A method for operating machines for laser-processed tubes and forming sections using an automated system for integrating threaded inserts into the application machine.

Abstract

A method for operating a machine for laser cutting tubes and forming segments, wherein the machine includes: a working head (12) having a focusing device (18) adapted to focus a laser beam onto the surface of a tube or forming segment (T) to be processed; a carriage (28) on which the working head (12) is mounted; and an automatic insertion application system (30) for placing threaded inserts (I) into a housing (H) formed in the wall (w) of the tube or forming segment (T) by means of the laser beam, the automatic insertion application system being integrated into the machine and configured to operate in a coordinated manner with the working head (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a machine for laser cutting tubes and forming segments. Background Technology

[0002] In the following description and claims, the terms "tube" and "profiled section" are used to identify any elongated article having a uniform cross-section (excluding manufacturing tolerances) along its longitudinal axis, the cross-section being of any shape, whether closed (e.g., circular, rectangular, or square) or open (e.g., L-shaped, C-shaped, U-shaped, etc.). Furthermore, the terms "longitudinal" and "transverse" are used to identify the longitudinal axial direction of the tube or profiled section and the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, respectively.

[0003] DE 102016106067 A1 describes a machine configured to manufacture threaded holes for laser-cut tubes or formed sections.

[0004] As is well known, in the case of relatively thin-walled pipes or formed sections, threaded holes are not directly drilled into the wall of the pipe or formed section. Instead, threaded inserts are sometimes applied within a housing formed in the wall of the pipe or formed section. The threaded insert carries the required threaded hole. FR 2313998 A1 describes an insert application system. DE 102004006407 A1 describes a machine for creating chip removal holes and equipped with an insert application system.

[0005] In known machines used for laser-cut tubes and forming sections, the machine-produced workpieces must be picked up by an operator for manual insertion of threaded inserts, or the inserts must be inserted by an offline machine. This results in relatively long production times. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a solution for shortening the production time of pipes and forming sections equipped with threaded inserts.

[0007] According to the present invention, a method for operating a machine for laser-cutting tubes and forming sections, having the features of the appended independent claim 1, can fully achieve this and other objectives.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims, the contents of which should be understood as an integral part of the following description.

[0009] In general, the present invention is based on the concept of implementing a method for operating a machine for laser-cutting tubes and forming sections, the machine comprising:

[0010] The working head is equipped with a focusing device suitable for emitting a laser beam focused on the surface of the tube or forming section to be processed.

[0011] A carriage, on which the working head is mounted, is movably mounted relative to a tube or forming segment being machined in both a first transverse direction and a second transverse direction orthogonal to the first transverse direction, the transverse direction being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tube or forming segment being machined.

[0012] An automated insertion system is provided for placing threaded inserts into housings formed on the wall of a tube or forming section using the laser beam. This automated system is integrated into the machine and configured to operate in a coordinated manner with the working head.

[0013] The automated insertion application system includes a riveting machine equipped with a threaded rotating pin. This threaded rotating pin engages with the threaded hole of the threaded insert to clamp and place the threaded insert.

[0014] The working head and riveting machine are mounted on the carriage so that they can move integrally with the carriage in the first and second lateral directions.

[0015] The automated insertion application system also includes an insertion supply component and an insertion pickup holder. The insertion pickup holder is used to individually receive insertions from the insertion supply component. The insertion supply component and the insertion pickup holder are arranged adjacent to the carriage.

[0016] The automated insertion system also includes a proximity sensor, which is used to detect whether a threaded insert is present in the insert pickup holder.

[0017] The method includes the following steps:

[0018] a) Forming a shell in a tube or forming section using the working head.

[0019] b) Move the carriage from the tube or forming section to the insert pickup seat.

[0020] c) The threaded insert is held in place by the riveting machine from the insert pick-up seat.

[0021] d) Move the carriage from the insert pick-up seat to the tube or forming section.

