Page 39 - MetalForming September 2016

Precise
this is critical and may rule out some of the equipment that commonly is available. Without this information, finding the optimum QDC solution is difficult. A key point: Measure T-slot dimensions to three decimal places, understanding that a “standard” 3⁄4-in. slot is anything but standard. And, when you’re dealing with die lifters, we’re typically only elevating the die 0.070 to 0.080 in. above the bolster sur- face. So, we need to know the precise depth of the slots. Slot width also is critical—we don’t want more than 0.030 in. of gap between the slot and the lifter.
MF: You note a significant increase in the use of QDC equipment in recent years—do you have any recommen- dations for first-timers?
Klimowicz: For sure we’ve seen a significant pickup in new business since 2013, as well as returning cus- tomers. As the market demands more productivity, metalformers must focus on streamlining their changeovers. This segues into the importance of training
—don’t skimp on training. When invest- ing in QDC equipment, take the time to educate employees on how and why it’s used. I’ve seen operators remove some of the equipment because they don’t know how to use it.
Maintenance and care of the QDC equipment also is critical. One all-too- common and poor practice that I’ve witnessed is technicians, during a changeover, removing the clamps from their T-slots and hanging them by their hydraulic lines. Don’t do this—the hose can wear and break within a month or two. Purchase and use clamp holders designed specifically for this purpose. Also, when using bolster extensions, plan accordingly and designate a con- venient place to place the extensions so that they don’t get hit by a lift truck or otherwise become damaged. Lastly, a clamp’s hydraulic seals do not last forever. Keep a few spares on hand. A few hundred dollars’ worth of main- tenance-and-repair equipment can save thousands of dollars in press downtime. MF
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