Page 30 - MetalForming January 2011

Ask the Expert
MetalForming magazine proudly presents a new feature: Ask the Expert. These brief informational tidbits allow readers to learn from those who have the answers. If you’d like to see your technical question addressed here, please e-mail the editor: bkuvin@pma.org.
If your company provides tech- nology-based solutions to the met- alforming industry, please contact Andrew Flando at aflando@pma.org to learn more about this program.
Die Design Software
Andrew Bliesner, business development, StampingSimulation.com
Q:How does simulation software accurately simulate a specific sheet- metal material?
A:A uniaxial tensile test collects data from material samples; results are used in simulation to model the material’s hardening behaviour. The data is imported to simulation software
and used as the basis for the material properties being simulated. Any sheetmetal material can be tested this way and used in the forming simulation for accurate prediction and rectification of forming problems.
Materials
C. Craig Williams, marketing manager, Central Steel and Wire Company
Q:How can I better manage the quotation and purchasing process?
A:The best way to manage the quotation and purchasing process with a vendor is to use an e-commerce system. E-commerce systems reduce the amount of time required to
process quotations and purchasing orders. They are secure and fast with full documentation and electronic archives. Most systems offer customized programming that require minimal training.
Coil Handling
Jim Ward, general sales manager,
Coe Press Equipment
Q:How can I confirm that my straightener will effectively
remove coil set from higher-strength steels?
A:Effective coil-set removal for a given material thickness, width and yield strength requires the right combination of
roll diameter, center-distance spacing, roll- force delivery, roll support and horsepower. High-strength steels require smaller-diame- ter rolls, closer center-distance spacing, and increased horsepower in order to effec- tively backbend the material beyond its yield point. Always consult with your equip- ment supplier to verify if your straightener can effectively remove coil set.
Presses
Presses
Robert Southwell, vice president, sales and marketing, Aida-America
Q:How do material changes to higher-strength alloys affect
stamping-press requirements?
A:Even though part geometry may be the same and material thickness may decrease, stamping higher-strength
alloys will cause a significant increase in required press tonnage. A larger bed area also may be required to accommodate additional die stations to form the material and eliminate springback. Consider press- es with link motion or servo drives to help reduce springback, reverse shock loads and the number of die stations.
David Hattabaugh, service manager, Seyi
Q:How can I be sure I’m making full use of my tonnage monitor?
A:A tonnage monitor, besides doing its obvious job, can reduce unnecessary
wear on load-bearing components, detect die malfunctions, offer reverse-load protec- tion and ensure part quality. A typical ton- nage monitor should allow you to set parameters for maximum tonnage, tonnage variance from stroke to stroke, low tonnage and reverse load tonnage. Note: Have your tonnage monitor calibrated every year. For more information, visit the SEYI Service Blog at seyiamerica.blogspot.com.
ERP Software
Mark Symonds, CEO, president Plex Systems, Inc.
Q:We’re considering a new ERP solution in 2011. How can I tell if the proposed solution supports our operations
A:Find out what other successful companies in your industry are using, and learn what they like and don’t like. Then, have your key operational people view a detailed demon-
stration of the software managing operations similar to yours. Don’t settle for a PowerPoint or generic demonstration; you should see how a metalformer can accomplish day-to-day activities, yielding more timely and accurate information with less effort.
Tooling
Dick Greenleaf, Shed-It, LLC
Q:Why should metal stampers consider investing in new ejector
technology?
A:Ejector systems that will not fail dur- ing production will help prevent die
damage. New ejector technology can prove more resilient than springs, optimizing press time and income. Productivity will rise, as will press strokes without failure and, ultimately, profits.
28 MetalForming/January 2011
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More Ask the Expert on page 30, 38