In a previous article, we explained why the shortest stroke is optimal for efficient stamping operations. Now, let's explain how shorter strokes using an adjustable stroke press enable more parts produced per minute and provide an advantage to high-volume stamping facilities. Most presses in our competitive market are fixed-stroke, meaning that they can only operate at one stroke length. Not only does this limit press operators in the type of forming they do on a single press, but it also has the potential to waste a lot of machine productivity. The solution to this problem is found with adjustable stroke length. Remember that with high-speed stamping, the optimal stroke is the shortest stroke possible. This is because the ram has less distance to travel, and therefore, the velocity is faster. With less unnecessary ram movement comes the advantage of higher speeds, resulting in more parts produced per minute. Let's illustrate this below: This figure compares the ram velocity of a 40 mm stroke (orange) and a 20 mm stroke (yellow) during a full rotation, at 50 strokes per minute. As can be seen in the graph, the ram velocity curve of the 40 mm stroke at 90 degrees is 10 inch/s, while the 20 mm stroke's ram velocity is 5 inch/s. The 5 inch/s difference between the two stroke lengths has a positive effect on throughput. With the 20 mm stroke length comes faster ram velocity, causing better use of energy. This example shows that you can increase throughput with an adjustable stroke press by using shorter strokes. We hope this short article helped you understand the important dynamic between adjustable stroke length and an increase in throughput. If you'd like to learn more about adjustable stroke press technology, check out this page. Interested in a Sangiacomo adjustable stroke press? Contact us to request a quote.
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!