FOCUS ON COIL PROCESSING
On the B + S multi-blanking system , individual sheet metal blanks can be produced in one run .
A multi-blanking system from B + S .
Multi-blanking / blank cutting lines
In sheet metal processing , ever greater flexibility of blanks is required for complex applications . Even with changing sheet thicknesses , demanding materials often need to be cut precisely and quickly . Multi-blanking systems combine both cut-to-length and slitting steps in a single run to save time and resources .
“ This means that even changing cut sizes can be carried out efficiently in-house , without additional logistics costs ,” commented manufacturer , B + S .
Using multi-blanking systems , several precise and individual sheet metal blanks can be produced in one run . In addition , the high vertical range of manufacture offers greater independence for rapidly changing market requirements .
The B + S group multi-blanking lines combine a cut-to-length line with a slitting line and are designed for sheets with a material width of up to 2,500mm and a material thickness of 0.1 to 6.0mm .
“ Before the first cut , the coil is first levelled and only then cut into longitudinal strips ,” it explained . “ These strips are then cut crosswise , resulting in up to five sheet blanks per segment in the desired length . Due to the large number of sheet blanks with small dimensions , the stacking and packaging area plays an important role . Therefore , we paid attention to different stacking techniques such as a vacuum , magnetic tape or swing arm stacker ,” it added .
Multi-blank cutting lines are designed to transform a parent coil into several flat packaged parts . This type of line is characterised by its high flexibility .
“ The main characteristics of these lines are the same as the cut-to-length lines , with the difference that a circular shear is incorporated .
Positioned before the catenary of the line , it cuts the strip into smaller bands . Once the cut has been made , the bands must be separated from each other to carry out subsequent processes . After the band-cutting process , it should be possible to process the edges by cutting them ( with shear blades ) or rolling them in a coiling machine ,” outlined coil processing specialist , FAGOR ARRASATE .
Combined lines are also a combination of slitting lines and cut-to-length lines . Depending upon the product to be obtained ( strip or sheet ), the strip will be processed on different machines so that the required end product is obtained .
The type of machines used in this type of line will depend mainly upon the thickness of the material to be processed . In general , these lines feature the following working areas :
■ Coil loading area . Depending upon the type of material and thickness
Above and below : FAGOR-ARRASATE multi-blank cutting line .
( fine / coarse ) to be processed , the configuration of the loading area can have different machines to suit its function properly . To process stainless steel or aluminium , tube extraction systems and paper winding machines can be installed .
■ Levelling area . Depending upon the material thickness to be processed , mechanical or hydraulic levellers may be used .
■ Strapping cutting area . The configuration of this area will depend upon each case . When working with thin material , and for applications where users wish to minimise the width of the edge , they can centre the sheet with a steering unit . Once the edge has been cut , it can be removed and processed by an edge roller or chopper .
■ Tensioning area . The function of the tensioner can be adapted according to the material to be processed , the surface quality to be obtained and the thickness to be processed . Options include belt tensioners ( stainless steel ); felt presses ; tensioning rollers ; ‘ S ’ rollers etc . The tensioner can be fixed and therefore the strips will clear the pit via a mobile clamp or a loop duplicator .
■ Cross-cutting area . Depending upon the processing speed , different types of shears can be used .
■ Coil-winding and extraction area . Depending upon the type of material and thickness ( fine / coarse ) to be processed , the configuration of the coil-winding and removal area will vary to suit each case .
■ Stacking area . n
50 | ismr . net | ISMR December 2023 / January 2024