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Turning Two into One: Safely Separating Double Blanks

When automatically feeding raw sheets, sheet metal parts, blanks and other flat workpieces into forming machines, it is important to separate components and ensure that they are fed in individually to prevent damage to the machines. In conjunction with commercially available sensors, the double-blank detection unit DBD from vacuum technology specialist J. Schmalz does just that – precisely and reliably.

Double-blank detection unit DBD

When you are automatically destacking metal sheets so that they can be fed into the forming machine, it is critical to ensure that sheets are fed into the system one at a time. If two or more sheets are fed into the system, this can result in machine downtime or in the worst case, damage to workpieces. This can result in expensive production failures and labor-intensive repairs. To prevent this from happening, Schmalz developed the double blank detection unit DBD.
The DBD is equipped with a replaceable bell-shaped suction ring made of the wear-resistant and oil-resistant material NBR. The sensor ring is equipped with a sensor holder in which you can install any commercially available M42 (or M36) double sheet sensor. The DBD sensor bracket is both flexible and spring-mounted: This facilitates precise positioning of the sensor and reduces erroneous signals. In addition, this compensates for differences in height, including uneven areas and different sheet surfaces while preventing springs from breaking. By separating the vacuum and sensor circuits, it is possible to prevent leakage in the sensor screw connection. Here, the user benefits from maximum process stability and energy efficiency. The DBD is available with different tooling connections, including quick-change coupling, and facilitates quick, hassle-free installation on loading robots, press feeders or destackers.