Online ordering system launched

Roemheld’s modular systems for facilitating the repositioning or exchange of a die in a power press using mechanically or hydraulically actuated roller or ball bars may now be ordered more quickly and efficiently.

A new online configurator on the company’s website simplifies the process and ensures short delivery times. The configurator is optimised for use on smartphones and tablets, and an app is being developed for Android and Apple devices.
Maximum carrying capacity is 160 kN per metre for the hydraulically-lifted roller bar range, which allows linear movement only. Pistons fitted to the underside raise individual rollers or the entire element by 2 mm, depending on the model, and lower it after successful die positioning. Especially high carrying capacities are provided when the entire bar is lifted.
If a lighter load is being moved, mechanical bars featuring spring preload are available with the rollers or balls slightly protruding. They are pressed into the bars to be flush with the bed when the die is clamped. Ball elements enable the displacement of loads in any direction. Maximum capacity is 66 kN per metre for roller-type bars.
Standard bars are suitable for installation in T-shaped and rectangular slots in the bed, and are available in a variety of lengths, widths, slot depths and centre distances between the rollers or balls. The casing is made of either aluminium or steel; the maximum operating temperature being 250°C.
If there are no slots in a press bed, spring-loaded roller or ball inserts may be used. The inserts are individually placed into drilled holes and provide carrying capacities of up to 2.4 kN per module, with a stroke of up to 3 mm.
For further information www.roemheld-gruppe.de/productconfigurator

Clamason targets new orders worth £6m

A Black Country manufacturer has signalled its intentions for future growth by placing a major order.

Clamason Industries, which produces precision metal components and assemblies, announced a £1m total project investment with Bruderer UK to secure its largest-ever press that will be used to target up to £6m of new orders.
The specialist supplier to the automotive, medical and building products sectors installed the 300 ton Zani Motion Master press in June and is hoping that the speed and additional bed size will unlock larger pressing and stamping opportunities. Investment in the press comes after a successful two-year period for the Kingswinford-based firm, with an MBO in 2016 proving the catalyst for 10% year-on-year growth, 20 new jobs and a predicted £30m turnover across its operations in the UK and Slovakia during 2018.
“We have worked with Bruderer UK for more than 20 years and have been extremely impressed with the quality of the machines it provides and the service/maintenance packages it delivers,” explains Ian Davies, sales director at Clamason Industries. “Zani presses are renowned for their durability and performance, and the 300 ton Motion Master press gives us the ability to achieve over 80 strokes per minute and take on much larger and complex components. We have also opted for the turnkey solution, which includes a state-of-the-art servo feeder and decoiling line.”
Bruderer UK MD Adrian Haller says: “We listened to the technical team at Clamason and, through our understanding of the business and its objectives, put together a turnkey package that not only met its requirements, but actually surpassed them.”
For further information www.bruderer.co.uk

Hydraulic press is fast and energy efficient

With the introduction of its latest servo-hydraulic press, AP&T says it is offering short cycle times, high precision, low energy consumption and minimal need for maintenance in comparison with conventional hydraulic presses and many servo-mechanical presses.

Several technical solutions have helped AP&T’s designers combine high performance with low operating costs. First and foremost, the hydraulic system’s control valves have been replaced by servo motors, which means that speed, position and press force are entirely controlled electrically.
“The design has made it possible to limit the number of moving parts, cut down on oil volume, reduce pressure in the hydraulic system to a maximum of 250 bar and eliminate the effects of any variations in oil temperature,” says AP&T’s product manager for presses Patrik Haglund. “This lays the foundation for a very robust process with a high degree of availability and repeat accuracy, at the same time that the need for maintenance is substantially reduced.”
Energy consumption has also been streamlined by 40-70%, depending on the application. Here, the heat loss generated by pressure valves can be avoided, and some servo motors are used as generators at retardation. The cushion cylinder of the press is also operated by servo motors, which work as generators. Braking energy is distributed to the motors used for acceleration and forming through a kinetic storage system and a central direct current converter. Since the energy is stored internally in the press, it is not necessary to use electricity from the grid during peak loads, which results in a lower connection fee. Stored energy surpluses can also be restored to the grid.
For further information www.aptgroup.com

More space for repairs and refurbishments

With the continuing expansion of business and increasing demand from customers for large repairs and major machine refurbishments, MPPS (Midland Power Press Services) has acquired additional manufacturing space just 100 m from its existing site.

The new manufacturing area at 34 High Street, Princess End, Tipton, has 350 sq m of working floor space plus extensive offices. This additional manufacturing area gives MPPS significantly more space for dis-assembly, examination, repair and rebuild of components and machine sub-assemblies.
This transfer of the fitting work to the new unit enables Unit 2, High Street, to become a dedicated machining facility with space available for additional machine tools.
“The continuing demand for machine repairs and major refurbishments has provided the confidence to invest in additional manufacturing space that will enable MPPS to continue providing a ‘best in class’ service to existing and new customers,” says managing director Bob Crow. “We are continually being asked to offer innovative solutions where customers wish to retain existing production equipment, and the additional manufacturing capacity will enable MPPS to respond rapidly to meet the needs of our customers.”
This is another step in the firm’s continuing expansion, building on its reputation for the installation, maintenance and repair of mechanical power presses and hydraulic presses.
In other news, the company has announced that it is now accredited to the Safe Contractor membership scheme. The external audit process and certification demonstrates that MPPS operates under recognised health and safety standards.
For further information www.mpps.co.uk

Feintool buys Stanz- und LaserTechnik Jessen

Swiss company Feintool has purchased Stanz- und LaserTechnik Jessen GmbH, and is now hoping to expand into the market for electric motor components, first in Europe and then globally.

The purchase agreement for the takeover was signed on 27 June 2018 and, subject to approval from the German Cartel Office, is expected to enter into force at the end of this month. All 200 employees in Jessen (Saxony-Anhalt) are taken over by Feintool. The turnover of Stanz- und LaserTechnik Jessen GmbH in 2017 was around €37m.
“We want to further expand our global and technological position, focusing on our market position in demanding applications in fine-blanking, forming, and now punching and laser cutting of electric motor components,” says Feintool CEO Knut Zimmer. “The technical expertise acquired through the acquisition will significantly advance Feintool’s global market penetration of electric motor components in Europe, the US and Asia, thereby massively investing in the long-term e-mobility market.”
With this acquisition, Feintool is strengthening its position as an automotive supplier and can now also offer its customers global solutions for electric motors, and for hybrid and internal combustion engines.
Andreas Güntsch, head of operations at Stanz- und LaserTechnik GmbH Jessen, says: “We are delighted to have Feintool as a strategic partner who will ensure the long-term security of the company against the backdrop of increasing market demands, the globalisation of our industry and the financing of growth.”
For further information www.feintool.com