FEATURE ON PRESSES AND COIL HANDLING

Bobcat invests in energy-efficient press technology

Bobcat, a manufacturer of compact construction equipment, is increasing production capacity at its Gwinner, North Dakota facility, with the help of AP&T Group. A new, highly automated tandem press line, which recently began production, will more than double press production capabilities, reduce energy consumption, lower noise levels and improve the forming of complex sheet metal parts.

“This investment will provide us with new capabilities and efficiencies in our metal stamping operations, and it aligns with our commitment to innovation, sustainability and continued investments in our manufacturing footprint,” says Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America.

The new line includes AP&T’s energy-efficient servo-hydraulic press and automation. Furthermore, the assignment includes line integration, operator training and support.

“Bobcat is one of the first companies in North America to invest in the future by implementing this automated solution using our new press technology,” says Dr Christian Koroschetz, chief sales officer at AP&T Group. “This investment also supports Bobcat’s interest in pursuing sustainable, energy-efficient manufacturing solutions.”

The new AP&T servo-hydraulic press is 70% more energy efficient than a conventional AP&T hydraulic press. According to the company, the press also provides increased productivity and superior forming capabilities, which enables the pressing of more intricate and complex designed parts, along with shorter cycle times.

Bobcat first became aware of the new press technology through a relationship with Wisconsin-based TCR Integrated Stamping Systems, an equipment manufacturer consultant and system provider for the metal-forming industry.

“While visiting AP&T in Sweden, I was introduced to their latest automation breakthrough and knew it would provide a significant advancement for Bobcat,” saysTodd Wenzel, president of TCR. “In addition, AP&T demonstrated their new servo-hydraulic technology.”
For further information www.aptgroup.com

Servo press positions Mursix for growth

Mursix Corporation, a technology-driven manufacturer supplying components to a wide range of industries, has recently acquired a new Minster 600-ton punch press with a servo motor. The investment expands the company’s capabilities and positions Mursix for growth into a more diverse range of industries.

Delivered from Spain, this sophisticated machine joins the Mursix family of Minster presses that range from 22 to 400 tons. The servo motor maximises energy by delivering a higher tonnage than the company has ever been able to provide previously, allowing for more flexibility with speed control and stroke length. The result equates to a better-quality product at a better price, with a bonus of more efficient energy use translating into expanded production capabilities for current and potential customers.

With this advanced press, Mursix will be able to produce more complex parts. The Minster has the ability to produce heavier gauge and thicker materials with increased run speed and consistency, creating more efficient production.

Mursix is known for creating advanced, custom-engineered components, but those on the leadership team are always looking toward the future with the goal of continuously enhancing capabilities for customers.

“Although the last few years have been challenging, we’ve been taking investment in our family business quite seriously,” says Susan Murray Carlock, vice president of business development. “As a business leader, my father had always preached the importance of investing in your people and the capital that prepares the company for tomorrow. My brother and I carry on that legacy today. For companies of our size [$40m revenue, 200 employees], staying on top of industry innovations so that we can be competitive is a must, and requires good people and the latest technology.”
For further information www.mursix.com

Gestamp adds extension to Japan plant

Gestamp Hotstamping Japan is expanding with a new plant building on its premises in Matsusaka. This decision is part of Gestamp´s expansion in Asia, which is key for the global strategy of the company. Following the plant opening in 2018, the expansion meets increasing demand for parts from Japanese manufacturers in the automotive sector.

The relationship of the company with Japan, already long and fruitful, is deeply rooted in the country with this plant and two sales offices. One is Gestamp Tokyo, also home of the group´s R&D centre, inaugurated in 2017. In addition, the company´s subsidiary Edscha, specialised in mechanisms, has a sales office located in Yokohama. The new expansion of the Matsusaka plant is scheduled to be operational by June 2023.

