Advances in Metal-Stamping Technology

Metal-stamping technologies continue to advance and mature, but today this happens more rapidly than in the past. Some technologies are profoundly more complex, resulting in an ever-widening knowledge gap. If you plan to attend FABTECH Orlando in October, the metal-stamping technical sessions offer solutions for narrowing this gap.

Press Technology

Recent advancements in steel technology have led to the newest class of high-tensile-strength materials: advanced high-strength steel (AHSS). Except for the boron-based hot forming grades, these materials are designed to be cold-formed at room temperature in traditional stamping dies and press lines. Today’s third-generation AHSS materials—with tensile strengths equivalent to some hot-formed stampings but still possessing enough ductility to be cold-formed—surely will push existing press lines beyond their original capacity limits.

Servomechanical-press characteristics such as high torque availability at low speeds, and programmable stroke and speeds can help stampers form difficult materials. During FABTECH, David Diaz from Nidec Press & Automation will present The Science of Servo Presses, exploring the distinctive features of these presses in comparison to their traditional mechanical counterparts, and showcasing popular applications and motion profiles. Attend to gain insights into the nuanced dynamics between servomechanical and mechanical presses, enabling informed decision making in manufacturing processes.

Mechanical power presses are not the only machines taking advantage of servo-drive technology. Reduced energy requirements, high reproducibility and increased cost-effectiveness represent major benefits of servohydraulic-press technology. Stefan Hildebrandt from Maschinenfabrik Lauffer, in his presentation, explains how servohydraulic presses save more than just energy.

It has never been more important to understand your metal-stamping equipment and use it properly. As repair and replacement costs increase, benchmarking and planning can minimize unscheduled down time and increase bottom-line profits. Jeff Fredline, a consultant to the metal-stamping industry, offers solutions to solve common problems in his presentation, Take Control of Your Metal Stamping Equipment Condition and Costs.

And, Marc Decker from Automatic-Systeme Dreher GmbH provides insights into the future of press automation, including the impact of Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence, in his presentation, Ready for the Future? A Look at Press Automation.

Part Quality

Implementation of an in-die part-measurement, die-adjustment and part-tracking system can result not only in 100% verification of critical part features, but also in significantly increased machine utilization and reduced scrap rates. Looking to integrate sensors and control systems to fulfill the accuracy and quality demands of today’s metal stampings? Then check out the presentation by James Barrett from Link Systems: In-Die Part Quality Monitoring and Automatic Tool Adjustments.