Coil Handling for Higher-Strength Steel

June 24, 2020

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June 24, 2020

Technology Focus: Press Feeds

MetalForming brings you the June installment of our monthly Technology Focus newsletters as we highlight Press Feeds.

Next Month: Enterprise Resource Planning

Coil Handling for Higher-Strength Steel

To learn why working with stronger steels demands unique coil handling technology, and what metal stampers should consider, MetalForming reached out to Kevin Enos, national sales manager for Formtek Maine, which designs and provides such systems. Here he offers his expertise on how systems have evolved to meet the challenges of higher-strength steels, and what metal stampers should know when looking to best process these materials.

“Threadup and setup times increase greatly with HSLA and AHSS, as operators work to thread the line safely,” Enos offers. “Additionally, the challenge to properly flatten or process the material can lead to inconsistent feed lengths, shorter tool life and the possibility of an expensive crash. To combat such conditions, manufacturers provide equipment designed to facilitate hands-free material threadup.”

Sponsored

New Life for an Old Press

"With dedicated remanufacturing facilities and trained personnel on three continents, Nidec Press & Automation can provide new life for used machinery. Whether it’s a major component or an entire press, NPA can update you machinery to meet current needs at a fraction of the price and delivery time of a new press. Upgrade options include: change shutheight; increase speed; reduce stopping time; new controls; change stroke; increase energy; and much more."

Upgraded Coil-Handling Drives and Controls Produce Energy Savings

Automatic Feed Company (AFCO), Napoleon, OH, has upgraded the drives and controls used on its coil-processing equipment, reportedly resulting in increased production output and reduced energy usage and costs. According to company officials, one customer’s recent switch from DC to AC drives on its cut-to-length line and stacking equipment resulted in a 76-percent reduction in power consumption.

1200-Ton, 240-in. Minster, with Feed Line and Transfer, Headed to ODM

ODM Tool & Mfg. Co., McCook, IL, will soon add a new Minster E2-1200 HeviStamper mechanical press, with a 240-in. left-to-right bed, to its production floor. The press will stamp thicker-material, high-tensile complex parts, primarily for the automotive industry. To supplement its new 1200-ton press, ODM added a new Gudel transfer system and a heavy-duty CHS feed line with an extra-robust straightener, designed to handle advanced high-strength steels, including dual-phase grades.

Sponsored

CAR MBS 2020 Goes Virtual

COVID-19 and economic uncertainty are placing tremendous strain on the automotive industry. These challenges, coupled with the rate of rapid evolution in the industry, have left many with questions about how to move forward. The Center for Automotive Research is here to help you and your organization navigate the road ahead.

CAR MBS 2020 will focus on understanding the challenges and opportunities occurring as the auto industry adapts across the spectrum of technology, strategy, mobility, policy, and manufacturing issues.

Secure your pass for two days of inspirational speakers and a “front-row” seat to understanding the impact of COVID-19 on the current and future automotive and mobility industries. Attend from any location and make new connections through this exciting platform.

www.cargroup.org/mbs

Coe Press Equipment Appoints New Purchasing Manager

Coe Press Equipment, Sterling Heights, MI, a manufacturer of coil handling and servo roll feed equipment, has appointed DeBora McCary purchasing manager, responsible for supervising RFQs, managing inventory and materials, procuring goods and contractor services, and establishing and upholding procurement policies.

Capital Investment During Trying Times—Evaluate Equipment With Focus on Two Age Groups

How should metal formers address capital-equipment concerns and investments during trying times? Stephan A. Robertson, general manager/vice president of sales and operation for Simpac America, offers answers in this Q&A piece.

Answering one question on how a purchasing department can work with its manufacturing team to continue investing in new technology, Robertson offers the following: “There are four key factors when considering capital investments: price, performance, delivery and the ability to provide turnkey solutions. In a challenging economy, stampers should evaluate their current equipment and focus on two age groups. For presses within the 5- to 15-yr. age range, consider upgrading controls and automation—feeds and transfers. For older presses, one new machine, especially a servomechanical press, may allow a stamper to replace two or three aging presses. Efficiency skyrockets, as you conserve floor space and human capital.”

Hot Off the Press

June/July 2020

Digital Image Correlation for Creating FLCs

The forming limit curve (FLC) has been a key problem solver in the metal forming industry since the 1960s. Developed by the late Dr. Stuart Keeler, formerly the author of the Science of Forming column for MetalForming magazine, stampers use the FLC during tool development and production-problem analysis. However, most users do not understand the origin and variables that influence the shape and placement of the curve.

Seven Tool Tips for Punching Thick Material
Whether a harder steel or a softer aluminum, thick is thick, and thick material presents unique CNC-punching challenges, with two real possibilities: tool breakage on impact due to shock; and tool breakage during the longer-lasting stripping process. What’s a fabricator to do? Fortunately, solutions exist, offers Susan Erler, punching product manager for Wilson Tool International.

Erler offers seven tool tips for successful thick-sheet punching, with this caveat: “Thick, mild steel acts similarly all of the time. Thick, softer materials such as copper, aluminum and brass, react differently. They sometimes require a trial-and-error approach.”

Upcoming Issues

July (Digital only)

Management Software and Industry 4.0: Ushering in a new era for metal formers and fabricators. Find out how stampers and fabricators can, and do, leverage advanced software, sensing and analytics to keep operations running optimally.

August

Servo-Press Technology
Supply-Chain Snags―The pandemic has revealed just how fragile the links can be between metal formers and fabricators, and their suppliers and customers. What have the challenges been, and what solutions—reshoring and others—are available?
Tool Steels
Five-Axis Laser Cutting
Folding/Bending Technology
Arc Welding
Safety Update