Page 22 - MetalForming September 2011

Ask the Executive
MetalForming magazine proudly pres- ents: Ask the Executive. These brief informational tidbits allow readers to learn from those who have the answers. If you’d like to see your question addressed here, please e-mail the editor: bkuvin@pma.org.
Please contact Andrew Flando at aflando@pma.org to learn more about this program.
Infrastructure
Ray Proeber, President Accurate Die Design, Inc.
Q:How do I know if my computer will work with 3D die-design software?
A:You want a computer that works well, not just one that works. It's important to put computer hardware in
perspective. A die designer might be paid $250,000 during the time he uses a spe- cific computer and may design $1-2 million worth of tooling with it. Having your soft- ware provider specify your computer hard- ware is in your best interests in order to maximize your return on investment.
www.accuratediedesign.com
Evaluating Technology
Keith Leuthold,
Sales Director
Mazak Optonics Corp.
Q:How should metalformers go about selecting between CO2,
fiber and other traditional and emerging laser-cutting technologies?
A:There is no single best laser technol- ogy. Most manufacturers offer a
range of machine types with advantages and disadvantages depending on the appli- cation. In order to make an informed deci- sion, metalforming personnel should ana- lyze the amount of each material type and thickness their shop cuts and generate a sampling of time studies and, even better, part-cost calculations, which most manu- facturers would be happy to provide.
www.mazakoptonics.com
Wind Energy
Patrick Wahlen, Global Business Segment Director–Power Generation The Lincoln Electric Co.
Q:What prompted Lincoln Electric to erect one of the largest urban wind towers in North America, at its headquarters campus near Cleveland, OH?
A:Our 443-ft. tower will be able to provide roughly 10 percent of the electrical needs for our Cleveland manufacturing facilities, saving as much as $500,000 in energy costs per
year. It also represents our commitment to integrating renewable energy sources, among other ongoing green initiatives, into our manufacturing processes. More importantly, the tower signifies our dedication to the wind-tower fabrication industry. www.lincolnelectric.com
20 MetalForming/September 2011
www.metalformingmagazine.com
New Trends
Mark Scanlan, Vice President, General Manager PFA, Inc.
Q:Can you identify any new trends to watch for in metal stamping?
A:Magnetic die clamping, where the variety of sizes and function will
allow the press to be more useful, and the use of hydraulic clamping in applications where this lower-cost option provides the value of consistent clamping without affect- ing bolster height. A hybrid system is likely to become more prevalent as shops becomes more familiar with the different system advantages and the opportunities to tune the choices to maximize return on investment. www.pfa-inc.com
Evaluating Technology
Productivity
Tom Kennard, President United Performance Metals
Q:What tools has your company used most recently to boost
productivity?
A:Although not a new concept, lean manufacturing has been used to
improve efficiency and reduce costs. We have realized hard and soft returns as a result of the kaizen events we have hosted during the last few years. An unexpected benefit of these events was improved morale throughout the organization, as office and shop employees worked side-by-side to address opportunities for
Derek Phillips, Commercial Manager–Metal Protection The Lubrizol Corp.
Q:What are some key differences between barium-based and calcium-based metal-protection fluids?
A:Traditionally, barium-based products have offered better water separation and were thought to offer better protection. However, as environmental concerns have increased,
the demands for safer products have created a need for calcium-based fluids. With the advancement of fluid technology, new calcium-based products now offer performance compara- ble to that of traditional barium-based solutions. www.lubrizol.com
improvement.
www.upmet.com