[0022] e) Using the riveting machine, the threaded insert is placed into the housing of the pipe or irregular part, and

[0023] f) Perform the cutting operation through the working head.

[0024] The proximity sensor is used to change the state due to the picking up of a threaded insert from the insert pickup seat, and thus provides a detection signal, wherein step c) includes the following steps:

[0025] c1) The threaded insert is held in place by a riveting machine and lifted from the insert pick-up seat.

[0026] c2) Based on the detection signal, determine the detected pickup height reached by the threaded insert during the pickup process, at which the proximity sensor has changed its state.

[0027] c3) Based on the geometric parameters of the threaded insert, compare the detected pickup height with the expected pickup height.

[0028] c4) If the detected pickup height differs from the expected pickup height, reposition the thread insert into the insert pickup holder, release the thread insert, and repeat steps c1)-c3).

[0029] c5) If the detected pickup height is still different from the expected pickup height, discard the threaded insert (I).

[0030] This method utilizes a fully integrated system within the machine that allows threaded inserts of various sizes to be inserted into previously laser-cut tubes or pre-formed sections; thus, the machine no longer produces laser-cut parts that must be reworked for insert insertion, but rather ready-to-use finished products. Consequently, production time is significantly reduced.

[0031] Preferably, the automatic insertion application system further includes a linear actuator mounted on the carriage, and a riveting machine mounted on the linear actuator, the linear actuator being used to translate the riveting machine relative to the carriage between a rest position and a working position in the second lateral direction.

[0032] Preferably, the carriage is used to travel back and forth between the tube or forming section and the insert pickup seat to allow the riveting machine to hold the threaded insert from the insert pickup seat and to allow the riveting machine to place the threaded insert onto the tube or forming section between the hole cutting operation and the subsequent cutting operation performed by the working head on the tube or forming section.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the method, the presence sensor is further configured to change its state due to the threaded insert supplied by the insert supply assembly being received into the insert pickup, and thus provide a detection signal, wherein step c) includes the following in the case where the threaded insert is not received into the insert pickup:

[0034] Repeatable thread insert supply component supplies thread inserts.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the method, step e) includes the following steps:

[0036] e1) Use a threaded insert to lower the riveting machine until it reaches the housing of the joining tube or forming section.

[0037] e2) Determine the detected working height reached by the riveting machine.

[0038] e3) Based on the dimensions of the tube or forming section, compare the detected working height with the expected working height.

[0039] e4) If the detected working height is different from the expected working height, discard the thread insert.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the method, step a) is performed based on input data, which includes the indicated location of the centroid of the housing in the tube or forming section and the geometric parameters of the threaded insert to be applied. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Further features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description, which is given purely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a machine for laser processing tubes or forming sections equipped with an automatic insertion application system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figures 2 to 8 It means Figure 1 Front view of the machine at different operating stages;

[0044] Figure 9 It describes the process of placing threaded inserts on pipes or forming sections. Figure 1 Front view of the riveting machine in the machine;

[0045] Figure 10 This is a front view showing the application of a threaded insert on a pipe or formed section; and

[0046] Figure 11 and Figure 12 It means Figure 1 A 3D view of a part of the automatic plug-in application system of the machine. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The machine for laser-processing tubes and forming segments is the subject of this invention. This document describes and illustrates the machine with reference to its application in processing tubes, but it should be understood that the machine can also be used to process forming segments. The tubes or forming segments that the machine can process may have cross-sections of different shapes and sizes.

[0048] Referring to the accompanying drawings, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a machine for laser processing tubes includes, in a manner known per se, a base 10; and a working head 12 adapted for processing tubes T (such as...). Figures 2 to 8(As shown) Performs a laser cutting program; Supply device (not shown), which is adapted to supply tube T along the longitudinal direction x (coinciding with the longitudinal axis of tube T, and with...) Figures 2 to 8 The accompanying drawings (orthogonal to the page) advance; a guiding device (not shown) adapted to guide the tube T as it is advanced by the supply device; and a scanning system (not shown) adapted to scan at least a portion (e.g., the upper part) of the profile of the cross section of the tube T.

