Page 10 - MetalForming August 2011

Tech Update
Servo-Drive Turret Presses Conserve Power, Contour with Laser-Like Precision
The new AE-NT series of compact servo-drive turret punch presses from Amada America, Inc., Buena Park, CA, offer the advantages of the servo-electric drive con- cept and, in particular, the low power consumption it provides. Power consumption
reportedly is reduced by more than 50 percent compared to an equiv- alent hydraulic machine. Also, the
machine’s drive system comprises considerably fewer com- ponents than does a hydraulic system, reducing mainte- nance and spare-
parts costs.
The AE-NT series is available in two models: AE-255 NT (4- by 4-ft. sheet capacity) and AE-2510 NT (4- by 8-ft. sheet capacity). Both machines share the same bridge frame and drive, offering punching
capacity of 20 metric tons. Maximum stroke length: 1.65 in.
The machine powers Amada’s Triple-Track turret with as many as four auto-index
stations, and power vacuum die and air blow systems to minimize slug pull. Using the firm’s special contouring tool, the machine nibbles at a pitch as small as 0.020 in. To punch complex shapes and curves at near laser-like precision. Fabricators can tool- up the units for deburring, marking and forming as well.
Amada America: 714/739-2111; www.amada.com
Coil Coatings Give Manufacturers an Edge
Metallic coatings provide stainless- steel and rubbed-copper appearance, and also can be applied at a coil-coating facility. These can be combined with antimicrobial and fingerprint-proof coat- ings to add value and product differen- tiation.
For building-products manufacturers, coil coating is the method of choice for finishing sheetmetal with aged, weathered looks for products such as wall panels, roofing tiles and shakes. Available fin- ishes include copper patina, clay, weath- ered wood and rusted metal. Also, coat- ed coils can improve the energy efficiency of building materials. Solar panels, for example, are made with aluminum pre- painted with absorbent coatings. National Coil Coating Association: 216/522-0100; www.coilcoatinginstitute.org
Lasers for
Manufacturing
Event Slated for
Late September
The Laser Institute of America pres- ents the Lasers for Manufacturing Event (LME), September 27-28 at the Renais- sance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Schaumburg, IL. A combination of technology exhibits and educational programs will allow attendees to learn about automation equipment, laser choic- es, beam delivery and more. Keynote pre- sentations will address the impact of laser technology in the automotive, aerospace, medical-device and other industries.
Among the 1-hr. educational pro- grams on the agenda:
• Properties and applications (cutting, welding and cladding) for the various types of lasers used in manufacturing
• Laser systems—key components and options
• Choosing the low-cost method for manufacturing
• Laser safety
Learn more and register to attend at www.lia.org/conferences/laserevent.
Coil coatings provide metalformers a competitive edge. Here’s a general roundup of what’s new in specialty coat- ings, provided by the National Coil Coat- ing Association, Cleveland, OH.
For automakers, coil coatings allow manufacturers to provide extended cor- rosion warranties. Many of these war- ranties are based on the use of steel strips with specialty coatings applied on both sides prior to forming. Automakers that form parts with these coil-coated steel strips can guarantee corrosion protection for inaccessible cavities or flange sections of automotive parts.
For appliance manufacturers, coated coils provide a manageable way to devel- op new products with specialty finishes. These include antimicrobial coatings, fingerprint-resistant coatings and design- er finishes such as metallic coatings.
Antimicrobial coatings kill 99 per- cent or more of the bacteria that comes into contact with an appliance. Unlike post-painting operations, the coil-coating process coats the entire surface, reach- ing difficult-to-access areas such as part interiors, hemmed edges and tubes. Additionally, the primer and paint, either of which could contain the antimicrobial additive, are tightly bonded to the sheet- metal and often are applied to both sides of the sheet. Some antimicrobial coatings even include metallic pigment to improve heat-exchange properties for HVAC applications.
Fingerprint-resistant coatings also find favor by appliance OEMs, and can be applied during the coil-coating process, eliminating the need for end users to continually wipe off smudges from appliances.
8 MetalForming/August 2011
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