Flexline, a new Industry 4.0-ready system for automatically positioning and securing a tool on the ram of a power press and then feeding back production data, is now available in Britain and Ireland from Hitchin-based
Roemheld UK Ltd.
This system offers numerous configuration options for rapidly installing almost any tool on a variety of punching and forming presses. During operation, integrated sensors measure die or punch holding force and monitor it in real-time, allowing data to be transmitted continuously via an interface such as an IO-link to the press control.
As an option, Roemheld supplies evaluation software that graphically displays the condition of tool clamping. Andreas Reich, head of quick-die-clamping technology at Hilma-Roemheld in Germany, said: “Many press operators like the fact that their systems can be digitalised and networked with little effort.
“Flexline is suitable for either factory installation or retrofitting. It is simple to operate and inexpensive to purchase.”
The Industry 4.0-ready Flexline clamps the upper punch or die on the ram of an automatic hydraulic press and gives the operator access to information concerning the actual holding force on the tool. The system also detects unusual clamping and stripping forces during production, as well as tool overload, wear and breakage.
Furthermore, a continuous log of the retaining force simplifies error analysis and facilitates predictive maintenance, thereby helping to stabilise a process and avoid downtime. An additional sensor system helps to determine the degree of contamination of the ‘hydraulic working medium’. Remote maintenance is also possible.
This Flexline system features a modular design, allowing it to be mounted on the clamping edge or in the T-slot of the ram. With its double piston, a clamping stroke of 19mm and a travel speed of up to 150mm/sec, it is suitable for many applications.