[0049] The working head 12 includes a focusing device 18 in a manner known per se, which is adapted to emit a laser beam focused onto the surface of the tube T. The working head 12 is carried by a head support structure 26. Therefore, the head support structure 26 and the working head 12 are mounted on a carriage 28 so that they can move in the vertical direction (z-direction). Furthermore, the carriage 28 is mounted so that it can translate relative to the machine base 10 in the lateral direction (y-direction). Although in the embodiment shown in the figures, the lateral direction y is horizontal, it can also be a direction inclined at an angle to the horizontal plane (and obviously located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube). Therefore, the working head 12 can move in a vertically lateral plane, i.e., in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the tube T, with two degrees of freedom: one translational degree of freedom in the vertical direction and one translational degree of freedom in the lateral direction. Furthermore, as provided in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the working head 12 can be mounted on the head support structure 26 so that it can swing about a lateral swing axis (or, according to an embodiment not shown, about two swing axes orthogonal to each other).

[0050] The machine supply device is preferably arranged to drive the tube T not only to translate along the longitudinal axis x (forward or even backward movement when processing the workpiece), but also to rotate the tube T about the longitudinal axis x. In the case of a laser cutting machine for tubes, the degrees of freedom of the working head 12 (translation along the vertical direction z, translation along the horizontal direction y, rotation about the oscillation axis, and possibly translation along the longitudinal axis x) combined with the degrees of freedom of the tube T (translation along the longitudinal axis x and rotation about the longitudinal axis x) allow cutting along arbitrary cutting lines on the wall of the tube T.

[0051] The machine also includes an automatic insertion application system, uniformly identified as 30. This system is used to insert threaded inserts (such as...) Figure 9 and Figure 10 (As shown) is placed into the corresponding hole or housing H, and the corresponding hole or housing H is initially formed on the wall w of the tube or forming section T by laser processing. The automatic insertion application system 30 is integrated into the machine and configured to operate in coordination with the working head 12.

[0052] For example, inserts suitable for machines according to the invention are standard inserts, which include: a bushing body having an outer surface S with a polygonal cross-section, particularly a hexagonal cross-section; and a flange or head F formed at the proximal end of the bushing body. A threaded hole B is formed in the bushing body, which includes a larger diameter proximal segment B1 disposed at the head F and a smaller diameter distal segment B2 provided with threads. Examples of standard inserts suitable for machines according to the invention are: open hexagonal inserts M4, M5, M6, and M8 with cylindrical heads; closed hexagonal inserts M4, M5, M6, and M8 with cylindrical heads; open hexagonal inserts M4, M5, M6, and M8 with tapered heads; and closed hexagonal inserts M4, M5, M6, and M8 with tapered heads. Figure 9 and Figure 10 An open hexagonal insert with a cylindrical head is shown.

[0053] The automated insertion application system 30 includes a riveting machine 31 of a known type, equipped with a threaded rotating pin 32 for engaging with the threaded hole B of the threaded insert I to clamp and place the threaded insert I. For this purpose, the riveting machine 31 includes a motor or actuator 31a in a manner known per se to drive the threaded pin 32 to rotate. The threaded insert I is placed by forcefully inserting it into the housing H with the riveting machine 31 until the head F contacts the wall w of the tube or forming section T; then, the riveting machine 31 is slightly withdrawn, thereby deforming the portion of the insert included between the distal threaded segment B2 and the wall w of the tube or forming section T, reducing the thickness of this portion due to the larger diameter of the hole segment B1 (see...). Figure 10 In this way, the wall w of the tube or forming section T is clamped between the head F and the deformed portion of the threaded insert I. Finally, the riveting machine 31 is removed by unscrewing the threaded pin 32 from the threaded insert I.

