Page 20 - MetalForming-Jan-2018-issue

Servo Advantages:
How They’re Applied
We know about precise control of slide motion throughout the stroke...but here’s what it means for part quality and tool life.
BY LOUIS A. KREN, SENIOR EDITOR
When servo-driven mechanical presses debuted in North America roughly two decades ago, they were high-ticket items shrouded in mystery. Tales from Europe and Asia detailed dizzying capabilities promising the benefits of hydraulic and mechanical presses, all in a single machine. However, the steep learning curve, tough economic times and the technology’s high initial cost con- tributed to a slow adoption rate in the United States. Fast forward to the beginning of 2018.
“It’s not like (the servo-driven press in general) is some new technology,” explains Jeff Barrow, president of PTW Sales, LLC, Cleveland, OH, a distributor of stamping presses as well as part- transfer and welding equipment. “Today, servo-driven machines are a large percentage of my press sales... they’ve become an industry standard.”
Due to the evolution of servo-motor technology, and those who have applied it to part-forming applications, these power providers can replace the various drive mechanisms used to pro- pel a press ram. By itself, a servo motor can control velocity changes in the ram
as well as starting and stopping func- tions. That capability leads to a multi- tude of advantages for metalformers.
Ever-learning and ever-improving, metalformers have realized just what servo-driven mechanical presses can provide, thanks to a concerted effort by suppliers and the industry to educate potential customers and design reliable, affordable technology. Today, savvy
metalformers dig deeper, finding new ways to leverage servo-driven presses for specific applications and set them- selves apart from the stamping pack.
Greater Precision, Higher Part Quality
Most metalformers are familiar in general with the ability of servo- mechanical presses to precisely control
18 MetalForming/January 2018
www.metalformingmagazine.com