A £1m investment in a new press line is helping one of the UK’s leading sheet metalwork specialists diversify into larger projects and higher volumes. BPL Engineering Group (BPL) has strengthened its strategic partnership with Worcester Presses by installing a 600-tonne Yeh Chiun hydraulic press, one of the largest it has ever commissioned.

The decision, which follows the success of a 300-tonne H-frame press purchased four years ago, gives the Kings Norton-based firm access to a machine that offers an increased bed size (2500 x 1500 mm), crucial for going after stampings destined for the automotive, aerospace, rail and other sectors.

Worcester Presses has also installed remote monitoring in addition to its maintenance and service package.

“Our expertise lies in supplying stampings and assemblies to OEMs like Jaguar Land Rover, Lotus and Aston Martin, ranging from prototype projects to production volumes,” explains Matt Adams, operations director at BPL. “This complete service has seen sales increase rapidly past £6m and our latest collaboration with Worcester Presses gives us additional capacity and a larger world-class press to take on different types of work. The machine, which was installed as part of a three-month factory reconfiguration project, allows us to target larger stampings in various material grades, including aluminium, mild steel, structural steel, stainless steel, brass and copper.”

Russell Hartill, managing director of Worcester Presses, was delighted with the faith BPL has put in its capabilities: “The 600-tonne Yeh Chiun is some press, delivering massive power, superb accuracy and repeatable quality, which is ideal for the type of work at BPL.”

For further information
www.worcesterpresses.co.uk

It is possible to manoeuvre dies quickly and safely on and off the table of power presses using a wide range of carrying consoles from Roemheld. Now, the maximum forming die weight that can be handled has increased by more than half from 32 to 50 tonnes with the introduction of a new console featuring an electrically actuated chain drive and support feet.

Roemheld’s latest console is intended for shortening set-up times when changing over batch runs in press shops where components are formed from large metal sheet, such as in the automotive supply chain. The equipment is either dedicated to one press and fixed in position, or supplied as a mobile unit on wheels that allows easy transportation between different presses. Special customised solutions are also available, including for handling even heavier loads.

Once at the machine, the carrying console’s integrated docking system, which is equipped with a hydraulic lifting column and foot lever for easy adjustment, ensures that it attaches firmly in position at the press before placing a die on to it by forklift or crane. An integrated chain drive moves the die at up to 2 m/min to its final position in the press via integrated roller and ball bars, positioning it with millimetre precision.

The equipment is available in different versions suitable for almost any type of press. It may be factory-fitted in the case of a new installation or retrofitted to existing presses. Of particular note, the compact design makes it suitable for use when the press bed is low or where space is limited. By integrating sensors and stops, it is possible to integrate the console into a partially or fully automated process, either via the power press control or a separate, optional control system.

For further information
www.roemheld.co.uk

Aalborg-based Mekoprint Mechanics has ordered a new press line from AP&T. The new line, the company’s third from AP&T, will not only increase production capacity, but also enable the manufacturing of large metal components.

“Following a period of great fluctuation in demand for our products, we’re now seeing a strong recovery from many customers,” says Karsten Møller, technology and product manager at Mekoprint Mechanics. “To increase capacity and strengthen our competitiveness, we’re making a substantial investment in new buildings and machines, of which, the new AP&T production line is an important part.”

Mekoprint Mechanics manufactures cabinets, chassis parts, front panels and other metal components for a large number of companies in different industries. For installation in the autumn, the new line includes a press with 500 ton of press force, a 1900 x 1600 mm press table and a SpeedFeeder for unloading. The order also includes two years of complete service and maintenance.

Just over three years ago, the company installed a similar line, which saw the addition of another press in 2019. But AP&T has an even earlier history of delivering equipment to Mekoprint.

“We’ve been collaborating with AP&T for decades and we’re thoroughly confident in their ability to deliver technology that meets our needs for reliability, flexibility and productivity,” says Møller. “Having access to quick, local service is also highly beneficial to us.”

Peter Karlsson, key account and area sales manager at AP&T, adds: “It’s great that Mekoprint is now strongly investing in the future and that we at AP&T are part of their expansion journey.”

For further information
www.aptgroup.com