[0054] The riveting machine 31 is mounted on a support structure 33, which in turn is attached to a carriage 28. Therefore, the riveting machine 31 moves together with the carriage 28, and thus also with the working head 12. Consequently, the riveting machine 31 translates integrally with the working head 12 in both the transverse y-direction and the longitudinal z-direction. Advantageously, the position of the riveting machine 31 will be precisely located on the same plane yz as the working head 12 (orthogonal to the x-axis of the tube or forming section); thus, after drilling a hole in the tube or forming section T with the working head 12, only the y-axis and z-axis need to be moved to drive the riveting machine 31 to insert the insert I into the same hole, without moving the tube or forming section T being processed and / or moving the riveting machine 31 with further controlled axes.

[0055] A linear actuator 34 is inserted between the support structure 33 and the riveting machine 31 to move the riveting machine 31 relative to the carriage 28, thereby moving the working head 12 in a direction parallel to the z-axis. Specifically, the riveting machine 31 can be in a stationary position corresponding to the upper end position of the linear actuator 34 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (as shown) the operating position corresponding to the lower end position of the linear actuator 34 (e.g.) Figure 7 Move between (as shown). Figures 2 to 8 Arrow z2 in the figure represents the stroke of riveting machine 31.

[0056] The automatic insertion application system 30 also includes a component integrated with the base 10. This component includes an insertion supply assembly 35, which, in the illustrated example, includes a vibrating cup supply device 35a, the outlet of which is connected to a chute 35b. The chute 35b serves as a single-line feeder for picking up carriages 35c. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As can be seen; in other words, the chute 35b feeds the threaded inserts T one at a time to the pick-up carriage 35c. An insert pick-up seat 36 is formed in the pick-up carriage 35c, and in the retracted position, the pick-up carriage 35c faces the outlet of the chute 35b. Figure 12 In the middle, the slant 35b was removed to make the plug-in pickup seat 36 more visible.

[0057] The insert pick-up holder 36 is designed to accept only one threaded insert I at a time, and its shape is designed to prevent the threaded insert accepted therein from rotating about its central axis.

[0058] Pick up the carriage 35c from Figure 11 and Figure 12 The retraction position shown is moved to Figures 2 to 8 The forward position is shown; actuator 35d is used for this movement. The pick-up carriage 35c in its forward position allows the riveting machine 31 to pick up the metal insert I in the following manner. To prevent the threaded insert I from falling out of the insert pick-up holder 36 during the forward movement of the pick-up carriage 35c from the retracted position, a guide (not shown) is provided and positioned beside the pick-up carriage 35c. This configuration allows the insert pick-up holder 36 to receive the insert I alone, so that the insert I can be processed by the riveting machine 31.

[0059] As in Figures 1 to 8As can be seen, the insert supply assembly 35 and the insert pickup seat 36 are positioned next to the carriage 28 and therefore next to the riveting machine 31. Thus, the carriage 28 serves to reciprocate between the tube or forming section T and the insert pickup seat 36, allowing the riveting machine 31 to clamp the threaded insert I from the insert pickup seat 36 and to place the threaded insert on the tube or forming section T between the hole-cutting operation and the subsequent cutting operation performed by the working head 12 on the tube or forming section T. For the purposes of this invention, "hole-cutting operation" refers to the operation of forming a hole or housing H in the wall w of the tube or forming section T. "Cutting operation" more generally refers to any laser cutting operation performed on the tube or forming section T, including the aforementioned hole-cutting operation.

[0060] An presence sensor 35e (e.g., a photocell) is also provided on the supply assembly 35. When the pickup carriage 35c is detected to be in its forward position, the presence sensor 35e is used to detect the presence of the threaded insert I in the insert pickup seat 36. Figure 12 The position of the plug-in pickup seat 36 is shown by a dashed line in the middle when the pickup carriage 35 is in the forward position.

