Motion Controller Synchronizes Axes in Automotive Panel Press (.PDF Download)

Jan. 11, 2018
Motion Controller Synchronizes Axes in Automotive Panel Press (.PDF Download)

In a molding press that forms large body panels made of composite material, if the platen exerts uneven pressure across the panel as it’s molded, the result can be incomplete product forming (to the mold), uneven thickness, flashes at the edge of the molded panel, and other defects affecting the quality and consistency of the production units. Further, if the press platen is skewed or it does not apply the load evenly, it may also damage the mold, seriously affecting the service life of the equipment.

Wuxi Lanli Machine Tool Co. Ltd., Jiangsu, China, a hydraulic press manufacturer, was challenged with improving the operation of an older press design to produce body panels for a Chinese auto plant. With three main compression cylinders, the hydraulic press could easily handle the tonnage required for the new application, but there were issues with keeping the platen perfectly level as up to 3,000 tons of force were being applied.