As Gestamp’s first Japanese base, Gestamp Hotstamping Japan has been supplying parts to domestic and overseas automakers and will introduce a next-generation hot-stamping line that combines a large press with an environmentally friendly electric furnace that avoids burning gas to heat the blanks. This capability will enable Gestamp Hotstamping Japan to supply automotive manufacturers with one-piece, high-strength, lightweight parts, contributing to the Japanese automotive industry’s accelerating shift to EVs.

To kick-start the project, a ceremony took place at the Mayor’s office in Matsusaka City Hall. Masato Takegami (Mayor of Matsusaka city) and Toshiya Hara (general manager of Gestamp Hotstamping Japan) signed the location agreement for a new plant building expansion.

“This expansion project will not only be a simple capacity increase, but will also provide solutions for the demand of next-generation vehicles such as EVs by installing a new hot-stamping line with bigger press and high energy-efficiency furnace.”
For further information www.gestamp.com

Partnership takes press hardening to new level

Together with GEDIA, AP&T has created what is probably the world’s most advanced production line for manufacturing press-hardened automotive components.

AP&T’s latest press-hardening production solution lays the groundwork for providing car manufacturers with lighter, safer and more flexible designs that are cost- and energy-efficient. The solution includes AP&T’s proprietary servo-hydraulic press, boasting up to 70% lower energy consumption than conventional hydraulic presses, and TemperBox, which enables the combination of soft and hard zones in the same finished component.

The first commercial production line containing both innovations became operational at GEDIA in Germany in the fall of 2019, with subsequent installation of the same equipment at the company’s facilities in Spain and the US. It is no coincidence that GEDIA and AP&T are pioneering the future of press hardening in the industry: it is a result of a deeply rooted collaboration between the two companies that has lasted a decade.

Jörgen Theander, AP&T’s person responsible for the project, says: “Together with GEDIA, we have now developed what is probably the world’s most advanced production line for manufacturing press-hardened automotive components. By collaborating, we not only solve technological challenges and gain valuable experiences, we also manage to meet high expectations.”

So how does the end result compare to earlier AP&T press-hardening lines? First and foremost, the new lines are considerably more energy-efficient, much due to the fact that the servo-hydraulic press consumes up to 70% less energy than conventional hydraulic presses. The latest generation of multi-layer furnaces, consuming 40% less energy than its predecessors, also delivers an important contribution. In addition, the new lines make it possible to shorten manufacturing cycle times of certain products by up to 20%, freeing up time for more production.
For further information www.aptgroup.com

New aerospace contract for Rhodes Interform

Rhodes Interform, part of Group Rhodes, continues its success in mechanical and hydraulic press manufacture and refurbishment with another major project win in the aerospace industry. The contract, recently completed successfully, is phase one of two for the refit of a 1989 vintage 3000 Ton ‘Chester Hydraulics’ SPF press, at BAE Systems, Samlesbury. The press is a critical piece of equipment that manufactures major parts for the Typhoon (Eurofighter) aircraft.

Rhodes Interform’s technical director Peter Anderton says: “This is a specialist repair to the ‘hotbox’ ensuring the stringent temperature accuracies required during the manufacturing process are maintained. We won the contract based on our vast expertise in the manufacture, design and repair of SPF presses in the aerospace sector. The lockdown was obviously a difficult time for the industry, but over the past few months we’ve won a number of contracts for both new machinery and equipment refurbishment. We’re very optimistic for the continued recovery of the UK aerospace sector.”

Rhodes Interform’s machine refurbishments offer customers a cost-effective solution to improve equipment life and increase productivity. The company provides a complete one-stop refurbishment service, from arranging transport to the company’s maintenance facility in Wakefield, through to retrofitting new components and re-commissioning on site.

Parent company Group Rhodes, based in West Yorkshire, boasts a 200 year metal-forming history and has also been manufacturing presses to form composite materials from as early as the 1930s. The company has won Queen’s Awards for both Innovation and International Trade in recent years, particularly for its work in the aerospace sector.
For further information www.grouprhodes.co.uk