[0061] Reference Figures 2 to 8 Now, let's describe the program used to operate the aforementioned machine.

[0062] Figure 2 The step of cutting a hole in a tube or forming section T by laser cutting is shown. In this step, a housing H is formed in the tube or forming section T by the working head 12. During the laser cutting process, the riveting machine 31, which is in a stationary position, is not affected, thus allowing the machine to operate without any restrictions.

[0063] Figure 3 The preparation steps for picking up insert I are shown. In this step, carriage 28 is moved from the tube or forming section T to insert pickup seat 26. Specifically, by moving carriage 28 and cutting head 12 along the y-axis and z-axis, riveting machine 31 is vertically positioned on the axis of insert I, insert I is located in insert pickup seat 36, and carriage 35c is in the forward position.

[0064] Figure 4 The descent steps of the riveting machine 31 in the pick-up position are shown. The riveting machine 31 is lowered to the intermediate position by using the linear actuator 34 to prepare for picking up the insert I (the type of linear actuator used must allow for an intermediate stop between the two end positions).

[0065] Figure 5 The insert picking process is illustrated. As the threaded pin 32 of the riveting machine 31 rotates to engage the threaded hole B of the insert I, the insert I is clamped by the riveting machine 31 by lowering the carriage 8 using the z-axis.

[0066] Figure 6The exit step of the riveting machine using the insert is shown. In this step, the riveting machine 31 removes the insert I from the insert pick-up seat 36 by using the z-axis lifting carriage 28, and is ready for application in the previously made hole or housing H.

[0067] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the application steps of the insert on a pipe or formed section being processed. By moving the carriage 28 and the cutting head 12 along the y and z axes to the appropriate positions, the riveting machine 31 applies the insert I into the previously formed hole or housing H. Note that the riveting machine 31 also moves to its lower end position or working position. To complete the anchoring of the threaded insert I to the wall w of the pipe or formed section T, the riveting machine 31 follows the reference... Figure 9 and Figure 10 The operation shall be carried out in the manner described above.

[0068] Finally, the steps to return to the cutting position are as follows: Figure 8 As shown. The riveting machine 31 is lifted by the linear actuator 34 and the y-axis and z-axis of the carriage 28 are moved appropriately. The riveting machine 31 returns to the laser cutting step through the working head 12.

[0069] Preferably, the automatic control components of the aforementioned machine include a program for checking the plug-in type and correctly picking up the plug-in from the plug-in pick-up holder. For this purpose, a presence sensor 35e is used to change its state due to the picking up of the threaded plug-in I from the plug-in pick-up holder 36, and thus provides a detection signal. For example, in the case where the presence sensor 35e acts as a phototube reflecting the plug-in I, the presence sensor 35e can be energized when the plug-in I is present in the plug-in pick-up holder 36, and de-energized when the plug-in I is not present.

[0070] When the threaded insert I held by the riveting machine 31 is lifted from the insert pick-up seat 36, it is conceivable that the presence sensor 35e will de-energize at a precise height z (expected pick-up height) depending on the type of insert being processed. Therefore, when a change in the state of the presence sensor 35e (detected pick-up height) is detected, the machine's automatic control unit compares the expected pick-up height with the height reached by the riveting machine 31. If the detected pick-up height corresponds to the expected height, the next step is to move the carriage 28 and the riveting machine 31 to apply the insert I to the tube or forming section T. On the other hand, if the detected pick-up height does not match the expected pick-up height, it means:

[0071] - The picked plugin specification is incorrect, or

[0072] - The riveting machine 31 did not tighten the insert properly.

[0073] Then try picking again using the same plugin.

[0074] If this new attempt also fails, the riveting machine 31 will again use only the y and z axes of the machine to position itself near the pickup point, where a small pneumatic clamp (not shown) is set up to hold and hold the insert to be discarded so that the riveting machine 31 can unscrew it from above; the clamp then opens, the defective insert falls into the shaft used for cutting scrap (not shown), and the riveting machine 31 starts up again for a new pickup.

