In a previous article, we discussed why using the shortest stroke possible yields the best results for the parts formed on a stamping press. Many stamping operations don't operate to their full potential. If it gets the job done, why change anything, right? Not exactly... In this article, we'll explain some common reasons for these less-than-ideal conditions as well as ways to overcome obstacles to implementing improvements in your stamping operations. Reasons for less than optimal conditions Biases and assumptions in the tool design or equipment selection are causes that are difficult to detect and change. More obvious reasons for less-than-optimal stamping processes are: Equipment is not used for its intended purpose: Make a job work on equipment available Purchased equipment that “would do the job” Purchased new equipment at discounted price Repurposed existing equipment 2. Operating conditions/Trade-off values have changed dramatically: Production Volumes/Lot sizes have changed significantly Product Specifications/Part tolerances have been tightened Production requirements for quality, certifications, packaging, and delivery have changed 3. Equipment is outdated: Newer technology not utilized Automation Lack of spare parts Decreased serviceability 4. Equipment lost its precision from when it was new: Damages due to operating error Material fatigue, improper repairs Normal wear Past modifications How can stamping processes be improved? Efforts to optimize start with an open mindset and a willingness to allow discoveries to effect change. It requires an environment where assumptions are replaced with reason, and prior decisions are re-evaluated based on changes in the operating conditions. Hiring an outside expert that provides unbiased analysis and technological insights can be helpful. Sometimes simple remedies can make a significant difference. If this article was helpful, please let us know by subscribing to our newsletter to get instant notifications whenever a new blog post is published. Our sales team is always happy to answer any questions and discuss your stamping needs. Contact us today!
The influence of the stroke length is not well understood. Press operators, however, have an inclination because, most often, they will comment: “This job can only run in this press” or, “We can’t run this job as fast as it should,” without being able to articulate why. There may be a variety of reasons, but most often, it is related to the integrity of the press and the stroke length. Many stamping operations happen under less than ideal conditions. One detail often overlooked or misunderstood is the impact of the stroke length. So why use the shortest possible stroke in metal stamping? Well, because it could save your stamping operations time, money, resources, and effort. This includes reduction of wasted time, smaller dynamic forces in press structure, better forming, and longer tool life. In this article, we'll break down these four main reasons why using the shortest stroke for stamping processes is the best: 1) Reduce Wasted Time Unnecessary ram movement is wasting time and energy. A shorter stroke reduces thermal losses and guides wear. 2) Smaller Dynamic Forces in Press Structure Moving the ram and the upper tool section up and down a shorter distance in a given amount of time reduces the harmful forces within the press frame and drive system. 3) Better Forming Time allocated to shaping metal is most critical. More time for forming yields better results and a more stable process. The forming time is inversely related to the stroke length. This is illustrated in the following example: As can be seen in Figure 1, the ram position curve for the 12 inch stroke (Orange) intersects the material thickness line (0.25 inch) at 163 degrees, while the 6 inch stroke (Yellow) intersects this line at 156 degrees. Results of longer forming time (6 inch): 7 additional degrees of crank rotation to the forming or cutting process 23 milliseconds extra forming time at 50 Strokes per Minute (SPM) 42% increase in overall forming time Advantages of longer forming time (6 inch): Longer forming times, meaning you press has more time to focus on the actual forming and less time wasted on the ram movements between crank rotations. 4) Longer Tool life Shorter strokes reduce the velocity at the point where the die punches make contact with the material. As a result, cutting punches are less likely to chip or get dull. This is illustrated in Figure 2: * The 40mm link motion was included to illustrate that its forming time is shorter and the impact is higher. However, this comes at the cost of significantly higher forces within the press structure. If a mechanical feed is coupled to a link motion press, the working portion of the stroke is half of the stroke of an eccentric press. In the example above, the working portion between 90 and 180 degrees is only 10 inches. Hence the comparison should be made with a 20mm stroke of an eccentric press. The optimal stroke is always the shortest stroke possible A careful analysis of the part to be shaped and the feed system will provide insight into what the shortest stroke length possible for a given process can be. At any point during the crank rotation, one of the following occurs: Cutting, forming, etc. Feeding Piloting Gap opening/closing to provide clearance for feeding Other operations, such as inspection or welding, can be incorporated in the cycle. This should only be considered when the value-add is greater than the reduction of efficiency at the press. In the trade-off consideration, all factors discussed above need to be considered. A shorter stroke yields: Fewer punch breakages in tool Longer interval between tool sharpening Better forming results Longer press life Less vibration Less noise Fewer nuisance faults Sangiacomo Presses Americas is ready to help you optimize your stamping operations with our adjustable stroke press. Still considering your options? Our helpful sales reps will gladly answer any questions or concerns you have about our presses. Contact us today at 256-275-4701 or email us at info@sangiacomo-presses.com.
