As experienced plate rolling machine operators retire, they take with them decades of knowledge. Incorporating that existing knowledge base, Davi developed its new iVision laser radius measuring system for its e-POWER fully electric machines that brings artificial intelligence (AI) to the plate rolling process, making it significantly simpler and giving shops the ability to run machines unmanned.
With the combination of AI and a specific algorithm, iVision encompasses reading/measuring and self-correction through the e-POWER fully electric machine’s CNC to automatically adjust in real time. This streamlines the rolling process and ensures the most accurate results in the shortest amount of time possible.
In a typical rolling process, operators will load a plate and start rolling. As the plate is rolled, they manually check its radius with a template, then return to the control, make the adjustment, advance the plate further and repeat the procedure until the desired radius size is achieved. This back-and-forth procedure can happen several times during a single plate rolling sequence. Because iVision eliminates the need for templates, the system not only speeds the process, but it also significantly reduces the need for highly experienced operators to make those manual adjustments.
“At Davi, our goal is to solve customer problems, and the loss of skilled operators is one our customers continue to face,” said Alessandro Soffritti, President and CEO of Davi, Inc. “With the advent of iVision, we take the unique knowledge of experienced operators out of the equation to boost speed, accuracy and ease of use while also automating the plate rolling process for our customers. Such benefits equate to an ROI of only one year on the iVision system.”
Unlike other similar systems, iVision uses a “laser blade” as opposed to just a single laser beam point. The laser blade scans a wider rounded area, taking thousands of points along the curved surface of the radius at one time. When systems use only one laser beam point, there is a risk that material surface mill scale and other shop environmental conditions such as light reflections could negatively affect the measurements. The iVision eliminates these risks.
Another advantage of the system is that the iVision’s laser head moves up and down in the vertical axis as well as tilts. Such capability ensures that the laser blade is always in the ideal position for measuring the radius regardless of its size.
Once a measurement is taken, the system sends the reading point data to the e-POWER fully electric machine’s CNC that then quickly makes the required side roll adjustments in real time. Davi also offers the iVision system in another version called iRadius that simply provides the measurement in a digital readout for operators themselves to make the necessary adjustments when running machines without CNC controls.
Both iVision and iRadius eliminate the need for operators to walk to the front of the machine and manually measure a radius using templates. The iRadius unit is retrofittable to existing machines and is especially useful for those shops rolling extremely large parts that would otherwise require the operator to crawl inside the parts to take measurements.
About Davi
Davi is the largest global manufacturer of heavy-duty plate, angle and patented wind energy rolling lines. Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Italy’s advanced technology corridor, Davi’s portfolio includes 3 and 4-roll plate roll machines, the industry’s widest range of heavy-duty angle rolling machines and high-productivity 4-roll and robotic lines. Davi technology is used by global leaders in a variety of industry applications, including aerospace, earth moving, oil and gas, shipbuilding and tank trailer. Over 300 of Davi’s high-productivity wind energy machines are installed worldwide to produce towers and foundations. Known for its exceptional customer support and quick, on-time delivery, Davi serves its North American customers through its U.S. headquarters in Addison, Texas, logistics center in Phoenix, Arizona, and a nationwide network of trusted distributors.
For more information on Davi and Davi, Inc., visit their website.
