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OUTSMARTING THE ELEMENTS

We look at how Belgian auto part supplier Penne is using Schuler servo press technology to produce components for its next generation of windshield wipers.

Posted: June 29, 2010

Automotive supply companies are continuously challenged to reduce process costs while at the same time meet increased quality requirements. The Belgian company Penne, an auto part supplier, decided to meet this challenge by using ServoDirect Technology to produce components for its next generation of windshield wipers. Since February 2009, Penne has been using a servo press which ? together with a coil line and roll feed from Schuler Automation (Hessdorf, Germany) ? guarantees high output and optimum part quality.

The complete system, comprising servo press and coil line, was handed over to Penne in February 2009. The company started immediately with the production of windshield wiper components. The PSE2-315 blanking and forming press, specially developed for flexible use in part supply companies, boasts a stroke rate of 100 spm, and a press force of 350 US tons. Its bed measures 120 in x 50 in.

Penne?s windshield wiper production benefits from the advantages of these servo presses. Compared with conventional mechanical presses, the output performance is much higher. In addition, the ability to individually program the slide speed and movement also ensures high die service life and optimum part quality. These are key factors in the production of delicate yet highly stressed windshield wiper parts.

The peripheral equipment in the system includes a coil line with roll feed in long-space design. Its one-sided fanning and decoiling unit is designed for coils with weights of up to six tons, external diameters of 30 in to 70 in and coil widths of 12 in to 30 in. The system also includes a lifting platform, straightening machine with six rollers, threading aid and coil loop bridge.

The roll feed boasts a perforation control unit which enables users to program different feed lengths. This automation solution has advanced precision and process reliability. The coil line offers an integrated control architecture and visualization system for all components. For the user, this means a simple tryout phase and fast resolution of any malfunctions.

The entire line was ready for its turnkey hand-off just ten months after the order was placed. The mono-block construction of the press, which is assembled from standard modular components, makes short delivery times a reality, enabling a quick deliverly of a line that is tailored to the respective applications of Penne.

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Schuler Incorporated (Canton, MI), represents the Schuler Group in North America with sales management, project coordination for state-of-the-art metalforming systems. Its after-sales service, spare parts, PM programs, and retrofit and rebuild programs can support new and existing metalforming systems. Learn more at www.schulerinc.com or e-mail info@schulerinc.com.

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