PRODUCT REVIEWS
Punching process productivity
“ Nitrogen cylinders score over mechanical springs when you need large batches and precision production . If it needs to be even smaller , precise , faster and more durable , manifold plates are the best choice ,” tooling specialist , STEINEL , told ISMR .
Nitrogen cylinders are used when processing thin material and narrow strip in production , as they require less installation space and offer constant hold-down forces to ensure consistently high production quality . STEINEL nitrogen cylinders are designed to ensure long service life using innovative design details such as lifetime lubrication and two-point piston support .
“ Several nitrogen cylinders can be combined to form composite tube systems , which always ensure a balanced force ratio for greater process reliability . Composite plate systems offer the same advantages with a more robust and compact design . They connect nitrogen cylinders and control fittings via holes in the composite plate . The increased nitrogen volume results in an even flatter increase in force . To make the right forces available in the right place , composite plate systems can have several circuits with different pressures ,” explained STEINEL .
Manifold plates
“ Our manifold plates are suitable for complex tools with high long-life quality . The design of the manifold plate is always tool-specific . It features a very low increase in force and a constant maximum force , which leads to consistent production quality and extremely long lifetime of the tool itself and the active elements . Manifold plates are also easy to maintain and install , which minimises downtime ,” Christian Borgert , Head of Sales / Marketing , STEINEL , emphasised .
The development and manufacture of
Detail of a manifold plate with three independent pressure circuits .
these systems require specialised expertise . STEINEL engineers develop and optimise each manifold plate using the finite element method ( FEM ) to precisely calculate the influence of heat and forces . As one of the few global manufacturers of manifold plates , STEINEL adheres to strict safety and quality standards , and offers a consulting service to determine the right nitrogen concept to meet respective requirements .
“ In summary , manifold plates offer a superior solution for applications that require high packing density , maximum process reliability and long service life . They are a key component in modern punching and
Manifold plate as upper mould part in a modular progressive tool .
bending processes , especially for the production of precision parts in large batches ,” concluded Christian Borgert .
STEINEL is a family-owned business with production facilities in Villingen-Schwenningen and Halblech / Buching ( Germany ). It offers punching and bending technology as well as mechanical engineering solutions . Its services range from the production of all standard parts , active elements and tool systems to the implementation of complete solutions . It develops and produces custom and precision guide units for customers in the mechanical engineering sector . n
www
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MANIFOLD PLATE VIDEO
Further information on STEINEL ’ s manifold plates can be found on https :// bit . ly / 3TXO8zq
Comparison of the manifold plate force curve .
ISMR May 2024 | ismr . net | 61