Page 69 - MetalForming July 2012

Ask the Expert
Ball vs. Roller Lifters
Dave Fischer, Hilma Engineering Manager Carr Lane Roemheld Mfg. Co.
Q:When developing a quick-die-change system, what guidelines can we use when selecting ball- or roller-type lifters?
A:Typically, the heavier the die the more likely you need a roller-type lifter. Rolling resistance of a die on ball lifters can be 2 to 4 percent of die weight, and even less (1 to 3 percent) if the die
is on rollers. Ball lifters allow for movement in any direction, a roller only in one direction. Lighter and smaller dies can be used with spring-operated lifters; use hydraulics with heavier dies. www.clrh.com
These brief informational tidbits allow readers to learn from those who have the answers. If you’d like to see your question addressed here, please e-mail the editor: bkuvin@pma.org.
ERP Software
Jim Prather Executive Sales
Representative
ECi Software Solutions
Q:When evaluating manufacturing ERP software, how much configura-
tion should be required?
A:Every business has unique require- ments and there is no way to pro-
gram for every variation, so some configu- ration should be expected. A well-designed ERP solution should support modifications to reports, inquiry screens and forms with ease. However, extensive modifications should not be required to support most of your core business requirements out of the box. Extensive configuration will only ensure that the solution is one of a kind, which can limit access to trained support staff.
www.ecisolutions.com
Reverse Tonnage
Mark Sutherland, President Sutherland & KC Presses
Q:What should be done to protect press and tooling from high shock loads from blanking and piercing operations?
A:If your operations have more than 10-percent reverse tonnage, every effort should be made to reduce this. One recently designed shock-reduction system, installed in four
presses used to pierce holes in truck wheels, featured a fully adjustable striker plate mounted in the press frame. www.sutherlandpresses.com
Press Controls For All Presses
One Source
One Solution
Toledo Integrated Systems
Precision Plasma Cutting
Stephen St. Hilaire Product Manager Komatsu America
Industries, Cutting Technologies
Q:How can we precision-cut alu- minum and stainless steel so
that parts are clean and readily weldable?
A:We recommend use of CNC fine- plasma cutting equipment that
combines precise machine motion controls and torch-to-material distance control, along with careful selection of plasma and assist gases. We find that use of a mixed nitrogen-hydrogen assist gas creates a bright annealing heattreating process that eliminates free oxygen and cleanses the cut face on stainless steel and aluminum. This leaves the cut face cleaner then the apparent base metal, and ready for arc welding. www.komatsupress.com
Press Pilot 150 Control
We Provide Solutions For...
Mechanical Presses Hydraulic Presses Forging Presses Transfer Presses
Maximizer TPC (Total Press Control)
Toledo Integrated Systems Toledo Transducers, Inc.
www.ToledoIntegratedSystems.com 800-T-Toledo 419-867-4170
www.metalformingmagazine.com
MetalForming/July 2012 67