Page 57 - MetalForming February 2013

Tooling Technology
An operator removes a lower deck-lid stamping from an 800-ton hydraulic press, one of several presses operating in the IET pressroom.
a complete solution and help them move from the develop- ment stage all the way through production.
“This is a highly iterative process,” says Knighton. “In one recent stamping project, we went through 30 different product iterations. By the end of the brief two-month process, we produced 87,000 pieces on a manually operated pro- gressive die designed in Cimatron.”
IET uses Cimatron die-design and development software for product design, die design and all machine-tool path pro- gramming. Knighton explains: “We’ll make a model and the customer will suggest changes, or will want us to try some- thing different. All the while, in parallel we are trying to engineer the die design. Cimatron enables us to quickly modify the part model and have the die-design changes flow right through, allowing us to save a tremendous amount of time.”
Quoting also can pose a challenge for such projects. “These are not straightforward jobs,” adds Knighton, “often requiring us to move from prototype all the way to produc- tion. With our software, I can quickly envision in just a few minutes what the solid model should look like if I turn it into a production die. Once we get the job, I then can direct somebody how to make the die that I envisioned in just an hour or two.” MF
Article provided by Cimatron Technologies, Inc., Novi, MI: 248/596-9700; www.cimatrontech.com.
Ask the Expert
Automation
Richard Heavner, senior application engineer,
ATI Industrial Automation
Q:Manually changing out tooling fix- tures requires an operator to
reestablish connections to utilities between a fixed base and the fixtures. How can this process be automated without requiring precision positioning equipment, such as a robot?
A:Most manual tooling stations include alignment and clamping to secure fix-
tures to the base, yet they cannot easily and inexpensively support automated changeover and reconnection of utilities. The best way to reestablish utilities is to mount a compliant utility coupler to the base and fixture, operated using the weight of the fixture or with a simple air cylinder. Additionally, the coupler can accommodate the small amount of misalign- ment typical with manual tooling stations.
www.ati-ia.com
Hydraulic Clamping
Dave Fischer, Hilma Engineering Manager, Carr Lane Roemheld Mfg. Co.
• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• • •••••••••••••••
Q:I am interested in a hydraulic clamping system for my press.
Safety is my primary concern. What do I look for?
A:Critical parameters include clamp force and ensuring the proper num-
ber and types of clamps for upper and lower circuits. Also look for pressure switch- es on each clamp circuit to shut down the press in the event of a pressure loss; dual diagonal safety-clamp circuits on the slide, optional on the bed; circuit relief valves in the die lift circuits to protect rollblock over- load; zero leak valves; and stall-type pumps. www.clrh.com
Fume Control
Greg Schreier, Metalworking Market Manager, Camfil Farr Air Pollution Control
Q:How do I know what size dust-col- lection system to use on my laser-
or plasma-cutting table?
A:Consider these factors: laser power or plasma amperage being used;
type and thickness of workpiece material; cutting time; number of shifts per day; table size and whether table zoning is involved; and the targeted level of fume/smoke removal. A dust- and fume- collection supplier trained in metal-cutting applications will size the collector to your requirements. Look for a system using a proven and reliable spark arrestor, vertically mounted filter cartridges, fire-suppression system and extended filter life.
www.camfilfarr.com
www.metalformingmagazine.com
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