Work-holding and handling equipment manufacturer,Roemheld, has introduced a robust, adaptable system for automatically and rapidly clamping dies of various sizes to a press ram. Flexline R is suitable for quick setups on automated press lines and other applications requiring frequent die changes. Numerous variants can be configured to suit individual customer requirements.

Based on the company’s Flexline system, the new product has been further developed to accommodate higher loads and demanding operating conditions. It is equipped with a stainless steel pull-push chain that replaces the previous plastic version, plus reinforced stops and reliable sensor technology, while offering improved emergency protection. The chain case and all brackets and sheet metal parts are also made of stainless steel.

Multiple units, commensurate with the weight of the die, are mounted at regular intervals along the face of the ram at the T-slot positions. The electromechanically-driven pull-push chain in each unit automatically moves an integral hollow piston cylinder from the park position to the die edge. Additionally, electric and hydraulic power is delivered to the clamping element via the chain, eliminating the need for a separate energy supply.

Improved position monitoring is a result of having a high-precision magnetic field sensor to detect the die location, while an inductive sensor reports the position of the clamping element on the die. Optionally, the end position of the chain can be verified using a sensor integrated in the chain case.

New also are reinforced brackets for position monitoring to ensure maximum operational safety. An emergency release on the drive motor provides additional protection in the event of an accident. If necessary, the die can be released manually.
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The road to electrification takes a lot of different aspects into consideration. Such a transformation can be seen in the design of car models, staff training, and in the modernisation of facilities and processes. This is the case with the new PXL press system at the plant ofSEAT and CUPRA in Martorell, which is more efficient, powerful and connected.

Among the most modern in the world, the six presses that form part of the PXL system will be used to produce up to 4 million body parts of the CUPRA Raval and Volkswagen ID Polo per year. At present, the presses are already stamping parts for the company’s current production models.Featuring the latest technology, the PXL press system stands out for its high productivity.

“Thanks to its 15 strokes per minute, we can stamp more parts in less time, with maximum efficiency,” explains Alicia Molina, director of Production Process Engineering at SEAT and CUPRA.

This efficiency is further enhanced by a reduction in the time required to change the dies, allowing up to 15 changes per day to manufacture different parts. 

“By fully automating this process, we’ve managed to decrease the time it takes to change dies to just five minutes between finishing the last part in a series and starting production of the first in the next one,” reveals Jose Arreche, director of the SEAT & CUPRA plant in Martorell.

Given the complexity of moving and anchoring such powerful, heavy machinery, the construction of the press system was a major technical feat. In order to withstand its 81,000 kN of force, the system sits atop a 9 m deep pit and 20mdeep concrete pile foundations, which is equivalent to the height of a seven-storey building.

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