Ifm and Schuler agree digital co-operation

To monitor and improve quality in press shops through digitalisation, Ifm and Schuler Group have struck a co-operation agreement. The aim is to offer customers more transparency and increase efficiency in sheet metal forming.

Sheet metal forming presses are among the most important machines in all industries in which the processing of sheet metal takes place. The Schuler Group has 180 years of experience in forming technology and is the world’s market leader. Using digital solutions such as Track & Trace, Visual Die Protection or DigiSim, the company offers numerous tools that support digitalisation in press shops. Ifm SmartStamp expands this offering with a software tool that detects tilting, eccentricity and the resulting tilting moment on forming presses within milliseconds.

“If the ram tilts too far, the press guides are subject to excessive strain and will incur damage in the long term,” explains Christoph Schneider, vice president of product management applications at Ifm.

The tool protects the press from excessive wear and damage and helps to improve availability. SmartStamp is integrated into the Moneo IIoT platform, and now also into the Metris platform from Andritz, Schuler’s parent company.

“Thanks to combination with the data from our cloud-based digital solutions, customers benefit from interoperability and, consequently, even higher transparency in the press shop,” emphasises Rohitashwa Pant, chief digital officer of the Schuler Group.

The co-operation agreement provides for collaboration in sales. It is immaterial which system customers use when they start to digitalise. They can expand their digitalisation solution with the other system at any time.

More information www.schulergroup.com

Stamping specialist pivots into space industry

In an exciting development for the UK’s space sector, Brandauer is making significant strides in creating cutting-edge components for space motors. This initiative is part of the £1m ‘Pivot into Space’ programme, funded by the UK Space Agency and led by the Midlands Aerospace Alliance.

Brandauer recognised the potential to apply its capabilities to the space industry’s unique challenges. This project under the Pivot into Space programme focuses on enhancing the company’s ability to stamp ultra-thin electrical steels, a crucial factor in improving motor efficiency and reducing weight and mass – both key considerations for space applications.

One of the most innovative aspects of Brandauer’s work is eliminating the need for secondary stamping lubrication. This development is particularly significant as it reduces the risks associated with vacuum outgassing in the space environment. By removing trace materials from the manufacturing process, the company is addressing a key concern for components destined for use in space.

In parallel with these advancements, Brandauer is developing cutting-edge bonding technologies. The company’s work on infrared and in-die glue bonding aims to improve tensile shear strength, temperature management and thermal resistance of components. These improvements are crucial for the harsh conditions encountered in space operations.

Brandauer’s project exemplifies the goals of the Pivot into Space programme, which aims to help SMEs leverage their existing capabilities to enter the high-growth space industry. The programme provides not only financial support but also valuable technical and commercial guidance, helping companies like Brandauer to overcome the significant barriers typically faced when entering this demanding sector.

More information www.brandauer.co.uk

Shorter cycle times and more efficiency

Raufoss Technology in Raufoss, Norway, manufactures link arms and other aluminum parts for the automotive industry. By having long-standing partner AP&T upgrade one of the company’s existing forging lines with a new, specially designed 2500 ton hydraulic press, not only have cycle times been reduced but the company can also manufacture larger parts than before. 

Some projects are simply more challenging than others, and in this case the challenge was twofold. The first challenge was the design and construction of the press. To be integrated into the existing line, the new press with its higher tonnage, had to be adapted to the physical limitations of the factory premises. Among these were the ceiling height and the size of the foundation, which required many special solutions.

Secondly, there was the matter of time. Raufoss Technology wanted the upgrade completed as quickly as possible. AP&T’s answer was a tight schedule in which everything needed to go according to plan to reach the finish line.

“We had a tight slot for installation, but AP&T did a good job, and everything was finished on time,” says Ole Ronny Heksum, project manager at Raufoss Technology.

One year after the order was signed, almost to the day, the machines and control system were finally in place.

Explains Mikael Karlsson, product manager of presses at AP&T: “We had to lift the press through the roof of the factory using a crane. Everything went smoothly and the entire installation, including the integration and commissioning, was completed in just 12 days.”

Adds Heksum: “After a period of adjustment, we can now manufacture parts with significantly higher pressing forces than previously, and at a higher production rate.” 

More information www.aptgroup.com

Hot and cold forming solutions on show

Group Rhodes showcased its latest innovations for the hot and cold forming of metals and composites within the aerospace industry at the Advanced Engineering exhibition in Birmingham last month. As well as celebrating its 200th anniversary, the company unveiled its latest advancements in superplastic forming and diffusion bonding, while also highlighting its turnkey solutions for specialist machinery in the aerospace sector.

Mark Ridgway, CEO of Group Rhodes, states: “The year’s Advanced Engineering exhibition held particular significance as 2024 marks our company’s 200th anniversary. Our exhibition stand not only honoured key milestones from our remarkable history, but also showcased our latest innovations in metals and composites forming.”

Group Rhodes manufactures and markets machinery from its facilities in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, which it sells to both the UK and global markets. The company has extensive capabilities that include the design, development and manufacture of bespoke equipment and complete turnkey solutions.

The main trading divisions of the Group consist of Rhodes Interform, Craven Fawcett, Hallamshire Engineering Services and BJD Crushers, which manufacture machinery and spare parts for the aggregates, heavy clay and material handling sectors. Rhodes Interform designs and manufactures machinery for the advanced metal and composite forming industries, with a particular focus on the aerospace sector.

On the stand, the company highlighted the evolution of its business since its inception in 1824, and the nurturing of a dedicated workforce in a traditional yet dynamic manufacturing environment.

More information www.grouprhodes.co.uk

Advances in die clamping and changing

Roemheld presented various innovations designed to optimise set-up times on presses and punches at the Euroblech 2024 exhibition in Hanover last month. Notably, a new hollow piston cylinder that flexibly adapts to dies with clamping edges of different heights, made its trade fair debut.

The new hollow piston cylinder makes forming work easier, especially for contract manufacturers who use different, non-standard die-clamping edges. According to the manufacturer, the element is suitable for clamping edges with a difference in level of up to 30 mm. Users can set the desired height in increments of 1 mm. The new hollow piston cylinder offers clamping forces of 60 or 100 kN and is suitable for use with an operating pressure of up to 400 bar.

Among other new innovations at the show were Roemheld’s pull-push chain systems for loading presses and punches, which is intended for almost all application scenarios and dies up to 40 tonnes. It is suitable for installation either directly on the system or on a rail-bound transport system. Alternatively, for loading by crane, it is possible to integrate the system into a manually or electrically driven die-changing console.

The pull-push chain system is available as a complete solution in various standard versions and with different control variants. Since all components are designed to work together, the manufacturer promises a quick and simple “plug and play” installation.

A redesigned arch clamp for dies with straight clamping edges was also on display for the first time. The clamp suitable for dirty, hot environments up to 250°C on press beds and rams in sheet metal forming, die casting and forging applications.

More information www.roemheld.de/en