PRECISION METALFORMING
BPD plant manager, Daniel King, with one of the roof tile holders that is being manufactured on the new GRM-NC stamping and forming machine.
GRM-NC
The GRM-NC is a servo machining system for stamped and formed parts, wire parts as well as round bodies and progressive components in small and medium batch sizes. It features high production speeds of up to 250 1 / minute and a standardised machine platform for the radial and linear LEANTOOL system.
“ Process lengths of over 2,000 can be achieved in linear production with three bending modules and two servo presses. We guarantee 100 % reproducibility and rapid response to short-term customer requests, and full tool compatibility with the GRM series. Customers can expect a decisive increase in output and extremely short set-up times,” Bihler told ISMR.
A radial tool, designed in two variants, is the first tool developed for the GRM-NC.
roof tiles in place. BPD decided to replace the two mechanical machines previously used to manufacture these clips with a new, highperformance system for the planned product extension,” continued Bihler.
“ Naturally, we looked at several potential suppliers before making our decision. However, we finally opted for Bihler and a servo-controlled GRM-NC stamping and forming machine,” explained Daniel King.
“ The extremely professional approach to plant construction that characterised Bihler impressed us from the start. We were also able to see parts production live on a GRM-NC; it was a fascinating experience. However, the comprehensive support that Bihler offers was an equally important factor in our [ purchasing ] decision,” he added.
Outsourced toolmaking
BPD Wienerberger also professed satisfaction with Complete Tooling Systems Ltd.( CTS). This British tool specialist works
closely with Bihler to develop and manufacture the new tools for the GRM-NC, in some cases using the Bihler LEANTOOL system.
“ At the start, there were certain reservations about not using the original Bihler tools, but it didn’ t take very long for our collaboration to kick off,” outlined Daniel King.
The GRM-NC arrived at BPD Wienerberger in early 2024 and, by July, the radial tool for the roof tile holders was already being manufactured in two variants. These are now being produced on the GRM-NC at a significantly quicker rate.
“ We change the tool once per week. We have found that it is possible to reduce the set-up times from approximately one day to an average of two hours,” confirmed King.
An eye on growth
BPD Wienerberger soon expects to exploit the full potential of its GRM-NC machine.
“ In the future, we will be able to produce far more, and increasingly complex, parts with this
The GRM-NC servo machining system for stamped and formed parts.
About Bihler
Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG( or Bihler) celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023. Its headquarters are at Halblech in the south of Bavaria( Germany). As a system supplier for stamping, forming, welding and assembly technology, familyowned Bihler also offers tailor-made automation solutions. Bihler also has offices in the USA and China.
solution. In addition, the GRM-NC will allow the company to move closer to its goal of inhouse production. All of this means that BPD Wienerberger has a real‘ ace up its sleeve’ with the GRM-NC,” highlighted Daniel King.
“ The new system is also a [ testament to ] how we will develop our growth strategy,” concluded Ben Gerry, Managing Director, BPD.“ It allows us to demonstrate our strengths and manufacturing skills in our local market and will enable us to ensure even greater market success in the long term.” n
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ISMR May 2025 | ismr. net | 59