The ‘electrical steel’ manufacturer Sitem SpA, founded in 1974, says it aims to “respond as flexibly as possible to customers’ needs”, which is why the family-owned company has ordered two Smartline SA-315S high-speed presses from Schuler (www.schulergroup.com) for stamping electric-motor stator laminations.

These machines have a press force of 315 tonnes, which is available over the entire speed range of 100-400 strokes per min; and compared with other press types, die life is increased by up to 30%, thanks to Schuler’s depth penetration control and slide-guidance system.

Furthermore, a clamping area of 1,200 x 2,700mm and a maximum upper die weight of 3,125kg means that the Smartline SA-315S can accommodate the most complex of Sitem’s punching dies.

Meanwhile, the servo-motor slide adjustment allows for quick die changes, and the substantial cast body of the press provides optimised damping.

Sitem, which is based in Trevi (halfway between Rome and San Marino), has two other locations in Italy, plus one each in France and Slovakia.

The company has more than 700 employees and a turnover of over 160 million euros. In 2016, it took over the Swiss company Stanzwerk AG to prepare for the growing market of electric mobility.