New press line increases flexibility

In order to meet the demands of flexible, cost-effective production solutions, Finnveden Metal Structures has invested in a new 1,500 ton press line. The new press line is the first mechanical press of this size on the Nordic market to be operated by servomotors rather than conventional flywheel presses. The advantage of the new technology is that servomotors offer unique flexibility where each individual die can be programmed for optimum press movement, thereby reducing production costs.

The trend in sheet metal pressing is for components to be increasingly complex and constructed in higher-strength materials, while at the same time there are ever higher demands for more flexible production. To meet these demands, Finnveden Metal Structures has invested in a press line from Italian press manufacturer Zani, which is scheduled to be installed and ready to go online in Olofström in the first quarter of 2013.

“This investment enables us to meet our customers’ demands. At the same time we are strengthening the company’s position and competitiveness, while creating opportunities for further growth,” says Hans Granqvist, Executive VP Production at Finnveden Metal Structures.

The press line from Zani’s new SERVOMASTER® production series has a press capacity of 15,000 kN (1,500 tons) and a press table of 5,500 x 3,000 mm. The press, unlike conventional flywheel-driven mechanical presses, is equipped with four powerful Siemens servomotors with the capacity to generate the energy traditionally supplied by large flywheels. With servomotors as the power source, the press can be programmed freely with regard to speed, pressing force, turning positions, stamping times and so on, which optimizes the cycle time for each individual product. 

The press line contains both a band-feed system for band widths of up to 1,600 mm and sheet metal thicknesses of up to 8 mm, and a transfer system.