Schuler’s new press line reaches speeds of up to 23 strokes per minute
A German premium car manufacturer recently launched production on the world’s fastest press line: Schuler’s Servoline L. Equipped with blankloader, Crossbar Feeder and an end-of-line system, the compact line can reach speeds of up to 23 strokes per minute. The line’s ServoDirect Technology not only ensures high output, but also flexibility, energy efficiency and low part costs.
“Schuler’s Servoline L makes a decisive contribution toward raising the economic efficiency of modern press shops,” says Mr Klaus Linnig, Managing Director of Schuler’s Automotive division. “We could only achieve such high speeds by completely redesigning the Crossbar Feeder to enable the fast and reliable transportation of two-out and four-out parts.”
In the first stage, two Crossbar Robots supplied by Schuler alternately remove the tailored blanks and place them on a conveyor belt. If required, the blanks are then washed, lubricated and fed into the optical centering station. A camera records their position and conveys the data to two robots which then exactly position the blanks so that the Crossbar Feeder can feed them precisely into the first press. In order to guarantee maximum part quality, the drawing press is equipped with a servo-hydraulic bed cushion.
The Crossbar Feeder then transports the parts from press to press. Compared to its predecessor, the latest generation features two additional servo axes which enable it to also re-orientate two-out parts. They can be independently swiveled, turned or moved at right angles to the transport direction. This flexible change of position opens up completely new design possibilities for the dies.
After the last forming stage, the Crossbar Feeder hands over the parts to a shuttle. Two robots alternately take the finished car body parts and lay them on conveyor belts. The fully automatic die and tooling change can be completed in just three minutes and thus enables short changeovers – highly important for the flexibility and efficiency of press shops.
The new Schuler Servoline L is designed for the production of steel and aluminium parts. It can also quickly and reliably process high-strength steels. “The Servoline L breaks new ground in the mass manufacturing of car body parts,” concludes Mr Linnig adding, “Equipped with Schuler’s automation systems and ServoDirect Technology, it guarantees high levels of productivity and efficiency.”