Stamping Press Ram Control for Fixed-Stop Closing Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed stamping machines with fixed stops face challenges in maintaining consistent closing dimensions due to variables like crank mechanism speed, oil temperature, ambient temperature, and tool heating, leading to inefficient energy use and increased wear, making automated process control difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts the ram position in a stamping press with fixed stops by monitoring the distance between tool parts at specific points in the ram movement, allowing for energy-efficient and low-wear process control, independent of operator skill, by keeping the closing dimension constant and compensating for influencing variables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fixed stops are used to limit the closing dimension, then the closing dimension is forcibly limited under operating conditions, but the press is heavily loaded with unnecessary forces leading to increased wear and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stop position adjustable rather than fixed. The stop can be moved between a first position (engaging during stamping) and a second position (disengaged during embossing), allowing the system to adapt its constraints based on the operational phase, thereby avoiding unnecessary forces during embossing while maintaining precision during stamping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of stop position dynamically. By adjusting the stop position between two distinct locations, the system modifies the mechanical constraints applied to the press, enabling it to reduce unnecessary forces during embossing operations while maintaining precise closing dimension control during stamping operations
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed stops are used to ensure precise embossing, then the closing dimension is limited, but automated process control becomes difficult and operator skill is required to control energy efficiency and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that detect the position of the embossing tool relative to the sheet metal. This feedback signal is used by the control system to automatically adjust the stop position and ram timing, enabling automated process control that maintains embossing precision without requiring operator intervention or expertise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators. The control system automatically adjusts the stop position and ram movement based on detected parameters, substituting operator skill-based mechanical adjustments with automated sensor-driven control, thereby achieving both precision and automation
3Manufacturing precision
If the press is clamped at bottom dead center to ensure stop contact, then precise embossing is achieved, but the press is heavily loaded with forces that destroy energy and increase wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stop engagement dynamic rather than static. The stop engages with the crank mechanism only during specific phases (stamping at bottom dead center) and disengages during other phases (embossing), allowing the press to operate with reduced mechanical stress during embossing while maintaining precision during stamping
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by having the stop engage and disengage at different phases of the press cycle. The stop is positioned to engage during stamping operations at bottom dead center and is moved away during embossing operations, creating a periodic pattern of constraint application that reduces overall mechanical stress and wear on the press
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to methods for operating a stamping press (1), comprising a ram (2), which operates against a (in particular fixed) bolster plate (3) and the position of which can be set with respect to the bolster plate (3) during operation as intended, wherein the ram (2) bears a first die part (4) and the bolster plate (3) bears a second die part (5), wherein the two die parts (4, 5) provide stop faces (6a, 7a), which are assigned to one another and, when the die is completely closed, form one or more fixed stops for delimiting the closing clearance of the die (4, 5) internally within the die. According to a first method according to the invention, during operation of the stamping press (1) as intended, the distance (a, a1, a2, a3) of the two die parts (4, 5) from one another or a parameter (b1, b2, b3, c) representing this distance at a specific point (P1, P2, P3) of the ram movement at which the die (4, 5) is not completely closed is monitored and the position of the ram is changed in dependence on the result of the monitoring. According to a second method according to the invention, during operation of the stamping press as intended, at least one of the fixed stops is monitored for contact between the stops and the position of the ram is changed in dependence on the result of the monitoring. With the methods according to the invention, it is possible even in the case of dies (4, 5) with fixed stops and irrespective of the skill and experience of the operator for the process to be conducted energy-efficiently and with little wear.