FACE TO FACE
Wilson Tool press brake tooling at EuroBLECH 2024 .
The new eClamp
Using standard power available in any manufacturing facility , the eClamp™ is modular by design to offer an operator versatility and ease of maintenance . LED lighting built into the body of the punch holder shines light on the working surface , instead of the front of a press brake . Prominent clamping indication lights provide a clear visual signal that tooling is securely clamped and ready to bend . It clamps the entire beam at the push of a button .
With fully electric mechanical operation ( plugging into a standard power outlet ), it can be installed on new , used or existing machines with a stand-alone controller or integrated into a machine ’ s control . Punches and dies lock mechanically , rather than with an expanded urethane tube . The mounting plate is compatible with American precision or WT-style tooling which allows users to change clamping bodies for the required tool style . to market . This will also open new markets for us ,” added Jason Semerad .
He confirmed that the company has several R & D projects running that involve examining how artificial intelligence ( AI ) could potentially help to simplify tooling and make it easier to use for future machine operators . It is putting a lot of time , development and research into company continuous improvement programmes focused on how these could provide benefits to its customers .
“ We are always looking for stronger materials ; longer tool life ; less sharpening ; fewer tooling changeovers ; more durable tool coatings ; more versatility ; the ability to do multiple processes in
Wilson Tool ’ s stand at EuroBLECH 2024 in Hanover . one strike etc . Smart tooling , automation , software and data mean a fluid market , so we must be adaptable enough to fit our tooling seamlessly into our OEM partner systems . It is a close partnership and a different focus , in terms of innovation . Whether we are talking about robotics , changing / identifying tools , tool storage etc ., we are prepared for this ,” he told ISMR .
Sustainability is one of the key values of the family which owns Wilson Tool . This philosophy filters down into its day-to-day organisational activities , as well as its product development ( such as replacement of just the tips , not the entire punch , of its EXP punch tooling ). It has also sought new partnerships with material suppliers that comply with more aggressive ESG goals ( especially in Europe ).
A global reach
Wilson Tool has its eye on several markets as it looks for new ways to expand its market reach . It has identified broad trends , such as electrification and the AI boom in electronics markets .
“ We are hoping that , with lower interest rates , we will begin to see renewed housing starts so that we can go back to our traditional core mature markets such as HVAC . We can also look at booming and emerging markets . It is about driving the depth and breadth of our portfolio , as well as our technical knowledge and global customer support ,” outlined Jason
Semerad . “ With two
With two brands ( Wilson Tool and PASS ), we will be able to take a different approach in different markets brands ( Wilson Tool and PASS ), we will be able to take a different approach in different markets . We are currently assessing the joint coverage and opportunities for both companies . We feel that PASS has room to grow globally . It is one of the market leaders in Europe and there is a lot of growth potential for PASS in emerging markets such as South America and Asia ,” added Paul Johnson .
Wilson Tool is also investing in Europe , as it feels there is more potential for growth there .
“ We have a lot of room to grow in Europe , from a market share perspective . We are beginning to hit our stride with our press brake tooling and are adding a lot of capacity to our press brake capability ( for special and standard tooling ). We have just invested heavily in our North American / Canadian manufacturing
26 | ismr . net | ISMR December 2024 / January 2025