Method and apparatus for processing bars

A method for processing bars, comprising the steps of:

• a. arranging a feeding station capable of receiving said bars on a feeding plane along a longitudinal direction, arranging at least one operating unit for processing said bars on a work surface, arranging an unloading station for receiving said processed bars on an unloading surface, and arranging a transfer device interposed between said feeding station and said unloading station, the transfer device comprising an articulated arm constrained at a height below said work surface, and at least one gripping member articulated to said articulated arm at least around an orientation axis parallel to said longitudinal direction, said gripping member comprising a receiving space for a number of said bars and a passage opening, said gripping device being movable between an opening configuration wherein said receiving space is open through said respective passage opening, said number of bars accessing said receiving space or being released out thereof, and a closing configuration wherein said receiving space is closed, to retain said number of bars;
• b. feeding said bars onto said feeding plane at said feeding station;
• c. positioning the transfer device at said feeding plane and intercepting said number of bars, by operating said gripping member from said opening configuration to said closing configuration;
• d. transferring said number of intercepted bars, in a first transfer section, by activating said transfer device in a transfer motion from said feeding plane to said operating unit;
• e. releasing said number of bars onto said work surface, actuating said gripping member from said closing configuration to said opening configuration;
• f. operating said operating unit for processing said number of bars;
• g. collecting by means of said gripping member and transferring said number of processed bars to a second transfer section, by activating said transfer device in said transfer motion from said operating unit to said unloading station;
• h. releasing said number of processed bars in said unloading station, by operating said gripping member from said closing configuration to said opening configuration;
• i. between said steps b. and h. operating said transfer device by moving said gripping member in an orientation motion at least around said orientation axis so that said gripping member is oriented with said receiving space overlying said passage opening.