Loader 2.0 – automatic loading and unloading for a single laser cutting machine
Loader 2.0 enables automatic loading of laser tables with sheets of metal and subsequent unloading of cut parts from the cutting table. The main components of the machine are two independently operating modules – loading and unloading. The loading module, responsible for automatic sheet delivery, is equipped with a set of vacuum suction cups, a dedicated sheet separation system, and a sheet thickness measurement system, supplying individual sheets to the laser cutting table. The unloading module, equipped with two-part forks, collects cut components from the cutting table and places them on a rack or pallet. The total loading and unloading cycle time does not exceed 75 s.
To maximize the efficiency of the laser cutter, the Loader 2.0 loading and unloading system is ready for integration with an automatic sheet metal storage system, increasing processing productivity, ensuring fast access to various sheet types, and allowing storage of cut parts and operation of the laser machine without constant operator supervision. The system can be integrated with laser cutters from various manufacturers. The design of Loader 2.0 also allows manual or forklift-assisted sheet loading directly onto the laser cutting table when needed.
Benefits of implementation
- Significantly higher laser cutter productivity – up to 48 cycles per hour
- Minimized machine downtime – smooth, automatic sheet loading and unloading
- Reduced need for forklift use – less internal movement and shorter transport times
- Possibility of unmanned operation – semi-automatic mode or unattended night shifts
- Improved operator safety – process automation and reduced manual sheet handling
Features of the automatic loading–unloading system Loader 2.0
- Handling of sheet formats 3 × 1.5 m, 4 × 2 m and 6 × 2 m (standard 30 suction cups for 3 × 1.5 m format)
- Integration with laser cutters from various manufacturers (including Amada, BLM, Bystronic, Durma, Eagle, Mazak, Mitsubishi, LVD, Salvagnini, TRUMPF)
- Independent loading and unloading of laser table
- Raw material pallet placed directly on the floor
- Pallet for finished parts placed on a movable frame
- Compact design not requiring extension of the cutting table
- Sheet separation and thickness control system
- Optional system protecting sheets from scratches
- Modular design with expansion capability for automatic storage system
- Short material exchange time
- Intuitive control software Flower
- Structure providing full access to the laser cutting table
Extended version functionality
- 60 individually controlled suction cups (optionally up to 286 suction cups),
- Handling of multiple sheet formats, sorting of large components, and transport of reusable waste based on NC file analysis
- Extended movement path of the loading module – retrieving sheets and spacers from multiple locations and depositing parts, spacers, and reusable waste in various positions
- Movable unloading module – full access to the laser table, including loading by crane of thicker sheets, with options for placing skeletons and reusable waste in selected areas
Technical specifications
| Product name | Loader 3015 | Loader 4020 | Loader 6020 |
| Max. sheet size | 3 m x 1.5 m | 4 m x 2 m | 6 m x 2 m |
| Max. sheet weight | 900 kg | 1600 kg | 2300 kg |
| Max. sheet thickness | 25 mm | 25 mm | 25 mm |
Operating principle
The animation shows how the Loader system works: a sheet is picked up from the pallet by the loading module – sheet thickness is checked and confirmed that only one sheet was picked – the sheet is delivered to the laser cutting table – cut parts are collected by the unloading module and placed back on the pallet.
