WyCell A Series Automatic Robotic Sheet Metal Folding Cell

The WyCell A Series is an automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell with blades, fully automated, with an automatic loading and unloading system, AutoPath offline programming software with automatic toolpath generation and a 60% reduction in the production cycle, available in 4 configurations: from the A 0.8t (max format 145 mm) up to the A 2.8t (max format 4900×1250 mm). Unlike the WyBend press brakes that use a punch and die under high forces, this automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell uses HRC 56–58 alloy-steel folding blades that fold the sheet with a wrapping motion, a completely different mechanical principle that enables full automation with offline programming software and automatic toolpath generation for 100 sets of custom orders.

The WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell is the solution for producers that fold high volumes of identical or similar parts and want to completely eliminate the bending operator's labor: the automatic loading and unloading system processes blanks of up to 65 kg at a rate of 30 tonnes per hour, with the AutoPath software automatically generating the folding toolpath from the part's CAD file with no manual programming.

Key advantages of the WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell

• Full automation: loading, folding and unloading with no operator. The WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell operates fully automatically: the vacuum system picks up the blank, the control system runs the programmed folding sequence and the unloading system removes the finished part, with no operator intervention during the production cycle.

• AutoPath offline software: automatic toolpath generation from CAD. The AutoPath offline programming software (Delem) automatically generates the folding toolpath from the part's CAD file, with a 3D visual simulation in 0.7–1.47 seconds per part; the operator does not manually program the folding sequence: they import it from CAD and the system calculates the optimal toolpath itself.

• 60% production-cycle reduction: the combination of automatic programming, the elimination of manual setup times and the automatic cycle with no pauses between parts reduces the total production cycle by 60% compared with manual bending on conventional press brakes on the same parts.

• HRC 56–58 alloy-steel blades: 10–15 pcs/min. The folding blades made of alloy steel heat-treated to HRC 56–58 hardness ensure high durability and long-term geometric precision, with a folding rate of 10–15 pcs/minute depending on the part complexity and the processed format.

• Flexible CNC control system with 100 job sets: the Beckhoff / Omron control system stores 100 sets of custom orders with 3D visualization and multi-language support, allowing flexible production of diverse parts with no manual reprogramming between different orders.

• Automatic loading/unloading system: 30 tonnes/hour. The vacuum loading system of the automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell picks up blanks of up to 65 kg with precise pneumatic guidance, at a processing rate of 30 tonnes per hour, eliminating the need for loading and unloading operators for high production volumes.

• 4 models: format 145 mm to 4900×1250 mm. The WyCell A range covers from compact cells for small parts (A 0.8t, max 145 mm) up to large cells for furniture parts and panels (A 2.8t, max 4900×1250 mm), with the same full-automation architecture on all models.

Technical specifications of the WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell

Blade folding versus press-brake bending: what sets the WyCell A apart from the WyBend family

The WyBend press brakes (NC, C, E, H, G, T) use a punch and die under forces of 40–14000 tonnes to bend the sheet by pressing, the standard method for complex profiles, large thicknesses and varied formats. The WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell uses folding blades that wrap the sheet around a profile through a rotary motion: the folding method, fundamentally different from press brake.

The main advantage of blade folding over press brake is full automatability: the blank is held fixed and the blades rotate around it, allowing complete robotization of feeding and unloading. On a press brake, the operator must reposition the sheet for each bend, an operation difficult to fully automate. The disadvantage is that blade folding is limited to smaller thicknesses (up to a few mm depending on the material), more limited formats and angles of a maximum of 135°. UZINEX provides consulting to determine the optimal method.

Applications and industries for the WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell

The WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell is intended for producers of metal parts with high volumes and repetitive geometries (electronic-equipment housings, control panels, small electrical cabinets, metal-furniture components and ventilation profiles) where full automation of the folding cycle reduces labor cost and human variability to zero.

Plants producing electrical cabinets and industrial-equipment housings use the A 2.5t and A 2.8t models of the automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell for the automatic series production of front panels, side walls and doors from 1–3 mm sheet, with the AutoPath software automatically generating the folding sequence from the part's DXF file and the vacuum system automatically loading and unloading at a rate of 30 tonnes per hour.

Producers of metal furniture and shelving systems use the A 2.8t model of the automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell for formats up to 4900×1250 mm typical of furniture panels, with full automation of the production cycle allowing operation over multiple shifts with minimal supervision.

How the WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell works

1. CAD file import and automatic AutoPath toolpath generation: the operator imports the part's DXF/DWG file into the AutoPath offline software; the system automatically generates the complete folding toolpath in 0.7–1.47 seconds, with a 3D visual simulation to verify the sequence before production.

