Page 24 - MetalForming July/August 2009

Transfer Job
As the countdown to a new transfer project commences, follow the guidelines outlined here to ensure a successful launch, meeting
or exceeding goals for throughput and quality.
BY PAUL STIRRETT
After many years of being involved in numerous transfer projects, we thought it was time to develop a list of all of the key factors we believe are instrumental in launching a successful transfer project, as well as a list of all of the major pitfalls to avoid during proj- ect management. With the recent evo- lution of servo-transfer systems, stam- pers and die makers have a host of new opportunities to improve productivity and quality. Transfer-system suppliers using customized servo-sizing software and developing machines with robust and reliable mechanical systems and with few (if any) wear components should result in a press line that runs at rated speed or above, shift after shift.
The Right Equipment Combination
A new transfer-automation project begins with careful and proper selection of the right press and style of transfer system. Errors made at this stage can prove very costly. Issues to focus on include understanding the impact of link motion to the transfer automation timing and motion profiles, maximizing the range of motion on the transfer
Paul Stirrett is vice president of sales, Linear Transfer Automation, Barrie, Ontario, Canada; 705/735-0000, www.lineartransfer.com.
The front- and rear-mounted transfer system shown here is mounted on a 1500-ton mechanical press, with 256 by 96-in. bed, at Metrican Stamping, Dickson, TN.
automation, accounting for interfer- ences with other equipment around the press, quick-die-change procedures, and selecting the right style of transfer for the application(s).
Here are some of the differences between the two styles of transfer systems.
Window-mount—Advantages
• Occupies minimal space around the press, as the equipment mostly is positioned inside the press columns;
• An efficient design allows the sys- tem to move less of its own mass than does a front- and rear-mount transfer;
• It has bars running only through the die area, which remains wide open and optimizes accessibility when it comes time to perform die maintenance and adjust the transfer fingers.
Window-mount— Disadvantages
• The small press window restricts
22 METALFORMING / JULY/AUGUST 2009
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