some instances, all componentsof the transfer system. including the transfer de vi ce and blank supply device, arc manufactured by the press builder. These components can be balanced-ali control and softwa re tech- nologies integrated to work together, Key elements to increasing productivu y for J IT are sensing and cor- recting double-blank misfeeds and reloading without stopping the press. This type of sensing techn ology features a blank discharge device that aut omatically disc harges the extra blank when a double blank is detected . On presses outfitted with a blank holding device, blanks automatically are held while the blank slack is changed-e-eliruinatmg the need to Trctlllsfer tecll1l1loloCJlt{ lttelps crezrte cowiplex PClrtS By Denn is Bo erge r anufa cruring trends, particularly in the aut omotive industry, du ce complex parts from thinner and stronger materials than previously used . While this combination makes pans more difficult lO stamp. transfer technol ogy can help stampeTs overco me these produ ction challenge s. In addition to its ability 10 do more than stamp simple pans. a transfer press allows manufacturers manipulate the pan during the production process, such as turning it over or tilimg il for muliiple oper- ations . Current transfer press tech- nology production output levels are challenging or exceeding rates achieved by progressive-die presses. Reduced material advantage of the technology For stampers considering purchasing transfer equipment, pan complexity and production volume are the two biggest factors to consider. Another consideration is finding a press builder that can provide automation and ancillary equipment, as well as integration services. installation , runolT, and posunsiallation suppon. It's aJust-in-hme World For large , complex pans or just-intime OIT) manufacturing, transfer presses can be an effective choice. Transfer presses equipped with link drives, cushions, and programmable transfer feed syslems can provid e impro ved flexibility and increased producuvuy for JIT producti on , To reduce dowruime caused by production problems. the press shou ld be able 10 improve the upnme -io-dowruirne ratio by shanening the time required for a die change and speeding up production. Modern transfer press equipment is designed 10 combine fast production speeds with quick die change and continuous blank feeding. In stop the press wh ile changing stacks of blanks. Assisted by the app ropriate software, a die change on a 2,500-lOn press can be performed in less than five minu tes. Off-center load-bearing capacity in such transfer presses can olTer flexibility in die design and layout because not all die Slations require the same load. B)' designing the press 10 accept high off-ce nter loads, less attention can be paid 10 balancing loads in all tooling stations, Automation for the Presses Stampers co nsidering automated press systems might focus on progressive-die presses , which usc co il feeders, or transfer presses. which use tran sfer feeds. Traditio nally. transfer presses have been straightside. In a line with two or more straigh t-side presses, one press can be run alone , or when extra tooling is required, the presses can be run as a single large transfer press by initialing the intermediate stage between STAMPING JOURN AL • AN FMA PUBLIC ATIO N

Figure I In a li ne with two or more straight-side presses. one can be run alone, or when extra tooling is required. the presses can be run as a single large transfer press by initiating the intermediate stage between the presses and running the equipment in a continuous. synchronized operation. the presses and running the equipment in a continuous. synchronized operation (see Figure 1). For pan orders that are large but not large enough for a ded icated transfer press, a third option is to combine a gap-frame press with an automated transfer system. Though slower than progressive-die operations,...