FEINTOOL INTERNATIONAL HOLDING AG 16.09.2015
A new chapter has opened in the close collaboration between the technology company Feintool and RWTH Aachen University. For its research work, the machine tool laboratory (WZL) at RWTH Aachen has acquired a Feintool XFT2500speed fineblanking press. Now that it has been formally handed over, one of the objectives of Feintool and the WZL is to discover how to reduce tool wear during fineblanking.
"It has always been our ambition to pursue further technological development of the fineblanking process. Research and collaboration, including our partnership with RWTH Aachen, are important cornerstones in this task", emphasized Marc Schori, Head of the Fineblanking Technology Segment at Feintool, at the ceremony marking the handover of the press to the machine tool laboratory.
The WZL will use the Feintool XFT2500speed press to focus its research on aspects ranging from the influence of the servo-mechanical drive on sheet metal separation and the use of innovative tool materials, to the shear cutting and fineblanking of alternative materials such as fibre-reinforced composites. Feintool is also launching a joint research project with WZL with the aim of increasing their understanding of tool wear and how to reduce it.
Research excellence requires excellent forming machines with outstanding capabilities in order to undertake a comprehensive study into future fineblanking. This is why the WZL opted for the Feintool XFT2500speed press, which ticks every box when it comes to handling tomorrow's research questions. "There was no other manufacturer anywhere in the world able to provide us with a CE-compliant press of such high quality", stressed Dr Patrick Mattfeld, head of the metal forming technology, grinding technology and technology planning department.
As component geometries become more complex and steels become both thinner and stronger, one aim of the research being jointly pursued by WZL and Feintool is to reduce the extent of wear suffered by fineblanking tools. "Combining the experience Feintool has gained over many years with what our pure research has taught us creates the perfect partnership with benefits for both of us", said Dr Mattfeld. "We are optimizing fineblanking technology as regards its economic efficiency, quality and productivity and in this way can generate further benefits for customers and users", added Marc Schori.
The XFT 2500speed equipped with cutting-edge servo-technology now places a press of the very latest generation at the disposal of these partners. Two regulated servo-motors power the press at up to 140 strokes per minute. Compared with models powered by traditional drive systems, output can be increased by up to 100% if appropriate tools are used. Even at these high cycle rates, the press achieves long tool life - its rigidity and freely programmable operational sequences make sure of this.
The project is supported by several partners
The entire project benefits from the 'Technology Network', an arrangement under which Feintool works closely and at a strategic level with its most important suppliers (Arku, Böhler, C.D. Wälzholz, Platit, technotrans and Wisura). This Technology Network generates invaluable support in the form of accessories, materials and technical support.
Brief profile of Feintool
Feintool is the world's leading technology group specializing in the development of fineblanking systems and the production of ready-to-install fineblanking and forming components, notably for the automotive industry. The Group maintains close partnerships with its customers across the entire fineblanking and forming process - from component design, toolmaking and system construction through to large-scale series parts production. In addition to fineblanking, Feintool Group also deploys other key processes such as precision forming and orbital technology, and is the world's only supplier of all-round solutions for the cost-effective manufacture of complex precision components.
With its locations in Europe, Japan, China and the USA, Feintool Group is represented in the world's major automotive markets. Headquartered in Lyss, Switzerland, the Group has a headcount of approximately 2000. At its various locations, Feintool provides training at any given time for about 80 young people in a number of skills (tool mechanics, design engineers and commercial trades).
The partners
ARKU, for almost 50 years the market and technology leader in straightening technology, offers the widest range of high-performance precision straightening machines in the world. Innovative deburring machines have very recently been added to its product portfolio. ARKU supplies reliable machines produced using state-of-the-art technology.
BÖHLER develops, produces and supplies over 200 brands of tool steels, high-speed steels and special materials throughout the world to meet the most demanding requirements. Using our innovative materials, our customers can significantly enhance the quality of their products and increase output.
FUCHS WISURA: Their premium chlorine-free grade fineblanking oils help cut surfaces to achieve optimum peak-to-valley heights; they ensure the best wear protection and increase tool life while offering the greatest possible process reliability - even for sheets thicker than 10 mm with difficult contours.
PLATIT develops and produces turnkey PVD coating machines for metal cutting and forming tools and for components. More than 450 systems have been installed in 38 countries.
Technotrans Group successfully focuses on applications in its core expertise area of fluids technology. We operate at 22 sites with a workforce of 780 and have a presence in all the world's markets. As a full liner company in the field of spray oiling, technotrans offers a complete range of products for oiling coil strips, blanks and profiles with emulsions, oils or corrosion protection agents. spray.xact does not use compressed air and is thus particularly economical - it is possible to dispense with an extraction system.
C.D. Wälzholz: With nine sites in Europe, Asia, North and South America, Wälzholz can supply 600,000 t of cold-rolled steel strip and profiles worldwide, all of the same top quality. State-of-the-art technologies and individually tailored logistics concepts make us the ideal partner in a wide range of application segments.
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