Robots and Vision Combine for Accurate Sheet Metal Cutting

In the general construction industry, many different parts are cut from sheet metal and then welded together on a large machine or vehicle. The trouble arises when the sheets are placed on the cutting table; the larger and heavier they are, the more difficult they are to position on the table. Without proper alignment, the sheet is likely to be cut outside acceptable tolerances, which results in waste and has a negative impact on the welding process. When sheets vary along the X, Y, and Z axes, the issue of exact positioning becomes even more problematic.