Page 13 - MetalForming November 2014
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Beginners into Experts
Arku, Cincinnati, OH, has introduced a new control for its FlatMaster parts level- er that enables novice users to produce dead-flat, stress-free sheetmetal and plate components on the first try, nearly every time, by entering as few as two parameters: material type and thickness. A simplified operator interface using touchscreen icons accesses a vast database of material properties, expert knowledge, part thick- nesses, operating parameters and plau- sibility checks that allows new users to run the machine like experts with as little as 90 min. of training.
designed for leveling and stress relieving metal parts from 0.020 to 2.25 in. thick and up to 118 in. wide prior to welding, assembly or bending, perform two-way leveling, reverse operation and series lev- eling. A plausibility check evaluates oper- ator entries and provides an explanation of incorrect values to aid in learning. Arku: www.arku.com
eler’s functions with simple icons, much like a smartphone screen. By entering basic information on the workpiece, the control calculates the optimal leveling parameters for the first part. These param- eters can be fine-tuned by the operator and saved as a part program for future use. The control can store 1024 part programs.
Servo-hydraulic FlatMaster machines,
Tech Update
forming machines.
Using TechConnect, Beckwood engi-
neers can interact with presses in the field and perform remote troubleshooting, maintenance and other functions, and can remotely upload PLC and HMI program updates. TechConnect, integrated into the press control system and connected to the customer’s standard internet net- work, also expedites offsite operator train- ing without the expense and time associ- ated with onsite travel.
If a machine stops operating at the ideal level, a Beckwood engineer can be notified and begin troubleshooting the issue with- in minutes. And, should a customer deter- mine it needs to add a nonstandard but- ton to the machine’s HMI, Beckwood engineers also can do this through Tech- Connect.
Beckwood Press Co.: www.beckwoodpress.com
New Part-Leveler
Control Turns
The new control accesses all of the lev-
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