At Estes Design and Manufacturing, we use Salvagnini Panel Benders (see image) to provide lean and flexible production capabilities. When our customers allow us to utilize value engineering practices and tools it results in cost savings and value for the customer. Below are some of the benefits our customers receive based on our use of Panel Benders:
- Repeatability – Compared to conventional press brakes with human operators
o Increases part quality – a must when laser welding - Accuracy – +/- .004” bend line to bend line
o Much tighter than what can be held in a conventional press brake
o Increase part quality - Quality
o Part quality is not dependent on operator skill. Once the program is proofed out the machine will produce the same part every time. - Lead-Time Reduction
o Speed advantage is 2-3 times versus press brakes – allows you to shorten internal lead-time - Part Pre-Staging – When being supported by our material warehouse the MV presents the next tray of parts to be formed
o Increased throughput - Automation – No restroom breaks, sicknesses, fatigue
o Increased throughput - Automatic Tooling
o Reduces setup costs
-No tools to load, so setup time is reduced
-No additional setups for complicated parts (26-bend part in one setup)
o Enables one-piece flow - Partially Unmanned Operation
o Increased throughput – When machines are running, operator can perform annual work in process (finishing bends, embossing, etc.) or write programs