2. Automatic loading with the vacuum system: the vacuum system picks up the blank from the stack and positions it precisely on the cell's table, with pneumatic guidance for exact centering relative to the programmed folding axes.

3. Sequential folding with HRC 56–58 blades: the alloy-steel blades perform the programmed folding sequence through wrapping motions around the blank at angles of up to 135°, with the ±1.5° accuracy maintained across the entire production run with no human variability.

4. Automatic check and correction: the Beckhoff/Omron control system monitors each fold and automatically corrects the parameters if it detects deviations from the programmed ±1.5° tolerance.

5. Automatic unloading and next-batch loading: the finished part is unloaded and stacked automatically; the vacuum system immediately loads the next blank, with the complete cycle repeating with no manual intervention at a rate of 30 tonnes per hour.

Frequently asked questions about the WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell

What sheet thicknesses can the WyCell A Series cell fold?

The WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell processes sheet metal from a minimum thickness of 1 mm; the maximum thickness depends on the chosen model and the processed material. On soft carbon steel, the typical processed thicknesses are 0.5–3 mm on the small models and 1–5 mm on the large models; on stainless steel and aluminum the maximum thickness is smaller than on carbon steel. UZINEX provides consulting to verify compatibility with the customer's specific thickness and material.

How long does it take to program a new part on the WyCell A Series?

The AutoPath offline software automatically generates the folding toolpath from the part's CAD file in 0.7–1.47 seconds per part, practically instantly. The total setup time for a new part includes the CAD-file import, the verification of the 3D simulation and the transfer of the program to the cell, with a total duration of a few minutes compared with the hours required to manually program a press brake for complex parts with long bending sequences.

For what production volume does the investment in the WyCell A robotic cell pay off versus a CNC press brake with an operator?

The investment in the WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell is economically justified in two scenarios: (1) repetitive production over 2–3 shifts with volumes of thousands of parts per month where the labor cost of 3 shifts of operators plus the human variability become substantial compared with a single supervisor for the automatic cell; (2) production with strict uniformity requirements where the variability introduced by multiple operators is unacceptable. For production with small batches and a large mix of complex profiles with angles below 135° or large thicknesses, the WyBend C/E CNC press brakes with an operator remain the optimal economic choice. UZINEX provides consulting with a concrete ROI analysis based on the customer's specific production.

What is the practical difference between WyCell blade folding and WyBend press-brake bending?

A press brake (WyBend) clamps the sheet between an upper punch and a lower die and applies vertical force; the operator repositions the sheet for each bend in the sequence. Blade folding (WyCell) holds the sheet fixed and rotates the blades around it to wrap it; the sheet does not move, only the tools. This difference explains: the WyBend covers any geometry and thicknesses from 0.5 to 200 mm but is difficult to fully automate; the WyCell is limited to smaller thicknesses and angles below 135° but is fully robotized, eliminating the operator from bending. The choice depends 100% on the part geometry and the specific production volume of the workshop.

Is the WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell eligible for European funding?

Yes. UZINEX supplies equipment for European-funded projects (PNRR, the Regional Program, the Just Transition Program) and is a member of the Enterprise Europe Network. The WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell can be included in funding files for production automation and the elimination of repetitive labor. UZINEX provides complete technical documentation for public procurement procedures and tenders.

Why UZINEX for the WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell

• Free technical consulting: WyCell or WyBend, optimal model. UZINEX evaluates the thicknesses, formats, angles and production volume to determine whether blade folding (WyCell) or press brake (WyBend) is the optimal solution, and the correct model from the selected family.

• Free transport, assembly and commissioning included: the automatic robotic cell is delivered, installed and started up at the customer's site by the UZINEX technical team, with the import of the existing part library into AutoPath and complete operator training.

• Extended 60-month warranty: warranty for all components with technical support and intervention in under 36 hours.

• National technical support in under 36 hours: a 24/7 phone line and fast on-site or video intervention.

• Smart AI manual included: complete documentation with AI assistance for 96%+ of technical requests, including for the AutoPath software.

• Full eligibility for European funding: documentation and support for EU, PNRR, structural funding for automation projects.

The WyCell A Series automatic robotic sheet metal folding cell is the solution for producers who want zero bending labor, with full automation of loading/unloading at 30 tonnes/hour, AutoPath offline software with automatic toolpath generation from CAD in under 1.5 seconds, a 60% cycle reduction, HRC 56–58 blades at 10–15 pcs/min and a max angle of 135°, in 4 models from a 145 mm format to 4900×1250 mm.