30/06/2009

Cost-effective transfer modernization boosts productivity of US part supplier

The fully modular transfer concept of Schuler’s ProfiTrans AT3 allows cost-effective retrofits on presses of various manufacturers

The Schuler Group recently modernized a ten-year-old press for a US car part supplier and added a modular electronic tri-axis transfer from Schuler Automation in Hessdorf, Germany. By enhancing the reliability and precision of the line, the customer has been able to reduce downtime and boost productivity significantly. For example, cycle times for numerous parts have been shortened by ten to forty percent.

Based in the Midwest of the USA, the company was looking for ways to raise output on its almost ten-year-old press. After 28 million strokes, it was time to replace the existing transfer system.

Schuler’s ProfiTrans AT3 transfer proved to be an attractive solution. Equipped with a direct drive unit and robust steel transfer rails, the system offered flexibility and high speed with minimal deflection. Thanks to fast delivery and a modular concept allowing fast installation and trouble-free press integration, the refit was soon completed.

“In view of the adverse economic climate, many companies are looking for ways to raise the productivity of their existing lines, especially in the field of press automation,” explains Rolf Cisar, Product Group Manager for transfer systems and solid forming at Schuler Automation in Hessdorf. He adds: “Transfer retrofits are a good example of how to maximize the efficiency of existing plant and equipment. More and more users are interested in investing in automation and modernization. This includes both transfer retrofits and optimizing the control and hydraulic systems.”

The customer has been successfully producing on the modernized line since January 2009 and is so satisfied that a further press retrofit has already been ordered. “A transfer retrofit shows how easy it is to boost the performance of existing lines,” says Rolf Cisar.