Product category:
Press shop and sheet metal working automation, slitting, shearing
News Release from: Serapid | Subject: Quick-change die system
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 10 November 2006
Quick-change die system ups press
efficiency
Japanese automotive supplier, in expanding its power press plant, is implementing a quick-change die system to maximize efficiency speed production.
Recently, Serapid, a Michigan, USA, manufacturing company, was awarded a contract to provide Quick Die Change Solutions to Aisin Manufacturing Corporation, a Japanese automotive supplier, who is tripling the size of one of their plants Aisin is a leader in the creation and production of high-quality components and systems for the automotive industry with plants across North America, including one in Seymour, Indiana
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 28 Jul 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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Construction of the Seymour location began in 1986, with the intent to manufacture molding and frames for the Toyota Camry.
In the past ten years, they have expanded three times - building a 124,000ft2 facility in 1989 and another 141,000ft2 facility in 1992.
They are in the process of expanding again - with the addition of three more presses! This growth in size has lead to an obvious growth in manufacturing.
Further reading
Automated die handling increases safety
Safety in metal stamping plants has come a long way in the last 30 years, and Serapid has been a leader in automating die handling to increase safety for employees.
Rodless linear actuator is versatile
The newest product from Serapid, the LinearBeam, continuously proves its versatility across many different industries and in a variety of applications.
Rigid chain for medical applications
The Serapid Rigid Chain is perfect for applications where repeatable positioning and the ability to maintain position with no drift are of the highest importance.
Their repertoire now includes components for many other automotive companies including Honda, Subaru, and General Motors.
Aisin realized it would need to implement a system to maximize the efficiency of the press and to speed production.
Their solution was to implement a quick die change system.
The company turned to the recognized leader in quick die change solutions - Serapid.
Serapid provides die-moving and positioning equipment, from press-mounted loading systems to rail guided die carriers.
Die transportation is done using Serapid's original rigid-chain drives, a technology they have implemented and refined for over 30 years.
Their quick die change systems improve safety and ergonomics for operators, improving the efficiency of the entire die change operation and increasing press uptime.
The Seymour plant averages about two die changes per shift, and has always utilized automated die change components, but has experienced quit a few problems with the original equipment.
"Our original carts were very unreliable," said Mike Fish, manufacturing engineer for Aisin.
"We had to convert to manual die change because our original die change carts weren't able to handle the loads".
"The chains kept breaking." The Serapid system will be fully automated, and will allow Aisin to complete the die change process in five to ten minutes.
To begin the search for new quick die change equipment, approximately one year ago, the automotive manufacturer started to investigate solutions.
Engineers from the Indiana Plant traveled to several other plants where Serapid Quick Die Change (QDX) Carts were already installed and saw how quickly and efficiently they worked.
Aisin engineers then placed an order for their Serapid die carts.
"Serapid carts are more durable than past units we had installed," said Fish.
"We saw immediate benefits after the installation of the first die cart." Fish added: "We are very pleased, we've had so much trouble with die carts we've ordered in the past.
Serapid's are by far the best." The carts were unveiled during a training session at Serapid's US Headquarters in Sterling Heights on Sept.
11, 2006.
The carts were displayed and Serapid staff gave an explanation of how they operate.
Company Sales Representatives from all over the US, the Serapid engineering staff, engineers from Aisin Manufacturing, and Said Lounis - president of Serapid were there for the demonstration.
About a week later the carts were shipped to the Seymour Plant.
Serapid and Aisin worked together to make sure the equipment operated seamlessly.
Serapid offered Aisin fast deliver and flawless installation, with engineers readily available should there be a need for service.
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