Less manual handling
Automate part picking, transfer, sorting and skeleton removal.
FlowSort is a modular automation system for automatic loading, part handling, skeleton removal and sorting after laser cutting. Designed around your production, it can serve different machine congurations, working table sizes and sorting requirements.
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In high-volume production, laser cutting is only one part of the process.
Once a sheet has been cut, parts still need to be picked, separated, removed and organized.
Manual handling can become the next bottleneck, limiting the output of the cutting machine. FlowSort automates these steps to keep the process moving between cutting cycles.
Automate part picking, transfer, sorting and skeleton removal.
Reduce interruptions between cutting cycles by moving finished parts automatically.
Use different handling tools depending on part material, geometry, dimensions and weight.
Adapt the system configuration to your machines, working areas and production requirements.
An example of FlowSort configuration with FlowIN and an iNspire laser cutting machine.
FlowSort can automate multiple stages of the laser cutting workflow, from sheet handling to finished-part sorting.
A 9-suction-cup handling tool picks up the sheet and loads it onto the laser cutting machine. Depending on the sheet size and weight, one or more sorting arms can work together.
The material is processed according to the programmed cutting layout. Once cutting is complete, the table moves into the FlowSort working area.
The system selects the appropriate handling tools for the parts. Independently controlled arms can pick different parts and place them in their designated locations.
After the parts have been removed, the arms use the comb handling tool to remove the remaining skeleton from the cutting table.
Different parts require different handling methods. FlowSort uses interchangeable handling tools to adapt the process to different materials, shapes and weights.
Designed for handling individual metal parts. Each gripper head uses six pneumatic magnets and can handle parts weighing up to 250 kg. Multiple heads can operate together for larger components
Designed for smaller and lightweight parts. The 40 mm suction cup can handle parts weighing up to 4 kg and adapts to different surface conditions using a flexible joint and spring-loaded piston.
Designed for picking up and transporting full metal sheets before cutting. The nine-point configuration improves sheet stability during handling and supports loads of up to 250 kg.
FlowSort is not a fixed-size automation system. Its modular structure allows the number of traverses, system length and width to be adapted to the number of machines, working table sizes and available production space.
| Configuration | Application |
|---|---|
| FlowSort 1T | Automated part handling and sorting with one traverse. |
| FlowSort 2T | 2 traverses for faster sorting and increased throughput. |
| FlowSort 3T | 3 traverses for higher sorting capacity and greater flexibility across drop-off locations. |
| FlowSort 4T | 4 traverses for maximum sorting capacity, with support for more drop-off locations and multiple cutting machines. |
Available working table con gurations: 1530 · 2040 · 2060 · 2560 · 2580
FlowSort combines a modular structural frame, servo-driven axes, positioning feedback and safety systems to coordinate the movement of the traverses and sorting arms.
The control cabinet integrates the electrical components required to coordinate drives, sensors and system functions.
The traverses provide precise positioning of sorting arms along the system and can adjust their angular position to match the arrangement of parts on the sheet.
Technology detail: Angular traverse positioning
Instead of approaching every part from a fixed angle, the traverse adjusts its position to redu
Each traverse is equipped with two independently controlled sorting arms. They can move along the traverse, adjust height, rotate the handling tool and work with different tools depending on the application.
Safety gates separate the operator area from moving components. Integrated safety monitoring helps stop movement when access conditions or programmed limits require it.
The segmented frame can be configured according to the number of traverses, working area and system requirements, with the possibility of future expansion.
The independent operator panel can be positioned within the workstation, providing a clear view of the working area during operation, setup and monitoring.
FlowSort becomes relevant when handling after cutting starts limiting production performance. Ask yourself the following questions. If the answer to one or more is yes, automated sorting can become the next step in improving production flow.
Pick, transfer and sort finished parts with less manual handling.
Remove parts and skeletons and prepare the table for the next cycle.
Match handling tools to different materials, geometries and weights.
Angular traverse positioning can reduce sorting time by up to 2× compared with fixed-angle positioning.
Choose from 1 to 4 traverses and adapt the system to your machines and working area.
Higher configurations can support multiple cutting machines and more drop-off locations.
Find clear answers about automated part sorting, handling tools, congurations, capabilities, and integration with your production.
FlowSort is a modular automation system for automatic separation and sorting of parts after laser cutting. It can also automatically load sheets onto the laser cutting machine.
FlowSort can be configured with 1 to 4 traverses, depending on the required sorting capacity and system layout. Each traverse carries two independently controlled sorting arms.
Yes. Interchangeable magnetic and vacuum handling tools can be selected according to the material, dimensions, geometry and weight of the parts.
Yes. The nine-suction-cup gripper is designed to pick up and transport full metal sheets before cutting.
Yes. After part sorting, the system uses a comb handling tool to remove the remaining skeleton from the cutting table.
Yes. The traverses can dynamically change their angular position to match the part layout and reduce unnecessary positioning movements.
The source material states that higher FlowSort configurations can support multiple cutting machines and that the system can be integrated with Eagle machines and other automation systems such as FlowIN and storage towers.
Yes. The system can be configured for different working table sizes, including 1530, 2040, 2060, 2560 and 2580.
