FEATURE ON PRESSES AND COIL HANDLING

High-speed precision press wins award

Press manufacturer AIDA reports that its high-speed precision press line for producing EV
drive motor cores has won a ‘2023 Ten Greatest New Products Award” from the Nikkan
Kogyo Shimbun (Business and Technology Daily News). The award was established in 1958
for the purpose of encouraging the development of superior new products and spurring
even higher technological advances in Japanese industry.


In order to provide customers with the optimal high-speed precision press line for producing
difficult-to-form EV drive motor cores, AIDA developed a complete array of peripheral
equipment to achieve world-class high-speed forming, including an un-coiler, an S-loop
device, a feeder, a core rotator and a scrap cutter. The system features cutting-edge digital
and AI (artificial intelligence) technologies, enabling AIDA to provide customers with a
comprehensive solution for an entire high-speed precision press line that incorporates DX
(digital transformation) technology.
The judges said that, until now, no press manufacturer had independently developed and
manufactured an entire system for forming EV drive motor cores, as well as peripheral
equipment and software. A total solution of this type previously required ordering from
third parties.
Notably, the facial recognition system prevents erroneous operation by unauthorised
personnel, while AIDA also developed an oil temperature management system to maintain
high-precision forming and a predictive failure detection system. AIDA says it is the first to
achieve automated production in this field. The company expects the system to boost EV
motor core production and help combat the existing shortage of skilled workers.
Moving forward, AIDA says it will continue striving to develop environmentally friendly
technologies and further improving customer service.
For further information www.aida.co.jp/en

Simwon adopts AP & T press-hardening technology

Together with its agent Daekyung International, AP&T has spent many years building up a
relationship with Simwon and MS Autotech in South Korea. In a visit to China a few years
ago, Simwon’s managing director got the opportunity to see how AP&T’s press-hardening
production lines perform in action. It was the start of a rewarding collaboration between

the two parties. In spring 2022, the first line from AP&T was installed at Simwon’s facility in
Austin, Texas. The line’s output is thus far exceeding the company’s very high expectations.
Simwon is part of MS Autotech, a globally operating sub-supplier to many of the world’s
major car manufacturers. Simwon America in Austin, Texas produces press-hardened
components for the American market.
“The new line primarily manufactures door rings for one of our larger American customers,”
says Jeon Incheol, senior manager of the overseas sales team at Simwon. “To meet their
needs, the technology has to run faultlessly, and we need to be able to produce at top
speed. The output is 15-20% higher than our other press-hardening lines.”
The success of the Simwon investment is also of great importance to AP&T.  
“We’re naturally pleased to fulfil Simwon’s high requirements on product quality, cycle
times and machine availability,” says Peter Robisch, sales manager at AP&T. “For us, this is a
strategically important deal that has strengthened our position in press hardening on the
North American market.”
The line includes a hydraulic press with a press force of 1200 tons, automation equipment
and a control system. Thanks to the uniform control system, it is possible to synchronise the
line’s hydraulic presses and linear robots.
For further information www.aptgroup.com

Sutherland introduces personalised AI bots

In a landmark shift toward futuristic manufacturing capabilities, Sutherland Presses has announced an ambitious initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) across all its operations. This cutting-edge programme will see the introduction of dedicated 24/7 AI bots assigned to each department and staff member, creating a network of intelligent agents that enhance productivity, improve decision-making and innovate processes.

The transformative approach of Sutherland Presses places AI at the core of its operational matrix. The seamless integration of AI assistants is poised to revolutionise the company’s production line, supply chain management, customer service, R&D, human resources and administrative duties.

Customer service departments will see AI bots handle enquiries, process orders and provide aftersales support around the clock. Through natural language (NL) processing, these bots can communicate effectively, ensuring that customers receive prompt and accurate assistance while freeing up staff to tackle more complex service needs.

AI bots supporting the R&D teams will comb through vast data sets to identify trends and patterns that humans might overlook. By accelerating the design and testing phases, these AI partners substantially reduce time-to-market for new products, effectively keeping Sutherland Presses ahead in the competitive market.

As each department works closely with its designated AI bot, staff members will undergo specialised training to adapt to this collaboration. Far from replacing human workers, these AI agents are designed to augment and empower the workforce, decreasing mundane chores and elevating the human component to strategic problem-solving and creative innovation.

Sutherland Presses says its adoption of individual AI bots represents a significant leap into the future of manufacturing and beyond. AI integration supports the company’s commitment to pioneering advancements, ensuring that every facet of the business operates with heightened intelligence, agility and foresight.

For further information www.sutherlandpresses.com

Vaski Group expands with Pivatic acquisition

Vaski Group Oy from Seinäjoki, Finland, a company experiencing robust growth, is expanding through its acquisition of Pivatic Oy, based in Hyvinkää, Finland. The consideration paid marks a significant milestone for Vaski as it continues to strengthen its position in the industry and strives for excellence in manufacturing and innovation.


This acquisition is a merger of equals, where both businesses achieved a record recent order backlog of €11m. After the purchase, combined sales exceed €25m and 100 staff. Notably, Vaski significantly enhances its coil-fed systems business with Pivatic’s focus on coil-fed punching and bending lines for sheet metal processing. Pivatic, which Pivatic is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, in turn makes a leap forward with Vaski’s focus on coil-feeding technologies.

Vaski managing director Michael Mansour says: “Off the back of significant growth in the Vaski business, I’m excited by this combination, creating a new leader in coil-fed systems, leveraging the multi-coil expertise of both companies and bringing Pivatic’s 50 years of tradition into Vaski.”

Jan Tapanainen, Pivatic CEO, adds: “I’m thrilled to be part of this merger which creates significant cross-selling synergies and a clear vision for both businesses moving forward. Vaski and Pivatic come together to create a coil-fed systems champion and world market leader in our sector.”

In 2023, over 18% of Vaski’s revenue was spent on R&D, demonstrating the company’s commitment to technology advancement. With a shared commitment to innovation and quality, Vaski Group is ready to leverage its expertise in developing Pivatic, particularly in strengthening research and development activities.

For further information www.vaski.com

£1m press investment at BPL Engineering

A UK sheet metalwork specialist has extended its long-term partnership with Worcester Presses with a new £1m investment. BPL Engineering Group, which employs 40 people at its state-of-the-art facility in Kings Norton, has installed a 500 tonne straight-sided, twin-crank Ching Fong to support its move into medium and high-volume work. The press comes with a large bed, works high up the stroke, and features a 1 m, 3-in-1 Tomac coil line, giving it the capacity to take on large parts destined for cars, trucks and aircraft.

“This latest Chin Fong is our biggest mechanical press to date and gives us additional capacity to take on complex progression tools in medium to high volumes,” explains Matt Adams, operations director at BPL Engineering Group. “There’s a lot of opportunity to service contracts with automotive clients and this machine will hopefully help us engage in new sectors requiring complex metal stamping where we can offer bespoke tooling solutions.”

Installation, including a new isolated pit to cut vibrations, is now complete and BPL is looking to start running products off in the next few weeks. The company is training four operators, including apprentices.

“We know what we’re getting with the Chin Fong: great reliability, superb accuracy and strong performance,” says Adams. “However, the relationship we have with Worcester

Presses is the real reason we keep turning to this press manufacturer. Russell Hartill and his team understand our business and the market opportunity and then put together tailored turnkey packages that not only meet, but surpass our performance expectations. The service and maintenance offers are also top class.”

For further information www.worcesterpresses.co.uk