturing line integrates an S4 punching-shearing centre with a P4 panel bender into a continuous automated FMS. It enables kit-based and batch-one production from raw sheet to finished bent panel while minimising cycle times, WIP and intermediate handling.

Key benefits

• Unmanned operation: full automation from sheet loading to finished-panel unloading for lights-out production.
• Low WIP and short through-times: continuous inline flow with limited intermediate buffering.
• Flexible production mix: supports MTO, MTS, batch-one and medium/large batches.
• Autonomous line intelligence: real-time job balancing, station availability management and bottleneck avoidance.
• Parametric production support: adapts to different sizes, materials and nesting layouts.
• High configurability: integrates multiple feeding, buffering and unloading options.

Main functional features

• Combined S4 punching-shearing centre and P4 panel bender integrated into a flexible manufacturing system.
• End-to-end automation chain: feeding, punching, shearing/separation, transfer, bending, unloading/sorting/buffering.
• Line intelligence for autonomous scheduling, prioritization and dynamic buffering.
• Support for kit-based, just-in-time and parametric batch processing with reduced setup times.

Feeding devices (selection)

• PD: automatic pack destacker.
• ADS: automatic double-pack destacker.
• MD: store for single-sheet handling.
• MV: store for packs and semi-finished parts handling.
• SMD: single-sheet feeding magazine (with MV).
• MCU: cartesian manipulator for automatic sorting and semi-finished part loading.
• PCD: destacking conveyor surface.

Transfer devices

• ACP: panel bender feeding/centering station.
• RIP: turnover/turning unit for panels.

Loading / unloading / buffering devices (selection)

• SPB: good parts unloader.
• SPP15: connection for unloading/selecting small sheared parts.
• AGF: manual part unloader.
• IA: non-magnetic tray stacker.
• BIG: buffer for sheared parts.
• SAP: semi-automatic unloading device.
• P-Robot: robotic unloading/handling solution.

Production strategies supported

• In line: direct flow (load → punch → separate → transfer → bend → unload) for lean/JIT operation and minimal WIP.
• Standalone: S4 and P4 operate independently to maximize flexibility and availability.
• Stack: S4 maximises punching productivity by unloading to buffers while P4 processes available parts.
• Pack: P4 is fed from stored cut parts to maximise bending productivity when timing differs.
• Dynamic buffering: automated parking and recovery of parts between S4 and P4 managed by line intelligence (MCU recommended).

Software & line management

• STREAM: programming suite for nesting and part programming to reduce setup time.
• OPS: modular production management software exchanging real-time data with ERP/MRP.
• LINKS: IoT monitoring solution for real-time performance analysis and OEE improvement.

Most frequent sectors and configurations (summary)
Typical sectors: HVAC, doors & frames, electrical, lifts/elevators, Ho.Re.Ca., construction, subcontracting, steel furniture.

Typical configurations

• Lean: direct inline operation without stacking for continuous kit production.
• Classic: JIT line for continuous kit and batch production with minimized cycle times.
• Evolution: compact configuration including feeder, S4, MCU and P4 with dynamic buffering for high versatility.

Technical specifications

• Model: S4+P4 (combined FMS line: S4 punching-shearing + P4 panel bender).
• Operation: fully automated from sheet loading to finished panel unloading (lights-out capable).
• Production strategies: In-line, Standalone, Stack, Pack, Dynamic buffering.
• Automations supported: PD, ADS, MD, MV, SMD, MCU, PCD, ACP, RIP, SPB, SPP15, AGF, IA, BIG, SAP, P-Robot.
• Software: STREAM, OPS, LINKS.
• Capabilities: parametric, kit-based and batch-one production, autonomous job balancing and adaptive nesting.
• Target industries: HVAC, doors & frames, electrical, lifts/elevators, Ho.Re.Ca., construction, subcontracting, steel furniture.