High-Productivity Fourslide Machine Promises Reduced Setup Time

Bihler of America, Phillipsburg, NJ, showcased its 4-Slide NC, a next–generation fourslide machine, at FABTECH 2017.

“The number-one benefit all of our customers have been talking about is the reduction in setup time,” says Max Linder, the company’s director of sales and marketing. “Both setup and changeovers can be completed in a fraction of the time as compared to older fourslide machines.”

A typical producer of metal fasteners can phase out six existing machines for each newly installed 4 Slide-NC, according to company officials, with the added benefit of reduced footprint due to the need of only one machine instead of six.

A simple-to-operate digital control panel, with an intuitive interface, allows operators to completely regulate production processes and automation tasks. Cam-timing changes can be programmed via the control panel in less than 10 sec., whereas performing the same function on older machines reportedly can take as long as 8 hr.

Company officials note faster run rates with the new machine over older technology as well as the ability to run millions of parts without machine adjustments. Another plus: Newly hired operators reportedly can be trained to run the machine within one day.

See also: Bihler of America, Inc.

Technologies: Other Processes, Pressroom Automation

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