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Press selection—sorting it out Part VIII
Part VIII: Which Automation System Goes with Which Press?
- By Kate Bachman
- March 11, 2008
- Article
- Bending and Forming
Matching Press Characteristics to Your Applications
The following questions–and their answers, provided by industry equipment manufacturers and experts–are intended as a general guide to help you simplify the daunting task of selecting a press or press system.
8. Which Automation System Goes with Which Press?
[Rule of Thumb] "Automating a progressive-die press system in conjunction with coil feeders or transfer-die operations that use transfer feeds typically requires a straight-side press," Boerger said. "If an automated progressive-die press system is to be used to form high-strength material, the presses should have minimum press tonnages of 800 to 1,000.
[Rule of Thumb] "Double-crank straight-side presses can produce large-scale parts requiring corresponding stroke lengths. When used in a tandem line, automation can deliver improved productivity as parts are moved from press to press," Boerger added.
[Rule of Thumb] "In a multipress system, a straight-side press can run individually; when extra tooling is required, it can run as a single large transfer press by initiating the intermediate stage between the presses and running them in a continuous, synchronized operation," Boerger said.
[Rule of Thumb] Tie-rod straight-side presses can provide long or short strokes for transfer or progressive-die operations. However, unitized-frame straight-side presses also can meet the same production requirements. Two unitized-frame straight-side presses can provide up to 12 tooling stations, with material feeding left to right through both presses," Boerger said. "When used individually, the first press feeds left to right with up to six tooling stations. The second press can stamp a different part, feeding material right to left with up to six tooling stations.
[Tip] This combination can provide more tonnage capacity without a dedicated transfer system," Boerger said.
Automated Press Feeding Compatibility
Jim Witte, sales manager, GAF, offers this advice on selecting a press for automated press feeding and exiting equipment:
[Caveat] "It's true that the most important press selection factors are the minimum specification requirements for speed, tonnage, shut height, and stroke; however, if you fail to adequately consider bolster arrangement, window openings, how to shed scrap, how to attach the dies with bolts or automated clamps and how the material needs to travel through the press, you could end up with an incomplete or inefficient system," Witte said.
"Next consider the actual integration between the front-of-line [FOL], blanking press, and end-of-line [EOL]," Witte continued. "The best overall systems will be mated mechanically, electrically, and operationally. Good mechanical integration not only ensures the machines fit together without interference, but includes features that assist the operational integration.
"For example, if you are going to operate dies of different passlines located differently inside the press, you might not have—or need—FOL or EOL equipment with extendable or height-adjustable tables," Witte said. "However, it makes sense to plan how the material will enter and exit the die, and perform the setup outside the press.
"Basic electrical integration starts with personnel and equipment safety circuits (interlocks), hardware, software, programmable logic control, and HMI [human-machine interface] compatibility. It can include sophisticated production monitoring and reporting," Witte said. "Options range from machines that require physical operator interface to highly automated lines that require only the push of a few buttons for operation. Your operating ideas can be considered a functional specification.
"When you relay your general and functional specifications to potential suppliers, make sure they understand your needs. You may benefit by keeping an open mind and giving them a chance to present alternate improvement recommendations," Witte said.
"Throughout the process, make sure you factor in the impact of any demolition, foundation, or installation work you're contemplating. Make sure you also consider what capabilities your equipment may need in the future. While you want to make the system as efficient as possible, you can run small parts through a large system, but not the opposite," Witte said.
About the Author
Kate Bachman
815-381-1302
Kate Bachman is a contributing editor for The FABRICATOR editor. Bachman has more than 20 years of experience as a writer and editor in the manufacturing and other industries.
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The Fabricator is North America's leading magazine for the metal forming and fabricating industry. The magazine delivers the news, technical articles, and case histories that enable fabricators to do their jobs more efficiently. The Fabricator has served the industry since 1970.
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