[0075] Preferably, the automatic control of the machine further includes a procedure for checking whether there is an insert in the insert pickup seat 36 when the pickup carriage 35c is in the forward position. This can happen in a situation where, in fact, during the transition between the supply chute 35b and the selector carriage 35c, the insert does not descend, and therefore the selector carriage 35c leaves empty. In this case, the presence sensor 35e does not change its state when the selector carriage 35c arrives (because the insert is not present), thus commanding a second pickup attempt. A fan (not shown) arranged along the chute and blowing air in the descending direction can be provided to assist the insert in descending from the chute 35b.

[0076] Preferably, the automatic control unit of the above-mentioned machine also includes a program for checking whether the insert is correctly inserted into the tube or forming section. When the machine introduces the insert I into the previously laser-cut housing H, the insert itself should be in a position where... Figure 7 The location shown.

[0077] This position corresponds to:

[0078] a) The linear actuator 34 moves the riveting machine 31 to the lower position.

[0079] b) The precise height z is known as a function of the dimensions of the tube or forming segment being processed.

[0080] If either of these two conditions is not met, it means there is a problem and the insertion is not correct (the position of the carriage of the cylinder fixed by the riveting machine 31 is controlled by a linear transducer positioned parallel to the linear actuator). In the event of insertion failure, the riveting machine will then position itself at the aforementioned pneumatic clamp in order to discard the insert.

[0081] Preferably, the automatic control components of the aforementioned machine also include a procedure for preparing the housing for the threaded insert by laser cutting.

[0082] The application process of threaded inserts on a tube laser cutting system first involves removing material from the tube or forming section, where the threaded insert is to be applied.

[0083] The area is defined as the housing of the threaded insert.

[0084] The removal of material to form the shell is performed using laser processing.

[0085] This process is called pre-laser geometry preparation.

[0086] Preparing the laser geometry involves cutting polygonal geometry, particularly hexagons, in a manner consistent with the orientation assumed for the threaded insert during selection and pickup. The riveting machine 31 maintains this orientation and ensures it remains constant to guarantee proper insertion of the threaded insert into the housing.

[0087] The methods used to program and execute the pre-designed laser geometry are now described.

[0088] CAD / CAM (Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing) Programming (Office)

[0089] In the (CAD / CAM) programming environment used to plan the machining to be performed on the tube, there is no need to draw a preliminary laser geometry.

[0090] In this case, simply insert a position reference (locator) that corresponds to the centroid of the location where the threaded insert to be applied is located.

[0091] Machine programming

[0092] On the machine, you only need to specify a certain type of thread insert when the positioner is inserted during CAD / CAM programming.

[0093] Threaded inserts are described by a series of geometric parameters that also allow the machine to understand the size and shape of the housing.

[0094] Based on the descriptive information of the threaded insert and knowing its orientation on the riveting machine 31, the machine automatically performs a pre-defined geometry, with the position reference determined by the locator. If necessary, the user can adjust the dimensions via parameters and apply specific laser cutting parameters.

