Page 63 - MetalForming May 2012

Fixed rail
Stock width
Adjustable rail
Feed
Offset for ease of starting
of the lead end of the strip can do more damage to the die in the first 10 strokes of the press than the next 10,000 strokes.
Here are a few tips to help minimize short feeds:
• Minimize the use of round stock lifters notched on one side for threading the strip through. While inexpensive and easy to install, they will
provide less support for
the coil strip as compared
to a rail-lifter system. Also,
the need to hand-feed the
stock through each lifter
presents an opportunity to
make a mistake when
starting a new strip. A good
rail-lifter system will min-
imize feed-related prob-
lems, reduce setup time and allow higher press speeds.
Modern press shops running progressive dies have their own form of CSI: Comprehensive Strip Inspection.
Fig. 2
• Ensure that the strip does not sag between the lifters. Otherwise, it will be pulled out of its correct die position (off progression). A rail system can help reduce this effect.
• Provide extended guide rails with large lead-in angles, to assist the press operator in starting the strip and make one of the stock rails adjustable to compensate for any variation in strip width (Fig. 2).
Look for more press-shop forensic tips in next issue’s
• Ensure that the lifter systems (or individual stock lifter, if used) are set at the same height with the die open. This ensures that the strip is supported in a level plane as it feeds forward.
episode of Press-Shop CSI.
MF
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