PRODUCT REVIEWS
Value chain transformation
“ In the rapidly changing and competitive landscape in which plate processors operate , a 360 ° understanding of plate production processes and operations is essential . Fortunately , digitisation offers powerful tools for accessing cross-company data , empowering customers to make informed decisions to optimise operations . We support plate processors in this journey by providing tools and solutions to gather , connect and analyse data effectively , thereby transforming every step of their value chain ,” commented Voortman Steel Machinery , a specialist in industrial automation and CNC steelprocessing machinery .
Simplified quote generation , order management and work preparation are possible .
“ When examining this value chain , it is evident to customers that significant savings
in terms of efficiency , time and costs can be achieved within each step . The process starts with a customer inquiry that requires an accurate quote . With our Quoting solutions , there is no need to worry about complex and time-consuming order processing or frustrating quote creation . Their solution exactly mirrors factory operations , including non-secondary operations , giving customers real-time , accurate cost prices . The work preparation process can be considerably simplified by eliminating manual and duplicate work , while leaning on the built-in intelligence of the Voortman machines . Nests are automatically created and assigned to the best-suited machines ,” added the manufacturer .
Real-time shop floor control enables users to stay on top of jobs . For many plate processors , success also requires precision scheduling to secure new contracts , meet deadlines and remain flexible . Voortman ’ s real-time scheduling solutions , such as VACAM Scheduling Overview , grant customers total control over their shop floor operations for flexibility without obstacles .
“ Customers can obtain real-time insights into process times , machine schedules , remaining operations and more through the Operator Dashboard ,” concluded Voortman Steel Machinery . n
www
. voortman . net
Say it with coil
The Schuler MSD 1000 servo press installed by Wöhrle at its production site in Krautheim ( near Heilbronn , Germany ) has a bed size of 4,000 x 1,800mm . Its coil processing equipment handles coil width of up to 1,300mm including zigzag feed , residual strip processing , a straightener with exchangeable straightening roll cassettes and a diechanging cart for the press to minimize setup times . Wöhrle is a specialist in stamped , deep-drawn , formed and turned parts , as well as for assemblies and dies . Its headquarters are in Wildberg , south of Stuttgart ( Germany ). The company ’ s 300-plus employees also work in Krautheim an der Jagst and in Šurany , Slovakia .
“ All companies in the automotive industry are currently undergoing a transformation ,” said managing director , Michael Fahrenbach . “ Everyone is looking ahead , but no one knows for sure what products will come .” Hence , the more flexible the system , the lower the risk . “ The maximum band width of 1,300mm means we can cover an extremely wide range ,” he added .
Consequently , there are no typical components for Wöhrle : its product portfolio ranges from components for transmissions , battery systems , axles , sound and shock absorbers to air conditioning technology and power electronics . Part width starts at 300mm ; the longest component developed to date measures 1,900mm . Parts are made from steel , aluminium , stainless steel and copper .
“ The straightening system , with 17
Below : The straightening system , with 17 instead of the standard nine straightening rolls , enables even demanding materials to be prepared .
instead of the standard nine straightening rolls , allows even demanding materials to be prepared in such a way that the final products meet high standards concerning geometry and quality . Regardless of whether the material is steel , aluminium , stainless steel or copper — the only requirement is that the sheet metal must have a thickness of between 0.5 and 6mm . The zigzag feed ensures high material utilisation ,” said Schuler .
Using a special transfer , even the last two or three metres of a coil , which are normally lost on conventional lines , can be utilised .
“ We therefore minimize the scrap content ,” explained plant manager , Ulrich Reustlen .
The scrap that is still produced is collected by type in three skips , which facilitates subsequent recycling . The minimum lubrication system , which reduces the
The MSD 1000 features , for instance , a zigzag feed , residual strip processing , a straightener and a die-changing cart .
amount of oil required for the forming process , also contributes to sustainability as does the heat pump for air conditioning the newly built plant hall and the photovoltaic system on the roof . In a second and third construction phase , space could also be created for a further system .
With the help of the die-change carts , the equipment can be changed over in half an hour and the tryout function provides support when setting up new dies . To identify possible collisions in advance and optimise part throughput , Wöhrle has also invested in Schuler ’ s “ DigiSim ” simulation software and the associated training for operators as well as die designers .
“ The coil line not only pushes the sheet forward but can also pull it back a little if necessary . This means that the press force in the forming process is used in a more targeted manner and , for example , producing parts that could otherwise only run on a 1,250-ton machine ,” concluded Schuler . n
www
. schulergroup . com / stamping _ cutting
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