Ford Buys Schuler Hydraulic Press


Schuler SMG has installed a hydraulic press at Ford's facility in Saarlouis, Germany, for forming car body parts. The line the hydraulic press replaced had teeth that often needed repairing, bringing production to a halt. As a consequence, the press force had to be reduced from 10MN to 8000kN. Manuel Pleitgen, project manager at Schuler SMG in Waghausel, said: 'The new more-powerful Schuler line has a press force of 22.5MN and can also process high-strength steels.' Ford uses these steels in floor panels for its Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models.

The new press allows Ford to process these materials instead of outsourcing. The press was installed and put into operation in just 36 days. Robert Steier, from Ford's factory-planning division, said: 'The lead-off press is running trouble-free and was soon able to reach the required cycle time of eight seconds.' Up to twelve large parts can be produced per minute in highest deep draw quality.

In two-shift operation, the new hydraulic lead-off press supplies large body parts - such as roofs, side walls, floor panels and fenders - for the Ford models Focus and Focus C-Max, produced in Saarlouis. With its more powerful lead-off press, the plant can also produce panels for other German and European facilities and reduce capacity bottlenecks.

The press weighs 500 tonnes and is taller than 10 metres. It boasts a total press force of 22.5MN (2,250tonf). The die-clamping surface measures 4600 x 2500mm, the slide stroke 1950mm and the maximum drawing-depth is 350mm. The crown weighs 115 tonnes, the press bed 90 tonnes and the slide and blank holder 50 tonnes.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Class I Division 2?

Image
A Class I Division 2 is a location: (1) In which volatile flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are handled, processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally be confined within closed containers or closed systems from which they can escape only in case of accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or systems or in case of abnormal operation of equipment, or (2) In which ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, or combustible liquid-produced vapors are normally prevented by positive mechanical ventilation, and which might become hazardous through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment. Class I Division 2 Classification Class I Division 2 refers to the ANSI/ISA 12.12.01 standard. This standard was previously UL1604 until UL recommended the newer ANSI/ISA standard be used and that all hazardous location products be certified under this standa
Read more

FUSE SIZING CONSIDERATIONS FOR HIGHER EFFICIENCY MOTORS

Image
When selecting the proper fuse for short circuit protection in motor starting applications, it is important to not only ensure that the fuse will not nuisance open during motor start up times, but also that the fuse will coordinate as required with overload relays. When sizing fuses between 125% and 150% of the motor nameplate current, several advantages, including ease of coordination with an overload device, a smaller disconnect, and increased short circuit protection from a lower fuse rating, can be achieved. However, if sizing at this level prevents the motor from starting, it may then be necessary to increase the fuse ampere rating and it then becomes important to know the NEC sizing limitations. As of June 1, 2016, the US Department of Energy has mandated that newly manufactured electric motors will need to meet NEMA Premium® efficiency standards. As motor efficiencies increase, motor locked rotor currents can also be expected to increase. In addition to this, with across-the-lin
Read more

7/8 16UN Connectors that Provide 600 Volts and 15 Amps

TURCK announces new A-Size 3 and 4-pin 7/8 16UN powerfast™ connectors that provide up to 600 Volts and 15 Amps of power. These IP67 rated connectors provide a modular wiring system designed to handle high current applications for machine power distribution, while providing resistance to vibration commonly associated with conveyors, motors and material handling applications. The cordsets are available with a tray rated, exposed run PVC flexlife ® cable, with or without STOOW rating, and 14 AWG wires that allow you to replace hard wiring with a robust, quick disconnect system that saves the time and money spent installing a conduit system. The A-Size powerfast line offers male and female, straight connectors, standard and custom lengths, and pigtails or extensions. To make the system complete, fully encapsulated mating receptacles, with 1/2”-14 NPT mounting threads are available.
Read more