Page 22 - MetalForming April 2020

Contract Stamper Invests in Servo
...with a clear eye on ROI. Compared to a conventional mechanical press, in a direct-drive servo press, this includes higher throughput; improved dimensional repeatability; reduced die-debug time, particularly on takeover tools; and reduced time and cost for die build and maintenance.
Yes, direct-drive servomechanical stamping presses typically can run existing dies at higher stroke rates than traditional mechanical press- es. And, due to the ability to control ram speed and direction anywhere in the stroke, servo presses can better man- age forming and punching of higher- strength materials, controlling spring- back and limiting reverse tonnage.
But, often overlooked is the return on investment (ROI) that servo presses deliver because they can quicken and streamline the process of bringing new tools—and parts—to market. Case in point: Engel Diversified Industries, a family-owned metal former in Jordan, MN, where a new 330-ton servo press
BY BRAD F. KUVIN, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
promises to not only allow the firm to quote on more difficult parts, but also meet customer requests for shorter lead times—on existing parts, as well as on new programs.
Engel installed the press—an Aida DSF-N2-3000 model with 330-ton capacity, 94 by 35-in. ram and 12-in. maximum stroke—in August 2019. Since then it has moved many of its most dif- ficult tools and parts over from its con- ventional 300-ton mechanical press.
Thicker, Higher-Strength Materials
“We’re a Tier One and Tier Two diver- sified manufacturer,” says Stuart Rubin, Engel Diversified president, “but our
roots are in metal stamping and tool- making.” Founded in 1988 by Jack Engel, himself a toolmaker, Engel Diversified supplies a broad customer base—“we strive to have no customer represent more than 15 percent of our business,” Rubin says. The firm serves the auto- motive, medical, electrical, aerospace and defense, and general industrial mar- kets. Part size tends toward small to medium—“most parts fit into an 18 by 24-in. envelope,” Rubin says. Typical lot size averages from 2000 to 20,000.
Engel counts 35 presses on its press- room floor, including three hydraulic deep-draw models. “We‘ve had, for a long time, a pair of 300-ton presses,” explains production manager Ken
Installed and running in August 2019, the new press line at Engel Diversified features an Aida direct-drive servo press; a Coe Press 10,000-lb.-capacity servo-based coil-feed line; state-of-the-art press controls, with tonnage monitoring and signature analysis; custom part- and scrap-handling conveyor systems; and ANSI- and OSHA-compliant guarding.
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