FOCUS ON STAMPING
Cesare Zeppieri , FCA Cassino press shop operational manager . ( Photo : FCA ).
“ AP & T and FCA have continuously optimised manufacturing processes , shortened cycle times and increased productivity .”
STAMP OF APPROVAL
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ( FCA ) relies on strong maintenance and support for the press hardening lines at its Cassino production facility in Italy .
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ( FCA ) in Cassino , Italy , invested in five complete press hardening lines from Swedish press specialist , AP & T , more than ten years ago . It was not just AP & T ’ s largest ever deal with a customer in the automotive industry at the time , it was also the start of an innovative , open-minded collaboration that paved the way for continuous optimisation of manufacturing processes , shorter cycle times and increased productivity at the FCA plant .
FCA ’ s production facility in Cassino manufactures press hardened parts for several car models from the Group ’ s Alfa Romeo , Jeep and Fiat brands . AP & T delivered the press hardening lines between 2007 and 2008 . Today , the lines have even better production capacity than when they were installed . A main contributor to this is the preventive maintenance agreement that FCA and AP & T signed at the beginning of 2019 .
Needs-based availability agreement
“ Technology is constantly developing and by upgrading and optimising our customers ’ existing equipment , we can improve performance while ensuring a long-term high level of operational reliability and availability . That is why we initiated a discussion with Fiat , to learn how we could best accommodate their needs . Starting from the agreement levels that are included in our standard offer , we collaborated to create a customised maintenance and optimisation solution for the Cassino factory press hardening lines ,” Magnus Svenningsson , Director of Aftermarket Services , AP & T , told ISMR .
“ Machinery must be highly efficient for full saturation of hot stamping lines to be possible . This is done by correctly using World Class Management ( WCM ) methodology and by involving the manufacturer of the equipment . Thanks to its deep technical expertise , the manufacturer can detect weaknesses and propose technological improvements ,” explained Antonio Colucci , Head of the Press Shop and Dies Department , FCA EMEA .
In addition to regular and security maintenance , technical feedback to the customer and optimisation of machinery and systems , the agreement also includes advising the customer and giving suggestions on how productivity can be improved through new , innovative technology .
The parties meet once each year to thoroughly review needs and opportunities .
New cooling system for shorter cycle times
“ It is extremely beneficial that the same company that designed and manufactured the lines are also taking care of maintenance ,
36 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR June 2021