the robobend-center integrates a folding machine with a robot. the innovative software integration design automatically programs the robot using the part program data. as in all folding technology, the blank remains in a ......the robobend-center integrates a folding machine with a robot. the innovative software integration design automatically programs the robot using the part program data. as in all folding technology, the blank remains in a horizontal plane during the entire folding cycle. the robobend-center uses simplified material handling to be much more productive. mounted onto a linear axis, the robot gains additional work area. the robot directly feeds the material into the machine. optical sensors measure the position of the part and sends feedback to the cnc so that the robot can instantly correct any inaccuracy. after the blank is parallel to the bend line, the "cnc freezes the robot". all six robot joints will be locked in position. this seventh axis now moves the robot forwards and back in order to bend flange-by-flange with perfect accuracy. when the robot positions the blank, it is in an extremely stretched position. the robobend-center therefore can run sheet sizes of up to 3000 x 1500 mm and can fold sheet thicknesses of up to 3 mm. when the part needs to be flipped ras uses an innovative method. where re-gripping stations are usually needed, the robobend-center robot can position the part to the bend line, holding it from either the top or bottom of the part.