Page 58 - MetalForming February 2013

Ask the Expert
Die Design
Ray Proeber, president, Accurate Die Design, Inc.
Q:During die design, how do I eliminate mis- takes and minimize debugging time?
A:Don’t depend solely on a die designer’s skill and the review team’s opinions. Leverage technology by proving out a design virtually on a computer. Modern die-design software allows a user to
animate an entire design as if it were in the press, to check for inter- ference, and to virtually simulate a die’s individual stations to prove
ERP Software
Mike Crismon,
Sales Engineer,
ECi Software Solutions
Q:Why should I invest in a fully integrated ERP software solution, and how can I calcu-
late an accurate return on investment?
A:When calculating an ROI for an ERP software purchase, consid- er the useful life and cost of the software, and the time that
the software will save your various business departments, in particular in quoting and estimating. An integrated system allows you to quickly and efficiently schedule production, purchase materials and collect real-time shop-floor data. It will typically pay for itself within the first few years of ownership. www.ecisolutions.com
out formability.
www.accuratediedesign.com
ERP Software
David Klotz, Senior Account Manager, Plex Systems, Inc.
Q:What is a reasonable ROI or payback period for an ERP system?
A:An ERP’s return on investment (ROI) reflects the quantifiable bene- fits achieved divided by system-related costs. Users of our cloud-
based ERP typically experience relatively short payback periods based on the monthly subscription model, the elimination of maintenance costs and measurable efficiencies. Many customers experience nearly immediate payback and rack up double- and triple-digit ROIs. www.plex.com
Laser Cutting
Jim Russell, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Chicago Slitter
Q:Can a laser-cut edge match the quality of a mechanically sheared edge, such as in a
blanking die?
A:Yes, laser-cut quality can match or exceed that of a mechani- cally sheared edge. Similar to setting up die clearance and
ensuring sharpness of a blanking die, laser cutting requires careful attention to process parameters such as beam focal length and diameter, nozzle height and assist gas. When processing high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, lasers typically can outperform dies since laser-cut edges are less prone to develop microcracks.
www.chicagoslitter.com
Laser Cutting
Keith Leuthold, Director of Inside Sales, Mazak Optonics
Q:What is the impact of automated setup func- tions when implementing a new CO2 laser?
A:Automatic setup functions reduce the time and operator skill need- ed for proper setup, enabling a more efficient and optimized work-
flow ideal for small lot sizes. Advanced lasers are available with up to 13 automatic-setup functions, which can achieve consistent setup in less than 1 min. and typically increase throughput by 25 percent compared to a machine without these automated functions. www.mazakoptonics.com
Tool and Die Machining
Duane Gardner,
vice president, Delta Tech Precision Tooling Division, American Punch Co.
Q:How can I improve punch-to-die alignment?
A:While wire EDM can be an efficient process for machining some details—dowel and die button locations for example—the process also can create assembly and alignment concerns. Jig grind-
ing not only provides more accurate details, but also is more cost effective. With jig grinding, hole locations, as well as their size, orien- tation and cylindricity, can be held to a tolerance of 0.0005 to 0.00002 in. This will improve die alignment and prolong tooling life.
www.americanpunchco.com
Transfer Systems
Steve Moilanen,
Vice President, Clamp Division, PHD, Inc.
Q:What type of actuator (end effector) should be used in a transfer press?
A:Selecting the right actuator depends not only on purchase price, but also on product performance, longevity and maintainability. And
look for a manufacturer who can meet tight delivery expectations, to mini- mize downtime in the event of a crash. Also locate a product with a proven track record—ask the manufacturer for testimonials, and evaluate the qual- ity of its after-sale customer service. www.phdinc.com
56 MetalForming/February 2013
www.metalformingmagazine.com
These brief informational tidbits allow readers to learn from those who have the answers. If you’d like to see your question addressed here, please e-mail the editor: bkuvin@pma.org.