The automotive industry has its own unique components and challenges. But it has goals in common with every other industry manufacturer. That is, every factory, every producer wants to create the highest quality product possible, without sacrificing time or efficiency. To up the yield rate, while maintaining a uniform and high-grade quality, one option is to install an automated system, designed to stamp out specific required components to spec. This decision, however, is like opening a large Russian doll with a lot of little dolls inside. The concept may be useful, even great in theory. But it carries inside a lot of sub-issues. Questions and concerns must be covered and answered. Their are variables to review, such as general press, speed, tonnage and energy requirements, just to name a few. Tandem and transfer presses behave differently and this must be considered. Depending upon components chosen it may be crucial to have wider openings, or one or two robotic arms, or a certain degree of distance between various parts. If a die cushion is a must then the type must be ascertained. Tonnage should be assessed in conjunction with the amount of work the system will take on.
Key Takeaways:
- An automated system must consider whether it is a transfer press or tandem line.
- Also to be considered are potential interference points and scrap removal.
- The main drive control needs to last the life of the press, and the leadoff press will require higher tonnage than the other presses.
“When you begin to look at a program to produce the best-quality automotive components at the highest yield rates—and throw a new material into the mix—there are a plethora of details to consider that will impact the end deliverable.”
