Page 22 - MetalForming June 2015

Hatch
and servo-motor control of all axes, important for Hatch Stamping’s high production speeds and need for part accuracy.
“It’s full servo-driven capability allows for unique motions,” says Claucherty, “giving us the option to run at aggressive speeds or slow down and round out motion curves for smooth operation on thinner tight-tol- erance parts.”
Standard features include touch- screen control with master encoder feed- back, storage of multiple tool recipes and programmable part detection.
Claucherty identifies three features in particular that suit the transfer sys- tem to Hatch Stamping’s needs: con- servation of window space, extra lift height and independent control of trans- fer movement on each side of the press.
Transfer bars do not drive through the press window with this system con- figuration. That conserves daylight space and allows Hatch Stamping to run wider product. Extra lift height is provided through the system’s Z2 lift option—it can park 13 ft. in the air to enable access for large dies and fork trucks. This option significantly assists in die changeout at Hatch Stamping.
Independent control of transfer movement enables a part to be formed in one direction on one side of the press and then horseshoed around to enable additional forming in the oppo- site direction on the other side. This effectively doubles the length of the press ram. The system was installed so that an additional shuttle mechanism can be added easily for part transfer from one side to the other.
“Using this capability,” offers Claucher- ty, “depends on part geometry and what is required tonnage-wise for forming.”
Support Operations Up to Speed
Gobbling up scrap is an under- ground, out-of-sight conveyor system from Prab, Kalamazoo, MI. Three feeder trenches route scrap from each press to a main conveyor that deposits into one of two containers in an adjoining 5000- sq.-ft. scrap bay. The system communi-
The 1000-ton press features an LTA-FR front-to-rear servo-driven transfer system from Linear Transfer Automation Inc., Barrie, Ontario, Canada.
“It’s full servo-driven capability allows for unique motions,” says Stewart Claucherty, Hatch Stamping engineering manager, “giving us the option to run at aggressive speeds or slow down and round out motion curves for smooth operation on thinner tight-toler- ance parts.”
The system gives the stamper conservation of window space; extra lift height to ease die changeout; and independent control of transfer movement on each side of the press that provides options in part routing.
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cates automatically to indicate when the containers must be switched out.
Supporting the stamping operations are an onsite quality lab with 3D inspec- tions, tool certifications, CAD compari- son, dimensional analysis, and reverse engineering through PCDMIS-con- trolled CMM and portable laser scanning to ensure that customer quality expec- tations are met. The entire value stream from incoming material to in-process inspection and final audit are tracked via a quality system tied to the Plex (Troy, MI) ERP network. The new facility also provides full engineering support using VISI CAD/CAM software for tool build- ing, and will be outfitted to perform all tool maintenance and repair with the ability to construct new tooling if need- ed. Initially, however, tool build will be sourced locally.
Again, Hatch Stamping in Tennessee plans to duplicate the capabilities of its other plants, so it will be adding weld- ing and assembly operations.
Able Workforce, Industrial Base Drove Location Decision
Local sourcing points to a major reason why Hatch Stamping estab- lished its plant in Portland. The area is home to a host of industrial companies,
including other stampers and machine shops. That makes not only for like- minded and convenient neighbors but also for a developed workforce.
“In scouting locations, we looked at the talent pool,” recalls Craig. “It was important to us that we have competi- tion, which means that there are skilled employees in the area. Since choosing Portland, we’ve worked with local employment agencies and local gov- ernments, and networked with school systems and universities to screen new employees. So far we’ve found good people with talent and experience.”
Utilities and governments have assisted with upping the power supply to the plant, which originally had been built for offices and light industrial use, and building an access road. In the meantime, Hatch Stamping’s industri- al neighbors made their lots available for truck and employee access, and the company already has worked with local operations for machining, trucking and other needs while awaiting installa- tion of its own equipment.
At this early juncture, Hatch Stamping looks to be a good neighbor surround- ed by good neighbors, and is poised to be a good neighbor to the automotive market in the Southeast. MF