Page 37 - MetalForming July 2015

Machine Control and Plant Automation Solutions
Helm-Pak® Features Include:
• PLC based redundant clutch brake control
• Meet or exceed ANSI and OSHA safety requirements
• PLS, die monitoring, brake stop time monitoring and servo feed interface
• Parts, batch and maintenance timers
• Job recipe storage
• Ethernet communication
• Helm browser based WebviewTM networking software
• Downtime and Signature Analysis
Backplane connected tonnage monitoring using Helm strain gage input modules licensed by Rockwell Automation®
Various PLC platforms and operator interfaces available
Keeping Your Process On Course Since 1962
Helm Instrument Co., Inc.
361 West Dussel Drive • Maumee, OH 43537
Phone: 419-893-4356 • Fax: 419-893-1371
email: sales@helminstrument.com • www.helminstrument.com
higher volumes. An experienced roll- forming partner can consult on how the processing switch will impact sourcing needs and lead times.
Cash flow—To scale operations according to the high volumes best suited for rollforming, consider all costs associated with raw materials, pro- duction time, tooling, assembly, pro- totyping and shipping, and how these factors will impact cash flow.
Demand forecasts—High-volume production presents a smaller margin for error and less production agility. When deciding to rollform, be wary of overproduction. Rollforming is cost- prohibitive for designs with a short lifecycle. Similarly, a highly customized component does not lend itself to roll- forming as a single component or as a part that can be produced in mass quantities.
Inventory—With a production schedule calling for larger-volume proj- ects, a metalformer may choose to increase parts inventory proportion- ally. Excess supply can be a headache if not managed properly. When starting to evaluate an inventory-management plan, consider all options. Offsite inventory and management offers one option for higher inventory. Offsite inventory reduces the amount of need- ed under-roof storage space and the associated labor costs to manage it. Regardless of where inventory is stored, be sure to maintain close tracking. Keeping comprehensive, real-time inventory records delivers full supply- chain transparency and eliminates waste.
Align with an Expert
Rollforming is complex, efficient and ultimately worth the advanced planning that it requires. To yield its full benefits, choose an expert rollform partner to guide you through the entire product-development cycle. From proactive part analysis to product design and prototyping, to fabrication and assembly, an expert, all-in-one partner can, via rollforming, help take your next metalforming project to the next level. MF
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