Diemaker operates 800-ton press of latest Schuler technology

Huissel GmbH, based in Enkenbach-Alsenborn, Germany, is Schuler's first customer with an 800-ton press of the newly developed MSP series. Managing Director Gerald Schug was particularly impressed by the innovative concept of the lines: they use two exclusively electronically synchronized drive trains in an opposite arrangement, each consisting of a highly dynamic servo motor, a brake module, and an eccentric shaft.

"The absence of gears makes the machine much more dynamic than previous servo presses," explains Schug. In conventional mechanical presses, a gearbox in the crown ensures the synchronization of the motors. In addition, the pressure points on the MSP series are further out than those on traditional presses, which increases the possible eccentric load. Part of the overall concept is also a fine electronic parallelism monitoring system for the slide.

"The knuckle-joint drive-in transverse shaft design plays to its strengths particularly in the lower working range," adds Schug. The constant forming speed shortly before the bottom dead center offers mechanical advantages, especially in embossing, bending and drawing. Huissel benefits from this, for example, when forming lids and shells for ventilation systems or an approximately 20-millimeter flat sheet metal part made of aluminum for a major automotive manufacturer.

Schug is also completely satisfied with the automation of the press, which Schuler likewise supplied. Furthermore, the scope of supply includes a "Power Line" type coil line in long design, the "Power Feed" roll feed, and the "ProTrans" modular electronic three-axis transfer with active vibration compensation. Triple oiling of the strip material ensures optimum forming conditions.

Die simulation prevents possible collisions

Huissel also invested in the DigiSim simulation solution for its own diemaking operations, among other things. Thus, the possible collision with the transfer can be detected while the die is still in the design phase. During a training course held last October with Schuler's experts, the users learned about the extensive possibilities of the software and how to operate it.

On the other hand, no great prior knowledge is required to control the press, as operators can select from six already programmed slide movement curves which are matched to the desired product. The "Smart Assist" also guides the operator step-by-step through the setup process for new dies, which helps shorten Huissel's production startup.

If, despite everything, a maloperation should occur, the electronic overload protection prevents worse: It immediately registers an excessive press force and changes the torque of the main drive in the opposite direction within a few milliseconds to minimize die damage.

Thanks to an energy storage unit, the connected load of the overall system is significantly reduced. Finally, for Gerald Schug, the external appearance of the largest investment in Huissel's company history to date is right: "The design of the machine is impressive," is how the managing director puts it – especially since the MSP 800 can also convince with its internal values.

Source and photo: Schuler