Automated flanging machine

A method performed by an automated flanging machine for automatically sewing a flange onto a work panel, the method comprising:

• receiving a work panel onto a table in a first position, wherein in the first position a first side of the work panel is positioned adjacent to a sewing head, the sewing head mounted directly adjacent to the table;
• sewing a flange onto the first side of the work panel, wherein a rear conveyor mounted adjacent to the table is in contact with the work panel during sewing;
• using a sensor, determining that at least a portion of the first side is sewn;
• using a turning arm, pivoting the work panel into a second position 90 degrees relative to the first position, wherein in the second position a second side of the work panel is positioned adjacent to the sewing head, further wherein the rear conveyor is not in contact with the work panel during pivoting;
• sewing a corner radius during pivoting the work panel into the second position;
• sewing the flange onto the second side of the work panel, wherein the rear conveyor is in contact with the work panel prior to beginning sewing the flange onto the second side;
• using a material guide and encoding arm adjacent to the table, determining that the second side of the work panel is sewn;
• using the turning arm, pivoting the work panel into a third position 90 degrees relative to the second position, wherein in the third position a third side of the work panel is positioned adjacent to the sewing head, further wherein the rear conveyor is not in contact with the work panel during pivoting;
• sewing a corner radius during pivoting the work panel into the third position;
• sewing the flange onto the third side of the work panel, wherein the rear conveyor is in contact with the work panel prior to beginning sewing the flange onto the third side;
• using the material guide and encoding arm, determining that the third side of the work panel is sewn;
• using the turning arm, pivoting the work panel into a fourth position 90 degrees relative to the third position, wherein in the fourth position a fourth side of the work panel is positioned adjacent to the sewing head, further wherein the rear conveyor is not in contact with the work panel during pivoting;
• sewing a corner radius during pivoting the work panel into the fourth position;
• and
• sewing the flange onto the fourth side of the work panel, wherein the rear conveyor is in contact with the work panel prior to beginning sewing the flange onto the fourth side.

An automated flanging machine, comprising:

• a table adapted to support a work panel;
• a sewing head mounted directly adjacent to the table, the sewing head for performing a sewing operation on the work panel;
• a turning arm mounted adjacent to the table, adapted to selectively turn the work panel on the table;
• a corner pivot mechanism mounted directly adjacent to the table, the corner pivot mechanism adapted to secure the work panel while the turning arm turns the work panel on the table and the sewing head sews a corner radius on the work panel;
• a rear conveyor mounted adjacent to the table, wherein the rear conveyor comprises a conveyor belt and a conveyor pressure skid, the conveyor pressure skid adapted to engage the work panel in contact with the conveyor belt;
• and
• a material guide and encoding arm adapted to measure a distance sewn as the work panel is sewn by the sewing head.