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.
More information www.bit.ly/47MkJz7

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.

More information www.seat.com

Ceer, Saudi Arabia’s first electric vehicle (EV) brand and OEM, has partnered with Schuler to supply and install the first completely automatic press shop at its state-of-the-art Ceer Manufacturing Complex (CMC) in King Abdullah Economy City – said to be the most advanced manufacturing facility in the MENA region.

The CMC encompasses every stage of vehicle production, from press shop and body shop to paint shop and general assembly. It also integrates comprehensive logistics, waste management, warehousing, offices, a water treatment system and a dedicated vehicle test track.

Ceer’s latest milestone at the facility, just four months after raising of the first steel frame, is the start of the installation of the Schuler press shop, an important step in building the country’s EV sector. The partnership with Schuler is central to the manufacturing process, which is rapidly taking shape.

The press shop – including two press lines, a try-out press and a laser blanking line – is the nucleus of vehicle production where precisely cut metal blanks are transformed into chassis parts, and where body components like side frames, doors and bonnets are formed from sheet metal. Schuler’s presses and laser blanking lines offer an output of up to 64 parts per minute. Overall, the press and laser blanking lines offer high availability, flexibility and output, as well as decreased power consumption. Ceer’s press lines, powered by cloud-based applications, prioritise energy efficiency and sustainability.

This landmark partnership with Schuler marks a crucial first step in Ceer’s manufacturing process and will form the backbone of its EV production, paving the way for a new era of smart manufacturing in the region.

More information www.schulergroup.com

AIDA-America, a specialist in mechanical and servo press systems technology, has welcomed HMS Products, a manufacturer of press automation, to the AIDA family. AIDA and HMS have a long history of working together on turnkey solutions for customers. AIDA’s acquisition of HMS will act to strengthen further this partnership and benefit mutual customers with the resulting integrated stamping press system solutions tailored to the requirements of customers in North America.

President Kland Aida states: “Both companies are excited about the added value, as well as the additional expertise and collaboration opportunities that this new alliance brings to our customers.”

HMS will continue to operate from the company’s Troy, Michigan headquarters, with its 60-strong team remaining in place. Kevin VanDenBrouck has been appointed as COO of HMS and will lead the company into this new chapter. Under his leadership, HMS will continue to build on its 47-year history of in providing technologically advanced press automation equipment. This includes ‘through the window’ and ‘front and rear’ mounted transfer systems, blank de-stackers, custom front- and end-of-line solutions, and transfer tooling.

AIDA is a supplier of metal stamping presses and metal-forming equipment. Through engineering, manufacturing, sales, service and support, the company provides partnerships to numerous industries worldwide. AIDA servo and mechanical stamping presses are available in capacities from 35 to 4000 T and 1 to 800 strokes per minute.

Single-press, tandem-line, high-speed, lamination and cold-forging models for single-stroke, transfer and progressive-die applications provide a full range of production capabilities. Additionally, AIDA offers material handling and automation systems for turnkey solutions produced by a single manufacturer.

Sales, service, engineering and manufacturing locations in more than 40 cities across 20 countries support press installations exceeding 80,000 units in over 60 countries.

More information www.aida-global.com