FEATURE ON PRESSES AND COIL HANDLING

Strong demand for servo roll feed equipment

The Atkin Automation division of Group Rhodes is celebrating a number of major contract wins to manufacture a number of roll feeds for companies in the northwest and southeast of England. Specifically, the orders include the production of an RFC 100-300 mm wide heavy-duty unit, an RF70-100mm wide machine and an RF100-50 unit to run heavier narrow strips in galvanised steel. All units will feature multi-pitch and tool-gag functions to enable the manufacture of complex punched components for construction metalwork.

Atkin is also producing an RF70-300 unit for a manufacturer of clamping systems in the automotive sector and has won a contract to produce three smaller decoilers to serve the grinding process used in the manufacture of technical/craft blades. A further order for four bespoke units from the same company, complete with a vertical to horizontal tilt mechanism, is also on the expanding order book.

With further promising sales enquiries in the pipeline, the future looks very positive for Atkin Automation. The company is currently busy working on prospective orders with press builder and sister company Rhodes Interform for the design and manufacture of complete metal-forming lines.

Geoff Barker, sales manager for Atkin Automation, says: “We’ve had a very busy 12 months and the fact that so many customers are returning to us with new equipment orders is testament to the service we provide.”
For further information www.grouprhodes.co.uk

Pheonix Tooling rises to the proving-out challenge

A Black Country specialist in precision press-tool design and manufacture is targeting £3m turnover by 2025 after it completed a £1.1m investment drive that included the installation of a complete new press line.Phoenix Tooling & Development, which supports customers in the automotive, construction, white goods, electric vehicle and medical sectors, has extended its long-standing relationship with Worcester Presses to purchase a new 500-tonne Ching Fong press and full coil line.

The GTX 500-D offersa long tool bed (3.4 x 1.5m) and is equipped with a 3-in-1 Tomac decoiler, straightener and feeder line that allows the business to build larger tools and, more importantly, prove-out complex tooling projects.This is a major development for the Aldridge-based business, with the company now able to give its growing customer base full confidence that the tooling produced will stamp components to the required production rates, quality and consistency. The business also has the equipment needed to simulate full production testing and support a seamless handover process to its clients.

“We relocated last year and thought about whether to persevere with our 1930s Wilkins and Mitchell 300 tonne press,” says Martin Mulvey, managing director of Phoenix Tooling & Development.“After careful deliberation we decided to use the move as the perfect time to search for a more powerful press with better control and ancillary equipment that could accelerate our try-out and commissioning processes.”

He continues: “Worcester Presses has been superb. Russell and his team spent lots of time exploring our requirements, challenging our approach, and then identifying possible solutions – the best one being the impressive Chin Fong GTX 500-D and Tomac 3 in 1 TLF4-800 coil line.”
For further informationwww.worcesterpresses.co.uk

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