2:00-3:00 p.m.

In-Die Technologies Operations to Eliminate Them Downstream

Moving downstream operations within the die to eliminate doing them downstream is just smart! You save time and money on material handling alone; plus, you can take advantage of a press’ speed.

Tapping and assembly processes such as fastener insertion, (nuts, pierce and clinch nuts, rivets, screws, bushings), staking, and welding can all be done in-die. Subject matters experts describe the ins and outs of in-die technology and describe how to implement an in-die operation in this informative session. In addition, benefit from learning from another metal forming manufacturer’s in-die installation experience.

The session touches on design, maintenance, and troubleshooting as well.

2:00-3:00 p.m.

Advanced Steel Grades/Stamping

MetalForming’s editors and panelists summarize recent and coming developments from the steelmaking community and how they will impact metal forming operations. Steelmakers are employing the latest technologies to formulate material blends to address safety and lightweighting, and are working to disseminate critical information about these materials among OEMs and Tier One manufacturers. Metal formers charged with shaping these materials must ensure robustness and capabilities of press-line components, and bring capable tooling to bear in order to produce parts and components successfully. This MetalForming LIVE session will address these challenges and provide real-world advice from metal formers.

2:00-3:00 p.m.

Automation for Stamping/Fabricating

Join this discussion to discover how leading metal formers are leveraging automation to boost efficiency, safety and ROI. You’ll come away with an understanding of when to deploy six-axis cobots and robots to automate your processes, and Cartesian-movement and "fixed-function" designs are preferred. Included in the conversation are descriptions of two applications where Cartesian movement enables the material-handling equipment to traverse very long distances with heavy payloads, rapidly and accurately.

Specifically, one project for metal former PMI in Bloomer, WI, describes how three-axis automation was integrated with two existing stamping presses. This solution enabled the high-speed transfer of large parts—handling components weighing hundreds of pounds—over more than 20 ft. between presses. By reusing existing equipment, PMI avoided major capital expense while retaining the flexibility to run the presses independently or in tandem with the automation, dramatically increasing throughput.

The second case features a groundbreaking part-unloading system from Isochronic, a Swiss automation innovator. Designed to keep pace with today’s ultra-fast laser cutting systems, this advanced solution picks parts from sheet metal skeletons at twice the speed of conventional automation. It eliminates manual removal bottlenecks, reduces worker injury risks, and adds precision sorting and kitting capabilities—enabling seamless downstream automation with no manual reorientation.

Will Healy III, of Teradyne Robotics, will discuss examples of physical AI in action, explaining how collaborative robots (cobots) are shaping the future of metal fabrication.

“Manufacturers today are navigating a perfect storm of workforce shortages, rising productivity demands, and an ever-changing supply chain,” Healy says. “In this evolving landscape, physical AI—the integration of artificial intelligence with robotics in physical environments—is emerging as a game-changer.”

In an easy-to-follow format, Healy explores how cobots are redefining automation in metal fabrication by making easy, flexible and human-friendly automation more accessible than ever.

“Through a series of real-world case studies, I’ll examine how leading manufacturers are deploying cobots and AI-driven technologies to streamline operations, enhance quality and stay competitive,” adds Healy.

Key topics include:

• Why cobots? Understanding the unique value cobots bring to modern automation strategies and how they are complimentary to traditional robot applications.
• Physical AI on the shop floor: From robot-guided vision and bin picking to predictive maintenance and quality inspections.
• Case studies that deliver: Practical examples of successful implementations in out-feed tending, press-brake tending, and more.

Join us to discover how physical AI and collaborative automation are not just solving today’s challenges—they’re building the foundation for the successful factories of tomorrow.

If you're exploring how to stay competitive through smart automation, this is one webinar you won’t want to miss.