[0095] Of course, without affecting the principles of the invention, the embodiments and construction details may differ significantly from those described and illustrated purely by way of non-limiting examples, but will not depart from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for operating a machine for laser-cutting tubes and forming sections, said machine comprising: A working head (12) is provided with a focusing device (18) adapted to emit a focused laser beam onto the surface of the tube or forming segment (T) to be processed. A carriage (28) on which the working head (12) is mounted, the carriage (28) being mounted to be able to translate relative to the tube or forming segment (T) to be processed in both a first transverse direction (y) and a second transverse direction (z) orthogonal to the first transverse direction, the transverse direction being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the tube or forming segment (T) to be processed, and An automatic insertion application system (30) for placing threaded inserts (I) into a housing (H), the housing (H) being formed in the wall (w) of the tube or forming section (T) by the laser beam, the automatic insertion application system being integrated into the machine and configured to operate in a coordinated manner with the working head. The automatic insertion application system (30) includes a riveting machine (31) equipped with a threaded rotating pin (32). The threaded rotating pin (32) is configured to engage with the threaded hole (B) of the threaded insert (I) for clamping and placing the threaded insert (I). The working head (12) and the riveting machine (31) are mounted on the carriage (28) so that they can move integrally with the carriage (28) in both the first lateral direction (y) and the second lateral direction (z). The automatic plug-in application system (30) further includes a plug-in supply component (35) and a plug-in pickup seat (36), the plug-in pickup seat (36) being configured to receive plug-ins individually from the plug-in supply component. The plug-in supply component and the plug-in pickup seat are arranged adjacent to the carriage (28). The automatic insertion application system (30) further includes a proximity sensor (35e) configured to detect the presence of the threaded insert (I) in the insert pickup seat (36). The method includes the following steps: a) A shell (H) is formed in the tube or forming section (T) by means of the working head (12). b) Move the carriage (28) from the tube or forming section (T) to the insert pickup seat (36). c) The threaded insert (I) is held in place by the insert pick-up seat using the riveting machine (31). d) Move the carriage (28) from the insert pick-up seat (36) to the tube or forming section (T), e) The threaded insert (I) is placed into the housing (H) of the tube or forming section (T) by means of the riveting machine (31), and f) Perform a cutting operation using the working head (12). The proximity sensor (35e) is configured to change its state upon picking up the threaded insert (I) from the insert pickup seat (36), and thus provide a detection signal, wherein step c) includes the following steps: c1) The threaded insert (I) is clamped by the riveting machine (31) and lifted from the insert pick-up seat (36). c2) Based on the detection signal, determine the detected pickup height reached by the threaded insert (I) during the pickup process, wherein the proximity sensor (35e) has changed its state at the detected pickup height. c3) Based on the geometric parameters of the threaded insert (I), compare the detected pickup height with the expected pickup height. c4) If the detected pickup height is different from the expected pickup height, then reposition the threaded insert (I) into the insert pickup seat (36), release the threaded insert (I), and repeat steps c1)-c3). c5) If the detected pickup height is still different from the expected pickup height, then discard the threaded insert (I).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The automatic insertion application system (30) further includes a linear actuator (34) mounted on the carriage, and the riveting machine (31) mounted on the linear actuator (34), the linear actuator being configured to translate the riveting machine (31) relative to the carriage between a rest position and a working position in the second lateral direction.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The carriage is configured to reciprocate between the tube or forming section (T) and the insert pickup seat (36) so that the riveting machine (31) can clamp the threaded insert (I) from the insert pickup seat (36) and place the threaded insert (I) onto the tube or forming section (T) between a hole cutting operation and a subsequent cutting operation performed by the working head on the tube or forming section (T).

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The proximity sensor (35e) is also configured to change its state upon receiving the threaded insert (I) supplied by the insert supply assembly (35) in the insert pickup (36), and thus provide a detection signal, wherein step c) in the event that receiving the threaded insert (I) in the insert pickup (36) fails includes: The threaded insert (I) is repeatedly supplied by the insert supply component (35).

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, Step e) includes the following steps: e1) Using the threaded insert (I), lower the riveting machine (31) until it engages with the housing (H) of the tube or forming section (T). e2) Determine the detected working height reached by the riveting machine (31). e3) Compare the detected working height with the expected working height based on the dimensions of the tube or forming section (T). e4) If the detected working height is different from the expected working height, then discard the threaded insert (I).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Step a) is performed based on input data, which includes the indicated position of the centroid of the housing (H) in the tube or forming section (T) and the geometric parameters of the threaded insert (I) to be applied.

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