To further increase its versatility in sheet-metal working, Witte van Moort B.V. purchased a 1500-ton hydraulic Schuler press with automation in the shape of 4 suspended ABB robots, which can each handle up to 120kg of materials. The table size is 4500x2500mm. The stroke is 1400mm. The lower table comprises a 3-piece blank holder table that can operate independently as well as simultaneously. Each of the 3 blank holder tables has a 400-ton pressure capacity; the total blank holder force is therefore 1200 tons.

The press is equipped with 4 engines, each driving a hydraulic pump. These engines or pumps are automatically set at the desired power level.

Power stage 1 up to 2900kN
Power stage 2 up to 5800kN
Power stage 3 up to 7500kN
Power stage 4 up to 15,000kN

The changeover takes place automatically and dynamically. For the return stroke of the ram, a nitrogen buffer system compresses nitrogen during the working stroke, whereby the press saves a fair amount of energy during the upstroke, resulting in a considerable environmental advantage.

The ram contains a blank holder cushion with a capacity of 2500kN so that the press, if necessary, can operate with double action. The press ram is equipped with a parallel control system; deep drawing in the middle is therefore not required.

Each of the 3 blank holder tables has a parallel control system so that they can be loaded eccentrically. For Witte van Moort B.V., as a universal supplier, these special controls are essential as they enable flexible operation of the press.

The press is equipped with 2 removable tables in a T-track so that the next set of tools can be set up on the outside table during production. Changeover therefore takes only a few minutes.

For automated product operations, the press is equipped with 4 suspended robots that can perform individual as well as parallel transfers.

The main advantage of the model with 4 suspended robots is that the robots always move in a straight line (the shortest route).

Another advantage is that the 4 robots move simultaneously without touching each other. Loading, transfer and unloading thus take a minimum amount of time.

One of the 4 robots places the finished product on a conveyor belt or packs the product.

Products that require multiple operations can be processed in one pass on this 4.5m wide press and 3-piece blank holder table. This is a major requirement for lean production with very short cycle times.

All in all, this is a very flexible system that enables quick changeover for medium-sized series.