Press Technology 4.0
Digitalization and automation of compaction processes
Automated production and identification of compaction tools with the aid of
- Handling including grippers
- Identification systems (RFID,...)
- Process control system for machine tools including connection to databases and ERP systems
Automated tool and powder change and automated database-supported compaction process
Automated Setup
Automated tool change
Preparation of compaction tools for automated changing in the press. Changing concept inclusive handling for automated tool change.
Automated powder change
Automated change of filler plates. Filler shoe and powder containers.
Automated setup of the press
Automated transfer of tool, powder and press data to the press. Tool data is determined with the TCQ measuring system.
The compaction tools and powder containers are uniquely identified by the identification system and are inserted and removed from the press fully automatically in accordance with the compaction order from the ERP system. All press relevant setting data is automatically transmitted to the press control system from the database or the ERP by the identified tools or powder containers.
The necessary compaction tool data is determined automatically by the TCQ TOOLING CALIBRATION QUALITY SYSTEM.
The compaction tools are automatically changed by a robot, either individually or in a block. Changing tools in a block guarantees the fastest change over times and the highest level of protection against tool damage.
The central element of the automatic tool change is the patented coupling system and the coupling cylinder between the individual compaction tools. This coupling system can change the entire tool set in one block in and out with the aid of the coupling cylinder. The coupling cylinder is removed after the change process in the press and also serves as a safe storage tool for the compaction tools when they are not in use.
Basic principle of automated setup of compaction tools
If the press does not support changing the entire tool system in one block, it is also possible to change several modules. Instead of a coupling cylinder, two different grippers are used. The two modules are manipulated directly on the workpiece carriers with the grippers. The die, the lower punch and the core rod (module 1) are changed in one block. The upper punch (module 2) is then changed separately from this tool block.
Tool manipulation in one block
Tool manipulation in 2 modules
Storage of automated compaction tools
The compaction tools coupled in one block are stored in a linear or rotary rack system. The robot removes the tool set from the rack and returns the tool set to the rack at the end of the press job.
For more information on automated handling of tools and powder systems, please contact ProGrit.