In case you missed it, René Zwahlen--president of Sangiacomo Presses Americas and Director of Operations for Bruderer Machinery, Inc.-- spoke about the mechanisms of high-speed stamping processes at the last PMA Technical Webinar. In his presentation, Zwahlen went over the key aspects of high-speed stamping presses that are generally overlooked or not well understood. High-speed stamping presses can operate at 2000 strokes/min. and more. At these production speeds, dynamic forces and thermal influences dramatically affect the stamping process. He took listeners on a journey of understanding the mechanisms to counteract these influences and explained why these types of presses are more precise than conventional stamping presses. Below is a video recap of the Q & A portion of the webinar where audience members submitted questions. Check it out! Video Summary How do you determine the proper stroke height for your part? A: Primarily by shape and size of the part. As a starting point, you want to double the height of the part when determining the proper stroke height. However, whatever your stroke height is, it's crucial to use the shortest stroke in order to optimize your stamping speed. In a high-speed stamping press, what's the best way to thread a strip through the die? A: First, you'll need to troubleshoot the cause for misthreaded strips. Check alignment in relation to the die. Next, consider how level the strip is fed through the die. Lastly, consider your oil seal barriers. Is stroke height a fundamental feature of the press itself? A: Yes, that's correct. This feature would have to be mechanically adjusted. Sangiacomo makes an adjustable stroke press for this very reason. If you liked this post, don't forget to subscribe to our blog to see more content like this!
2022 marks the 66 years anniversary of our parent company. CMBB started producing presses in 1956. It became later part of the SECCO group until it was split off in 1972, where it continued to operate under the Sangiacomo name. Tens of thousands of machines have been sold primarily in the European market. About Us Since its inception, the primary goal has been to produce a high-quality product at a very reasonable price. All mechanical press parts are designed and machined at the Sangiacomo facility in Vittorio Veneto, near Venice, Italy. This ensures flexibility and consistent quality. The elephant, a symbol of strength, has been embodied in the logo for decades and underscores the commitment to superior machine design and quality. Since 2014, Sangiacomo Presses Americas has been the exclusive distributor for the North and South American continents. Stock presses are on display in the showroom in Huntsville, Alabama. Spare parts and service technicians are also dispatched from the Huntsville facility. The sales and support offices in New Jersey, California, Indiana, and Sao Paulo (Brazil) further ensure prompt service. Our Presses We specialize in mechanical presses with adjustable stroke lengths and custom add-ons for all your press needs. We offer C-frame and straight side presses as well as complete production solutions by providing presses, feeding systems, molds, and conveyors. Quality extends to the selection of purchased components. Our electrical controls feature products from leading brands such as Schneider, SIEMENS, PILZ, and Allen-Bradley. Adjustable Stroke Length A unique feature of Sangiacomo presses is the adjustable stroke length. The available lengths range from very small, well suited for blanking, to impressively long, which is needed for draw forming applications. Advantages of our adjustable stroke presses include faster die changes, increased productivity and flexibility, reduced downtime and repair costs, and a 50% longer tool life. Changing the stroke is very easy and takes only minutes. The NC control option on larger press models (T80 and up) provides a fully automated stroke length change based on the setting stored in the tool programs. Integrated Safety Mechanisms All presses include standard safeguarding. The front doors open for point-o f-operation access and are redundantly interlocked. The side guards can be swung open to allow full access to the die area. They are also interlocked with electromagnetic sensors. Many safeguarding options, such as light curtains, are available. Guards can also be custom configured to enclose a feeder or extra-large dies. All presses are CE Certified and comply with the most stringent European norms as well as ANSI, OSHA, and Canadian standards. Custom Add-ons Interested in customizing your press to best suit your stamping needs? We offer numerous add-ons for our presses, such as tie rods for increased frame strength, rapid die tooling for quick tooling changeovers, and more. Since the frame is manufactured in Vittorio Veneto, customizations are easily implemented, and the possibilities are endless. Sales and Service Our sales and technical team work closely with you before, during, and after the sale to ensure your needs are addressed and exceedingly met. Replacement parts are commercially available worldwide, ensuring minimum replacement cost and high serviceability. PLC programs are stored on SD cards. Thus, replacements are as easy as transferring a memory card. We are here to help you with all of your stamping needs! Please contact us at any time to talk to one of our experts.
Welcome to our Blog! Thanks for stopping by to check out Sangiacomo Presses Americas. We are the official distributor of c-frame and straight-side mechanical stamping presses in North, South, and Central America. All of our presses are equipped with adjustable (or variable) stroke lengths. We specialize in adjustable stroke presses and are dedicated to educating the industry about how this one feature significantly improves production efficiency, reduces tool changeover times, and saves money in the long run. You can learn more about the benefits of adjustable stroke length here. Don't forget to subscribe to our blog in order to stay up to date on all the educational topics we post, as well as big announcements and company updates! Some topics we plan to cover: Stamping Presses 101 Precision Metal Stamping Tools & Dies The technology behind Adjustable Stroke Lengths Case Studies Customer Testimonials Industry 4.0 In the meantime, feel free to get familiar by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Youtube. Please leave any ideas, suggestions, or concerns in the comments below!