"As with most industrial technologies, there is a debate between the traditional and the modern, more innovative methods," said a Bihler spokesperson. "Manufacturing of stamped and shaped metal parts such as brackets, thin rods and wire goods is no exception. To produce these high volume parts, a manufacturer has the choice between two primary machine technologies: four slide machines or power presses. Here we will compare each with regards to capability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness."
Use of Power Presses
The industrial revolution saw the mechanization of manufacturing processes as power presses became a staple in factories around the world. These capable machines generate hundreds of tons of concentrated pressure that can be used to stamp a variety of metal parts of varying sizes, shapes and materials. Due to their durability and straightforward design, power presses have long been favored for the manufacture of stamped parts, most notably "uncomplicated" metal parts. "Unfortunately, because the power press tooling works in only one direction, the machines have limited ability to produce more complicated part shapes with bends or angles over 90°. This results in the need for additional tooling and/or production steps, along with additional lead time and labor, negatively affect performance, efficiency and profitability," said the spokesperson.
Benefits of Four Slide Manufacturing
"Because they are more specialized than power presses, four slide machines are used extensively around the globe in a wide variety of manufacturing sectors and their numbers are growing," said the spokesperson. "They feature four slides that carry individual tooling, which converge on a center point and powerfully impact/press the material, transforming it into a ready-to-finish part. Because these four slides work independently, they can be configured to operate in various planes compared to power press tooling, which typically moves in only one direction. This major advantage of four slide machines offers unlimited possibilities for part shaping, bending, punching and cutting, all in one operation."
"Bihler's 4 Slide-NC features exclusive servo-driven technology that offers greater efficiency, consistency and quality for the manufacturing environment," added the spokesperson.
Additional advantages of the Bihler 4 Slide-NC machines:
- A finished part can be produced in just one step by one machine with one set of tooling.
- The rate of production is greater, reducing costs and increasing output up to 50%.
- Improved precision tooling produces parts with tighter tolerances than press machines.
- Material costs are reduced by eliminating the need for carrying strips or spooled materials.
- Tooling costs are reduced when compared to press operations that require expensive dies and cams to redirect motion.
Bihler 4 Slide-NC, an independent company, is a joint venture of Bihler of America and Otto Bihler Maschinenfabrik, Germany, providers of forming, assembly, and welding technologies and machinery for a wide range of global industries.
For more information contact:
Christopher Alexander
National Sales Manager
Bihler 4 Slide-NC
85 Industrial Drive
Building B
Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
908-213-9101
calexander@bihler.com
www.4slide-nc.com