MetalForming August 2010

Page 25 - MetalForming August 2010

P. 25

potential thinning, wrinkling, twisting and springback.”
Borrego developed a four-station die for the seat reinforcement that draws the part in the first two stations, trims in the third and then trims and pierces in the fourth station. During the first forming operation, the tooling moves vertically until the final 25 mm before the die clos- es—then it moves at a 30-deg. angle to reduce thinning in the corners.
To develop the die design, Borrego exported the tool geometry of the initial die configuration into the IGES neutral file format and then imported the geometry into Pam-Stamp 2G. He then simulated the first drawing operation and discovered cracking around two small radii in the part (see photo). His first thought was to open up the radii, but realized that doing so might interfere with the weld surfaces. A series of simulation iterations allowed Bor- rego to determine the optimum radii with- out disturbing the critical weld surfaces. ESI North America: 248/203 0642; www.esi-group.com
Clamping System
Speeds Press-Brake
Tooling Setups
Wilson Tool, White Bear Lake, MN, introduces the ExpressRail hydraulic clamping system, which enables fabri- cators to reduce the number of steps in their press-brake tooling setups and changeovers. Available for Wilson Amer- ican Precision and WT Style Precision press-brake tooling, the ExpressRail clamping system automatically clamps and seats tooling in a single operation.
One touch of the wireless pendanst control activates the clamps to quickly and accurately clamp and seat tooling along the full length of the beam. The units feature a unique low-profile design that won’t eat into the brake’s open height. And, each ExpressRail is treated with Wilson Tool’s Nitrex durable surface enhancement that resists corrosion and extends clamp life. Wilson Tool Intl.: 800/445.4518; www.wilsontool.com
RELIABILITY
STARTS HERE
Erasteel PM and HSS
The best steels for premium tools

23 24 25 26 27