Page 27 - MetalForming July 2016

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
understand exactly how the machine will respond when it’s required to impart the high torque and forces needed to shape high-strength materials. Look, for example, at the roll-displacement vs. stress-analysis data. This will ensure that the machine has been properly designed to handle the stresses. Simply adding mass to the machine oftentimes proves insufficient. The added mass has to be located in the right locations on the structure to yield the required results.”
Simulation of Deflection Under Load
For example, using the tools that Coe has developed can clearly depict deflection under load of an older machine vs. that of an upgraded machine. “We might see 0.049 in. of deflection under load when trying to run AHSS in an older straightener,” says Ward. “A new machine, meanwhile, will have a bridge that deflects only 0.007 in. We can illustrate for the stam- per, in simulation, that and other key performance enhancements made pos- sible by upgrading the straightener to handle the increased loading from feeding AHSS. As a rule of thumb, we must keep roll deflection to less than 5 percent of material thickness across the width of the material. Any more than that and the straightener will start to induce edge wave in the material.”
Other utilities illustrate for the stam- per the required straightener-roll set- tings for a given material type and coil width, and can specify threading-drive size, holddown force, drag-brake ten- sion requirements and more.
“Tough times require new tools,” Grant says, summarizing his thoughts on the new challenges stampers face due to the onslaught of higher-strength materials. “New software tools allow suppliers to simulate for customers how upgraded equipment, designed to handle these new materials, will perform on the shop floor before equipment is purchased. And we can show them how changes in process variables will affect the outcome.
These often are unique machines we’re developing,” Grant concludes. “There’s nothing off-the-shelf.” MF
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