Page 15 - MetalForming Magazine May 2022

Tech Update
New Hydraulic Deep Draw Press Boasts Energy-Saving Features
Productivity, efficiency and sustainability were primary goals as Lauffer set out to develop its new S-Line of servohydraulic presses. Focused on customer total cost of ownership, say company officials, engi- neers during press development paid close attention not only to press perform- ance and part quality, but also to operating costs and one-off acquisition costs.
At the heart of the new press line is a variable-distortion pump with variable- speed drive, scalable due to its modular design. The system almost completely dispenses with the valve technology required in conventional hydraulics, leading, according to Lauffer, to a significant reduc- tion in throttle losses and, therefore, an increase in energy efficiency. Maintenance
costs also are reportedly reduced, as is the required oil volume.
Lauffer also offers advanced control technology with the press that allows for forming-process monitoring and analysis, stroke by stroke. Any deviations in forces quickly can be identified and accounted for to ensure consistent part quality.
Lauffer recommends the presses for demanding deep drawing applications, noting their ability to provide energy recu- peration during the drawing stroke by converting blankholder force into electrical energy and feeding it directly to the main drive. Lauffer estimates energy savings of as much as 35 percent, adding: “The higher the draw stroke and the greater the blankholder force, the greater the savings potential.”
Already realizing benefits from its newest Lauffer deep draw press is Blickle Räder und Rollen GmbH, Rosenfeld, Ger- many, a manufacturer of rollers and cast- ers, which has installed a model SRZ 400. Compared to deep drawing on an older Lauffer press—with similar features but using conventional drives—the firm has realized energy saving of 26 percent.
Says Dr. Christian Wager, head of the sheet metal products division at Blickle: “The overall design of the press and the clever drive concept quickly convinced us of its benefits. Subsequent measure- ments clearly showed that the calculated savings were exceeded. We are happy to expand our production capacity with this machine while making an active contri- bution to climate protection.”
Lauffer plans to commission an SRZ 250 demonstration press at its facility in Horb, Germany, during Q2 2022, fol- lowed by a thorough test phase. The firm also will provide machine demon- strations in September 2022 as part of an official celebration surrounding its 150-yr. anniversary.
Lauffer is represented in North America by EuroPress Metalforming Technologies, Inc., Germantown, WI; Production Tech- nologies International LLC, St. Claire Shores, MI; and MFG Equipment Resources LLC, Maiden, NC.
Lauffer: www.lauffer.de
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1 to 50 Axis
12 MetalForming/May 2022
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