Page 43 - MetalForming May 2014

area. “We also wanted to reduce costs by manufacturing the outsourced prod- ucts inhouse,” says Redmon.
In search of punching technology, “we looked at several different machine builders,” Redmon continues, “and vis- ited their customers’ shops to see the machines in operation. That research provided me with an appreciation of servo-electric punching technology, and led us to purchase, late in 2012, a servo-electric turret punch press (a Prima Power E6x).”
Installed in February 2013, the E6x combines energy savings and ergonomics with accuracy and pro- ductivity. The machine’s control and user interface software, says Redmon, with touchscreen panel, ensure fast setup and convenient operation. It can process full 60- by 120-in. sheets (max- imum thickness is 0.315 in.) without repositioning, and features a 19-ton (U.S.) ram force. Maximum punch diameter is 3.5 in.; punch speed peaks at 700 hits/min. with 1 mm between holes.
Other features include accurate punching movement (±0.004-in. hole- location deviation) and excellent form- ing and marking ability; fully program- mable punching speed, upper and lower limit of stroke; and programma- ble clamp setting.
Cost Savings
“We produce a tremendous amount of louvers for hanging bins, etc., all of
which we were outsourcing to local vendors,” explains Redmon. “The E6x allows us to produce all of the louvers inhouse, saving us nearly $1 million.
“It also allows us to decrease our prototyping time,” he continues. “Tra- ditionally, to bring a new product to market took us 6 to 10 weeks of proto- typing time. Now we can turn those parts around the next day.
“The E6x also gives us flexibility in how we choose to manage our inven- tory,” adds Redmon. “We’ve reduced our inventory from three months’ worth down to three weeks’ worth.”
Bring on the Servo-Electric Brake
Just six months after purchasing its servo-electric turret punch press, Jamco added a servo-electric press brake to its equipment arsenal—a Prima Power eP model. The eP-series press brake, part of Prima’s “Green Means” eco-friendly concept for sus- tainable manufacturing, delivers sus- tainability, manufacturing efficiency and productivity, say company officials. It also means greater versatility com- pared to hydraulic press brakes, with reduced power consumption and maintenance costs. The net result, says Redmon: the ability to form higher-
quality sheetmetal parts at an overall lower cost.
“We had very old hydraulic press brakes,” Redmon says. “Purchasing the eP press brake increased our produc- tivity and flexibility, and our ability to efficiently form complex parts.
“For example,” he continues, “some of our stainless-steel cabinets have some unique top and bottom trays. Thanks to the press brake’s capabilities, we now can bend these parts inhouse. The press brake gives us flexibility in how we bend complex shapes, and increases the speed at which we can bend. We’re also achieving tighter tol- erances, which improves fitup and makes it easier for our welders, which translates into higher productivity.
“Our new servo-electric equipment has brought Jamco into the 21st cen- tury,” concludes Redmon. “The turret punch press and press brake have increased our productivity, flexibility and accuracy, helping to bring Jamco to the next level.” MF
Article provided by Prima Power North America, Arlington Heights, IL: 847/952-6550, www.prima-na.com.
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MetalForming/May 2014 41
Jamco replaced its aging hydraulic press brakes with the Prima servo-electric brake, increasing its ability to efficiently form complex parts. It’s achiev- ing tighter tolerances, which improves fitup and makes it easier for welders to assemble the formed parts.