Product category:
Press shop and sheet metal working automation, slitting, shearing
News Release from: AP and T AB, Automation, Press and Tooling | Subject: Press line
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 11 May 2007
Press line for optimised appliance
manufacture
APandT has developed a press line concept that is tailored for appliance manufacturers to fully utilise each component of the line.
One of Europe's leading manufacturers of automation, hydraulic presses and tools - APandT - has developed a press line concept that is tailored to the needs of the appliance industry This concept makes it possible for appliance manufacturers to fully utilise each component of the line
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 5 Sep 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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Thanks to the use of APandT's standard modules, the price is kept low while the quality level of the equipment is guaranteed - a type of solution that the industry has long awaited.
For many years, APandT has supplied the appliance industry with press equipment and gained solid experience in the special conditions of the industry.
One problem that became clear to APandT was the lack of solutions that precisely met the industry's specific needs.
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Appliance manufacturers have been forced to buy either standard products or special order machines.
"Neither of these alternatives is optimal," states Per-Arne Mattsson, Product Manager of the Advanced Automation Division of APandT.
"An appliance manufacturer that buys a standard press line must pay for capacity and functionality that he has no use for.
And ordering a customised line does not usually bring with it a high degree of reliability or service friendliness.
My advice to appliance manufacturers is to instead choose proven technology and not invest in capacity that is not needed." APandT's solution to the problem is to use standard modules (all of the company's press and automation equipment is based on modules) right off the shelf and put together a trimmed press line concept specially tailored to appliance production.
The point is that the press line components are not unique in and of themselves; it is the way in which they are combined that is important.
"There is no reason to reinvent the wheel - it's more the opposite that's true.
The modules are service friendly, future ready and thereby prepared for further development," says Per-Arne Mattsson.
"We always strive for maximum utilisation of each component of the press line, but in the appliance concept, we have taken this one step further.
This has led to fewer components, which means less of an investment combined with increased reliability for the appliance manufacturer." In concrete terms, it means that one control system can regulate multiple presses in a line, such as APandT's recently developed production line for a major dishwasher manufacturer.
The line consists of four presses from the company's ZL series which are driven by two hydraulic units instead of the standard four.
The manufacturing rate is achieved by the presses working alternately - when press number one is pressing, the part in press two is being changed and so on.
Pump capacity is fully utilised, so the customer does not have to pay for two hydraulic units that are really not needed.
The parts travel through the press line with the help of APandT's sixth generation of automation modules, which are designed for low energy consumption and maximum ease of service.
APandT shuttles and press SpeedFeeders are sturdy and have few components.
They are designed for effective movement of sheet metal components in press lines.
The result is a trimmed press line concept consisting of fewer components that are fully utilised while maintaining the highest degree of serviceability.
Having fewer standardized components means that the machines require less service.
They are also quicker to build and easier to install.
The lead time for an entire line, fully installed, can be as short as six months.
At APandT, we are well aware of the importance of keeping investment costs low while ensuring that reliability is high.
"With this concept, there is no need to pay for something you don't need.
Since we have only used well tested solutions, the customer can count on having many years of high reliability in his manufacturing process.".
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