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 First and foremost, the hydraulic system’s control valves have been replaced by servo motors, which means that speed, position and press force are entirely controlled electrically.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

Servo press is smart, fast and safe

Schuler will present its newly-developed servo press to the public for the first time at the EuroBLECH trade fair in Hanover on 23-26 October.

The 400 ton press, which is suitable for both progressive and transfer mode, can travel at an oscillating stroke of up to 70 strokes per minute thanks to the dynamic servo drives.
Schuler has designed the control of the machine in the style of an intuitive smartphone app: operators can select from predefined movement profiles or program them freely. This functionality significantly reduces the inhibition threshold for exploiting the machine’s potential. Thanks to the kinematics of the knuckle-joint drive, forming at the bottom dead centre is also slower in itself, which means that readjustment via the servo drive is not always necessary.
The ‘Smart Assist’ software guides the operator step-by-step through the set-up process, supported by small videos and text modules. In addition, the electronic assistant optimises the transfer and slide profiles to maximum output depending on the clearance profiles – a complex process that previously took a lot of time.
Schuler’s process monitor integrated in the control unit offers extensive monitoring options. Here, overload protection can be assured across the entire course of the press-force profile and the whole movement profile; a minimum and maximum force can be defined for effective protection of the die. Response times of the electronically designed overload protection device are in the range of a few milliseconds, which is faster than with a hydraulic overload protection device. The press can be used again immediately after an overload has been detected.
For further information www.schulergroup.com

Another member for MiM

Pressmark Pressings has joined the manufacturing and engineering membership group, Made in the Midlands (MIM).

The company, which provides high-volume components for automotive manufacturers, is looking to boost sales and share best practice by working closer with the collective group of 400+ firms, which includes the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, ZF, GKN, Dennis Eagle, Moog Aircraft Group and the Liberty Group.
The decision to take membership is part of an ambitious growth strategy that will see the businesses work towards £10m of annual sales, a 33% increase since the current management team completed
an MBI just over 12 months ago.
“Like many other fellow members, we have joined Made in the Midlands to win new business, collaborate, raise our profile and source Midlands-based suppliers,” explains John Nollett, chief executive of Pressmark Pressings. “We join an industry network of ‘movers and makers’ which is proactively bringing together the region’s engineering talent to challenge the status quo that UK manufacturing is on the retreat. It is quite the opposite, with the last 12 months seeing a further resurgence in domestic output and increasing interest in our ability to design, add value and innovate.
“The Midlands is the heartbeat of UK industry and we should do everything we can to attract trade and investment to the area, as we look to provide sustainable growth and new jobs,” he adds.
On its current site in Atherstone, the firm has 26 large bed presses, ranging from 150 to 1200 tonnes, allowing for the manufacture of different size products in both standard metals and exotic alloys.
For further information www.pressmark.co.uk