Automotive Outlook: Pathways to Continued Success

February 22, 2023

February 22, 2023

Technology Focus: Stamping Presses

MetalForming brings you the February installment of our monthly Technology Focus newsletter, this month highlighting Stamping Presses.

Automotive Outlook: Pathways to Continued Success

The automotive-industry landscape heading into 2023 features plenty of speed bumps. But we’ve got some expert intelligence from industry analysts, and advice from three metal formers serving this complex market to help navigate the pathways to success.

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Why and How to Automate Hydraulic Presses

From simple automation to a highly developed robotic turnkey cell, automating hydraulic presses can boost productivity and promote employee safety. Partnering with a knowledgeable press manufacturer that has system integration capabilities can provide you with expert guidance through design and implementation. Read how automating hydraulic presses can work for you and get tips on how to get started.

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Disruptive Changes for Automotive Suppliers

Disruptive technologies in metal stamping plants as well as tool-and-die shops will impact business operations in similar ways. One example: The use of industrially robust RFID systems for shut-height validation for dies, and new mechatronic systems for monitoring progressive-die processes and value-added in-die validation and error-proofing.

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Dive into High-Quality Part Formation with Sheet Hydroforming

Sheet hydroforming is an essential process for low-volume, high-mix part production. But what exactly goes into achieving crisp geometries with a hydroforming press? This whitepaper dives into sheet hydroforming processes and offers guidance into successful part formation.

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Advanced Tooling Solutions Opens in Newville, PA

Three experienced metal forming professionals—die designer Larry Zinn, tool and die maker Jason White, and machine-rebuild specialist Mike Weber—have joined forces to open Advanced Tooling Solutions, LLC, Newville, PA.

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The Global Leader in Precision Metals

Ulbrich has the supply chain relationships to secure the material you need. Partner with us to keep costs down, improve delivery performance and gain a competitive advantage. Looking for something more custom? Our metallurgists are ready to help you select the appropriate alloy for your application and support your entire production process.

Circle March 23 for PMA’s Die Protection Clinic

The Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) Live and virtual event: Die Protection Clinic, the industry’s premier source for die protection and in-die-sensing information and training, will be held at PMA headquarters in Independence, OH. Jim Finnerty, product manager of Wintriss Controls Group LLC, will detail the proper use of various die-protection control functions and identify the five most important factors to consider when selecting a system.

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Progressive Metal Stamping Dies: From Simple to Complex

For over 40 years, JK Tool has been designing & manufacturing high-speed carbide progressive stamping dies used in Bruderer, Minster, Komatsu, Aida, as well as other metal stamping presses. Our vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities available through our Weiss-Aug Group divisions can help streamline your supply chain logistics while offering the highest tolerances, quality, and on-time delivery.

Robot Use Has Ballooned, Cobot Use to Explode

As noted in a recent Thomas Index Report, an International Federation of Robotics survey finds that the number of robots installed in the United States grew from 176 units/10,000 employees in 2015 to 255 units/10,000 employees in 2020. Also, a recent Forbes, Xometry and Zogby poll reveals that 47 percent of CEOs from 150 leading U.S. companies currently are investing in robotics.

Servo-Press Capabilities Promote Prompt Prototyping

Weiss-Aug’s medical-device and pharmaceutical-industry customers look to the firm to develop new methods to help speed their time to market. And, at the same time the firm must stamp parts to machined tolerances. Aiding it in its mission to quicken its pace of prototyping and product development: a pair of new 60-ton servomechanical presses

Talkin’ Bout My Generation

You’ve probably seen references to 3rd Gen steels—implying that there are 1st and 2nd Gen steels as well. This article explores their similarities, differences and evolution. The automotive industry drives much of this development, but the benefits offered by newer grades promote applications in other industries.

Registration Open for RAPID + TCT, Largest AM Event in North America

Registration is now open for RAPID + TCT 2023, North America's largest additive manufacturing (AM) event, to be held at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, May 2-4. The three-day event, produced by SME and Rapid News Publications, features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing metal and nonmetal AM technology, including production machines, software, finishing and inspection equipment, and materials.

Hot Off the Press

Salton Promoted to Managing Director at ERP Consulting Firm Panorama Consulting Group
Prince Industries Acquires Precision Shapes, Expands Aerospace and Defense Capabilities
Specialty Report on AM Post-Processing from Wohlers
Clemson University Introduces New School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering
Balluff Expands with New Production Site in Mexico

From the February Issue of MetalForming

EVs Will Go as Far as Batteries Take Them

A timeline reveals the ups and downs in the development and implementation of battery electric vehicles (EVs) and points to one key truth: As battery technology goes, so go EVs.

Making Sense of Automotive’s Dizzying Pace of Change
Today’s automotive suppliers must learn to adjust their business models to account for lower volumes, while also leveraging technology to handle new material types and increasingly complex part designs and manufacturing processes. Such is the hand being dealt by OEMs as they transition their model lineups to electric vehicles.