In sheet metal processing, ever greater flexibility of blanks is required for complex applications. Even with changing sheet thicknesses, demanding materials often have to be cut precisely and quickly. However, processing with separate cut-to-length and slitting lines is time-consuming and can only be carried out in several steps.

For this reason, Burghardt + Schmidt GmbH has developed multi-blanking systems that combine both work steps in a single run. As a result, even changing cut sizes can be carried out efficiently and with the highest quality in-house – without additional logistics costs. The systems enable a speed of up to 100 m/min with plug-in limits of over 1000 N/mm² and material strengths of over 1500 N/mm². Thanks to inspection measures, the new multi-blanking lines are particularly suitable for sensitive material surfaces such as stainless steel and aluminium strips.
“In order to avoid delays caused by external suppliers, many of our customers demand the integration of slitting shears into their cut-to-length lines in order to carry out a further work step in-house,” reports Thomas Baral, managing director of Burghardt + Schmidt. “Therefore, we have used the synergy effects of individual companies in the B+S group to develop flexible systems for these high-quality requirements.”
The B+S group multi-blanking lines combine a cut-to-length line with a slitting line and are designed for sheets with a material width of up to 2500 mm and a material thickness of 0.1 to 6.0 mm.
“Before the first cut, the coil is levelled and cut into longitudinal strips,” explains Baral. “These strips are then cut crosswise, resulting in up to five sheet blanks per segment in the desired length.”
For further information www.b-s-germany.de

Bilsing Automation GmbH, a supplier of automated tooling for press rooms and body shops, has implemented a digital transformation strategy across its design and build processes, helping customers achieve error-free launches in a shorter timeframe and improving the overall customer experience.

To achieve this outcome, Bilsing is leveraging automated product knowledge templates (PKTs), 3D visualisation and AR/VR technologies.
Applying PKTs to product development means Bilsing designers can capture corporate knowledge and standardise information within 3D engineering templates. These templates can then be re-used so that less time is spent on repetitive tasks and reinventing the wheel, and more time innovating. For Bilsing, this has enabled it to reduce product complexity, lower overall development costs and increase customer responsiveness. In studies comparing traditional methodologies by seasoned designers with novice designers using standardised templates, design time was reduced from 48 minutes to only two minutes – a 95% improvement.
From an assembly standpoint, the company has integrated AR/VR technologies into its processes using a HoloLens and employing a Human Interface Mate (HIM) that acts as a guide during the build process. By using AR, any items with IoT technology enable Bilsing technicians to get information from the company’s ERP system. The ERP provides immediate access to the object’s specification, inventory, location and lead time, as well as instructions and manuals.
Because AR is capable of overlaying the required part on to the component that the technician may pick up, it allows technicians to quickly discern whether they have the correct part by shape and designated number. A smart sensor validates execution and warns the operator as soon as a wrong procedure is in process. This functionality increases the worker’s efficiency, while reducing any potential for poor work quality.
For further information www.bilsing-automation.com