New Technology:Modular Electronic Tri-axis Transfer boosts output by ten percent

For the production of structural or chassis parts, press manufacturer Schuler offers mechanical and hydraulic tri-axis transfer presses. Such tri-axis transfer presses, with a center distance between dies of up to 2.200 millimeters and die widths of up to 3.000 millimeters,  are capable of processing large metal parts measuring as much as 2.500 x 1.500 millimeters. Material transport in the press is handled by an electronic tri-axis transfer system developed by Schuler. Benefits include: a wide spectrum of applications; easier material feeding; simple retrofitting; and short changeover times.

Apart from their tried and tested technology, the AT transfer systems also boast a modular equipment concept. All models feature closed clamping boxes. These are located either between the press uprights or on the outer side of the press uprights and can be mounted either hanging above or standing below the transport level. The direct drive acts directly on the transfer rail and is integrated into the transfer rail guides. The system uses highly dynamic servo drives with low-clearance, torsion-proof and maintenance-free planetary gears, clearance-free shaft couplings, and hardened and ground racks and pinions with long-term lubrication units.

Schuler supplies tri-axis transfer presses for almost all application fields. With a maximum stroke length of 400 millimeters, the AT 1 can reach speeds of up to 200 strokes per minute. It is therefore also well suited for use in fast automatic blanking and forming presses. The AT 3 reaches a maximum stroke length of 2.000 millimeters and a speed of up to 20 strokes per minute. Its field of application ranges from small parts, such as seat rails and wheel supports, to doors and hoods. The very rigid yet low-mass and low-inertia design of the new tri-axis transfer allows extremely high stroking rates and short changeover times, especially for the production of small parts.
The new generation of AT transfers can be scaled freely in terms of performance and adapted to a wide variety of application needs. All three sizes are available in the performance classes ¡°L¡± (light), ¡°M¡± (medium) and ¡°H¡± (heavy), in order to cover low, high and very high part weights and stroking rates. The heavy model boasts almost twice the capacity of the light version.
The newly developed direct-drive feeder using highly dynamic servo drives ensures a significant boost in output of up to ten percent. In addition to increased output and a wider spectrum of applications, the presses also offer further benefits:

Fewer interfering contours facilitate the design and selection of automation for material loading and unloading. As part of its turnkey system solutions, Schuler Automation also supplies destackers, feeders and blank feeders. These components and the new transfer are specially designed to complement each other.

The modular construction of the AT range means that the transfer system can be flexibly upgraded at any time in order to react swiftly to new press shop requirements. This offers customers maximum security for their investment. For example, a user who originally chose a light version can later fit additional or more powerful Schuler drives in order to process higher part weights and boost output. The transfer system is prepared for both mechanical and electrical retrofitting.

Thanks to a special transfer rail clutch with integrated sensors, manual die changes can be quickly executed. Schuler also offers an automatic transfer rail change as an optional extra. This can lead to a significant reduction in changeover times.