What is the SmartEdge®?

In some cases, edge pinching can occur on the component during roller leveling. The SmartEdge® ensures that this is reduced or completely prevented. The SmartEdge® option is patented and available exclusively on ARKU precision levelers.

Why does edge deformation occur during roller leveling?

When leveling thicker parts or plates, it is sometimes unavoidable that the narrow outer edges of the workpiece are pinched by the rollers. This pinching effect tends to be most pronounced at the beginning and at the end of the workpiece.

How does the SmartEdge® improve the quality of parts?

The SmartEdge® reduces the clamping effect and ensures crisp and well-defined edges. This improves dimensional accuracy and allows parts to be processed more efficiently and accurately by not having any pinched edges.

What benefits does the SmartEdge® offer for the production process?

Thanks to uniform edges (non-pinched edges), the need for rework is reduced and process reliability increases. This means less scrap, more stable processes, and reproducible results - which is particularly important for automated manufacturing steps. Thanks to the SmartEdge®, more parts can be processed on the precision leveler, which increases the cost-effectiveness of ARKU's roller levelers.

Would would particularly benefit from the SmartEdge® option?

The SmartEdge® is ideal for any company that requires high precision and consistent edge quality during leveling - for example, in contract manufacturing, mechanical engineering, or the saw blade industry. With SmartEdge®, contract manufacturers are equipped to handle a wide range of leveling tasks. Who knows what challenges the future will bring? In some cases, SmartEdge® can also be retrofitted to existing precision levelers.

What is the ARKU FlatJack®?

The ARKU FlatJack® is a system for measuring the flatness of sheet metal parts, sheets & plates. It is designed to work seamlessly with the precision leveler. A sensor system scans the material surface and outputs a flatness value.

What advantages does the FlatJack® offer over conventional flatness measuring methods?

The FlatJack® replaces manual measuring tools such as straightedges and feeler gauges, thereby providing faster, more accurate, and repeatable measurement results. It also saves time, reduces the need for manual handling of heavy parts, and minimizes measurement errors. This enables automated quality control, particularly in automated processes.

How is the FlatJack® integrated into the production process?

After leveling, flatness is measured to distinguish between parts that are within and outside tolerance. The next steps depend on the customer’s process specifications. The measurement can serve as a record, be used solely for sorting, or trigger further processes - such as a second leveling operation.

Which materials and parts is the FlatJack® suitable for?

The FlatJack® is designed to work with ARKU precision levelers. This means that, as a rule, it can measure all formed parts and blanks that are covered by the ARKU standard specifications for the machines. This includes thicknesses, dimensions, permissible shapes, and materials. As a result, it has a very wide range of applications.

What roles does the FlatJack® play in the context of Industry 4.0?

The term “Industry 4.0” has become overused. The measuring process complements the leveling process. The FlatJack® provides the data, which can be used for a wide variety of analyses and for process control. Flatness control is particularly useful in automated systems. Therefore, the FlatJack® plays an important role in the future of precision leveling.

How to prevent edge pinching on metal parts and plates when roller leveling?

Advanced roller leveling systems can further reduce the risk of edge pinching through specialized technologies designed to control edge pressure. For example, ARKU's patented SmartEdge® option automatically lifts the inlet leveling rollers to minimize edge pinching on the leading edge of the material going into the machine. This technology is particularly beneficial when leveling precision-cut blanks, thick plates, and high-strength materials where edge quality is critical.

Accessories & Options for Precision Levelers

Flatness inspection directly integrated into the Precision Leveler

FlatJack^® automatic flatness measuring

With the integrated FlatJack®, you can immediately check the flatness of stamped, laser cut, and flame cut parts - right after the leveling process. The FlatMaster® control system precisely measures flatness values to the nearest tenth of a millimeter and stores them for easy retrieval at any time. This measurement method ensures high process reliability and quality.

Integrated flatness inspection
Ideal when combined with automation
Documented results for maximum process reliability

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Flatjack automatic flatness measuring device checking flatness of metal plate

SmartEdge® – Prevent edge pinching for precise results

During roller leveling, the leading edges of metal parts & plates can be affected by pinching. The SmartEdge® option, specifically developed by ARKU, reduces the pinching effect during the leveling process - or eliminates it entirely.

The result: flat parts with virtually no residual stress and clean edges. This ensures reliable processes, less rework, and high dimensional accuracy.

Prevents edges from being pinched during leveling
Crisp edges for improved dimensional accuracy
Less rework / scrap and more stable processes

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Before and after leveling results with SmartEdge to prevent edge pinching

Intermediate rollers to prevent surface marks

Rigid support for the leveling rollers is crucial for the quality of the flattening process for sheet metal parts & plates. To prevent surface marks, intermediate rolls are used. These are additional rolls positioned between the leveling rolls and the support rolls.

Preventing surface marks:
Additional rollers reduce the marks left by the support rollers on delicate materials.
Clean:
Spiral-grooved leveling rollers direct oil and dirt particles to the side.
Quick-change system:
ARKU quick-change system for intermediate rollers allows for easy maintenance and cleaning.

Parts after leveling without sruface marks thanks to intermediate leveling rollers

Automated Parts Handling

The loading and unloading of precision levelers is often time-consuming and physically demanding. As needed, the robot can take over this task - quickly, precisely, and without manual programming.

Automatic loading and unloading without
manual labor
Parts recognition (vision technology) without programming - ready to use right away
Easy for part changeovers, cost-effective even for small production runs

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Contact person

Perfect addition to Precision levelers

The benefits of ARKU Accessories & Options

Fast production

Better part quality

Reduced maintenance

Process reliability

Process reliability: Operation

ARKU Wizard – Intuitive controls

Automated Parts Handling

Options for Greater Safety & Quality

RollerPickup^® for quick cleaning intervals

Caliper for easy setup of the leveler

Barcode Scanner – Apply settings automatically

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact person

Do you require further information?

Perfect addition to Precision levelers

The benefits of ARKU Accessories & Options

Fast production

Better part quality

Reduced maintenance

Process reliability

Process reliability: Operation

ARKU Wizard – Intuitive controls

Flatness inspection directly integrated into the Precision Leveler

SmartEdge® – Prevent edge pinching for precise results

Intermediate rollers to prevent surface marks

Automated Parts Handling

Options for Greater Safety & Quality

RollerPickup® for quick cleaning intervals

Caliper for easy setup of the leveler

Barcode Scanner – Apply settings automatically

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact person

Do you require further information?

RollerPickup^® for quick cleaning intervals