In recent years, the pipe-bending machine industry has embraced scientific principles, cutting-edge technology, and modern management practices to continuously enhance product performance. Simultaneously, the industry has introduced advanced foreign technology and equipment to develop and manufacture diverse series of bending machinery. So, what exactly constitutes an automation solution for pipe-bending machines?

"An automation solution for pipe-bending machines provides a unified device integrating control and display functions, along with a standalone software tool for configuring the entire automation component suite, thereby offering customers the optimal choice," says David Ribault. The HMI Power Panel 200 integrates a CNC controller for axis management and a compact flash slot for data storage; it serves as the core system for automation components, handling all control and display tasks, including motion control.

For the fully automatic CNC pipe-bending machines manufactured by Huameng Machinery, the CNC program defines the cutting profile and sequence; this program is loaded onto the Power Panel 200 via a USB interface and stored on a CF card. Additionally, the software package provided by B&R includes a program that converts cutting paths—drawn in CAD software—into CNC programs compliant with ISO standards. Users simply save the designs created on a standard PC to a USB flash drive and insert the drive into the panel. Two cutting heads move across an X-Y table controlled by ACOPOS drives, ensuring precise operation—a critical factor, particularly for conveyor belts. Since food is transported via these belts, they must meet strict hygiene standards; the stainless steel front panel and touchscreen of the Power Panel 200 likewise comply with these hygiene requirements.