Sheet metal fabricators need to look for cost savings in every aspect of business including scrap reduction and energy savings.
As sheet metal shops examine new ways to reduce costs, recently released new technology can save money in ways that previously were not possible. Skeleton removal and energy savings may not have the cachet that hits per minute (HPM) or a deep throat depth carries, but in today’s manufacturing, every little bit helps. Modern punching machines are highly sophisticated, fast, dependable, and often automated. However, there are a few things that can slow them down. For example, when parts become caught in the skeleton, process speed and reliability are negatively affected. Also, unloading the skeleton is a separate work step requiring either the machine operator to move the unwieldy leftovers into a container, or using automation, which requires time and an outlay of capital.
Modern punching automation is able to sort and stage individual parts for transport to the next operation. In some systems, a punched part can be lifted out. Interior hits are optimized and punched normally. The perimeter hits around each part are punched, and the pick-and-sort device then grips the part as the final tab is removed. The part is lifted out of the nest with programmable suction pads.
This does prolong the machine cycle time. But depending on the shape, size, and number of parts on each sheet, the automation may in fact shorten the overall cycle time. That is, parts arrive at the next operation sooner, often at a more consistent rate.
Yes, without the automation the punch press could produce more parts during a given time frame, yet quite often those parts sit on the floor as operators manually shake them out of nests and sort them (and sorting itself is prone to error). The punch press may be producing more parts, but it may just be feeding parts to a bottleneck in shaking and sorting. Moreover, automation reduces the chance for sorting errors, like when a material handler mistakenly groups two similar-looking parts from different jobs. The potential for these errors can increase with dynamic nesting, in which parts from multiple jobs are grouped on a single sheet.
HACO –Q Series: SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A PUNCH PRESS
With its 22 or 30 ton high -speed Hybrid Servo Electric-Hydraulic punching head, Y-axis (throat) of 1615 mm (63″) and high speed rotation axis for all tools, the Haco Q5 is the perfect and most flexible CNC turret punching machine on the market.
The Haco Q-series convert your workshop into one with the highest productivity and flexibility that can be achieved with CNC sheet metal punching machines.
From traditional punch press to a multifunctional part processing machine. Producing parts without the need of expensive secondary operations can be achieved thanks to the many below features:
- Revolutionary rigid tapping by using a standard punch holder and a tap insert. The inexpensive Universal Rigid Tap Adapter can hold roll taps from M2 till M10
- Automatic programmable single clamp move for better part accuracy
- Giant part chute door ( 750 mm x 1500 mm) with integrated part conveyor
- 70 mm high bending capability
- 20 indexable tools, or 200 indexable MultiTools can be loaded into the bidirectional automatic toolchanger
- Adaptive Punch Stroke optimizes productivity and safety.
- Sheet loading/unloading system with part pick and sorting or with part Evac Train.
- Full use of Wheel tools.
TruMatic 1000 fiber Think big, start small
The TruPunch 1000 (S19) is a new compact entry-level machine that can be expanded into an equally space saving TruMatic 1000 fiber punch laser machine, allowing sheet metal processors to upgrade their machine to keep pace with their growing business.
A three kilowatt TruDisk solid-state laser can be connected to convert the TruPunch 1000 (S19) punching machine into a punch laser machine. Never before has TRUMPF offered a combination machine in the entry-level segment, this move enables customers to switch from 2D laser processing to punch laser technology with relative ease.
The combination of punch and laser machine allows fabricators to benefit from each process. The cutting speed of a laser combined with the forming capabilities of punching can eliminate the need for secondary operations. More importantly, changeover between laser cutting and forming with the punch system’s form tools is efficient and free of intervention.
A laser cutting head, laser evacuation unit and beam guard turn the TruPunch 1000 into a TruMatic 1000 fiber.
References:
Procurement Centre (Thailand) Co., Ltd
and TRUMPF Ltd.