Page 28 - MetalForming March 2023 - PMA Chairman Jeff Aznavorian

toggle logic and speed advance, among other functions. Tonnage monitors pro- vide signal analysis and the ability to automatically turn off low alarms dur- ing coil thread-up. In addition, the APC has analog-sensor capabilities, a pow- erful part-tracking system and even a large shift register to allow the press control to replace a PLC to power more automated dies using in-die inspection and gag tools.
Larson also notes how much team members appreciate easy setup fea- tures. “While the press controls offer a lot of high-end capabilities,” he says, “the die protection and PLS are easy to set up due to the graphical touch- screen interface displaying the stroke, timing windows and, for die protection, even the transitions of the sensors, right on the screen. Our operators and setup team can visualize their settings and receive immediate feedback show- ing them what is happening, which eases programming.”
Automation Integration
One capability of the press controls not initially used at PMI: advanced interface capabilities to support the addition of automation to the presses. “When we upgraded our first presses with the Link controls, we did not have automation on the presses,” says plant manager Eric Lewis. “When we did add our first robots to the presses, the first outside integrator we used was impressed by the fact that the control already had built-in capability specif- ically prepared to handle automation. As we have continued to automate our presses, this control capability has reduced the needed investment and time commonly required to retrofit automation to existing presses.”
Lewis also points out the intuitive, modern user interface. “This genera- tion of operators immediately feels comfortable with the touchscreen- based interface,” he says. “The flow of the control just makes sense, and it is amazing to see how quickly operators dance through the screens, after grow- ing up using smart phones and com- puters. The layout and thought process
seems very natural, and even when switching from the smaller MPC to the larger APC we see a consistency of logic and layout that makes transitioning easy. We can move operators to various presses and they immediately become comfortable and productive.”
Lewis also appreciates the high level of support behind the press-control upgrades, including some made several years ago. “Everything fails eventually,” he says, “so we were looking for con- trols that not only would be reliable but also well-supported, and it’s been beneficial that Link makes its own com- ponents and has a decades-long replacement policy. Over the tens of thousands of hours and countless mil- lions of strokes since these controls were first installed on our presses, the amount of unplanned downtime has been negligible.”
Outside Service Support Supplements Inhouse Electricians While PMI has great electricians on staff, Lewis shares, they’re kept busy handling the day-to-day needs of the firm’s large and ever-growing plant. That led him and his team to seek a local dealer that could handle the installation work required to enable timely implementation of the new con- trols as they arrived. Up to the task: TCR Integrated Stamping Systems, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, the local Link
representative.
From the author’s perspective:
Installation of the Link controls at PMI was aided by the fully detailed documentation provided by Link. The controls arrive configured for each press, and the press-specific prints pro- vide clear and accurate records for each machine, not the typical generic prints. We also appreciate that Link manufac- tures its own boards and even programs its chips inhouse and can maintain part availability for many decades. A mechanical press can run for many more decades than most machine tools, and Link has no “planned obso- lescence” and almost no reliance on outside vendors to produce critical components. MF
Problems Solved. On Site.
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MetalForming/March 2023 25
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