Page 38 - MetalForming-Apr-2018-issue

Fabrication: Laser-Cutting
new, sophis-
ticated tools
that often suc-
ceeded from the
first hit. Alan cites
one example, a trigger part for a firearm. Using CAD upfront, Decimal created a new, complex 25-station pro- gressive die that performed well from the start.
While converting tool and part designs, Decimal also took on the acquired press-line equipment, updat- ing it with new feeds, lubrication sys-
aerospace, defense and other markets.
tems, controls and safety components. With its existing and refurbished lines, Decimal stamps aluminum, steel, brass and copper coils and blanks in various thicknesses, from 0.005 to 1⁄8 in.
Fiber-Laser Capability a Necessity
In its ongoing effort to handle entire projects for its customers, and against the backdrop of increased stamping operations, in late-2016 Decimal opted for the Bystronic BySprint fiber-laser- cutting machine with a 5 by 10-ft. cut- ting table, augmenting its existing laser cutter, a 2500-W CO2 machine. Antil Robotics and Automation provided the material-handling equipment as well as integration.
“The new fiber-laser machine and tower unit weren’t just needs, they were necessities in order to survive
Now in its 51st year, Decimal engineering provides parts and subassemblies of varying materials for
in this business,” explains Alan. “We need to be on the cutting edge of tech- nology and we can’t lose out to anoth- er company that cuts five times as quickly as we can. This machine brings that faster cutting capability inhouse here at Decimal.”
The BySprint provides high-volume part production and high cutting qual- ity for thin to medium-thick ferrous and nonferrous sheetmetal, according to Bystronic officials, who note its low operating cost due to minimal energy requirements and no requirement for laser gas.
The Antil automated tower ware- house enables the laser-cutting machine to run lights-out, and its com- pact design fit snugly adjacent to the Bystronic equipment on Decimal’s shop floor.
“Given the size of this investment, we need to keep the fiber-laser machine running,” Alan says. “With the tower unit we can run this unat- tended, which saves on overtime, and it complements machining on thinner material. For example, CNC machining a part may take 30 minutes, but only 10 minutes unattended on the fiber- laser or CO2 machine.”
Replaces, Complements Stamping Capabilities
In addition, not only can Decimal perform laser blanking and slitting on material destined for stamping oper- ations, but the company has trans- ferred loads of work from its presses to the new laser cutter.
“We’ve been able to pull low-hang- ing fruit in stamping back to laser cut- ting due to the speed and capabilities of the fiber laser,” says Alan. “We can laser-cut parts as quickly as stamping them, without having to set up and maintain tooling, and can run unat- tended. We’ve moved 5000 to 10,000- part runs from stamping to laser cut- ting, and still perform some blanking, embossing and forming on the presses. Traditionally, stampers don’t like sec- ondary operations. But we ask, ‘What can we take from stamping?’ We’ve cut lead times this way.”
SOLUTIONS FOR QUICK DIE CHANGE
CLAMPS DIE TABLES DIE TRANSFER
• Die carts on rails
• Double die carts
• Dieposioners
• Custom die change systems
• Clamps- roller bars
• Bolster extensions
Hydraulic roller bars
Dual push-pull
Clamps
SERAPID | +1 (586) 274-0774 | info-us@serapid.com | www.serapid.com
36 MetalForming/April 2018
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