Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing laminated parts from a plurality of laminas, in which the laminas for forming the laminated parts are blanked from strip stock material. The laminas and are then cut and stacked to form the laminated part. The apparatus includes a measuring device placed with the die element of the press, for accurately measuring the thickness of successive sections of the strip stock. A controller, such as a computer or a programmable logic controller, receives the thickness value of the strip stock sections from the measuring device. Means are also included which is activated by the controller to provide a compensation adjustment at selected locations upon the strip stock sections to counteract the measured thickness variations, and to control the stack height.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing laminated parts in which spacing of individual laminas is maintained during the manufacturing process. As the laminas are stamped from strip stock material, a staking lug is formed in each lamina. The staking lug comprises an attaching lug, having a corresponding attaching cavity on an opposite surface, and a separation lug. The mating attaching lugs and cavities keep the spaced stack in a single unit configuration while the separation lug ensures adequate spacing between individual laminas for annealing and/or insulation of the individual laminas. The staking lug is preferably formed in one stamping step in a punch press machine, and eliminates the need for rotation of the laminas or alternate stamping methodologies, simplifying the laminated part manufacturing process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing laminated parts from a plurality of laminas, in which the laminas for forming the laminated parts are blanked from strip stock material. The laminas and are then cut and stacked to form the laminated part. The apparatus includes a measuring device, such as a linear variable differential transducer, for measuring the thickness of successive sections of the strip stock. A controller, such as a computer or a programmable logic controller, receives the thickness value of the strip stock sections from the measuring device. The desired stack height is inputted into the controller, as well as a protuberance or dimple height. A punching device, such as one or more front and rear slide operated punches, is also included which is activated by the controller to provide a protuberance at selected locations upon the strip stock sections.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing laminated parts from a plurality of laminas, in which the laminas for forming the laminated parts are blanked from strip stock material. The laminas and are then cut and stacked to form the laminated part. The apparatus includes a measuring device, such as a linear variable differential transducer, for measuring the thickness of successive sections of the strip stock at a first location of each section. The measuring device also measures the thickness of the strip stock sections at a second location of each section. A controller, such as a computer or a programmable logic controller, receives the thickness values at the first location and second location of the strip stock sections from the measuring device and computes a value of a difference therebetween. The controller also computes a running sum of the difference values for the strip stock sections and compares the difference values sum to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A metal stamping die for a punch press is provided that has a programmable logic microcontroller fixed directly to the die body of the stamping die. The programmable logic microcontroller is encased in epoxy resin to protect it from contaminants and to protect it from vibration which will occur as the punch press operates to stamp metal parts. Sensing devices on the stamping die are electrically connected through passages in the stamping die to the programmable logic microcontroller. An annunciator panel is positioned on the programmable logic microcontroller and has light emitting diodes to indicate the type of malfunction in the die which causes the punch press to stop when a malfunction occurs.

Abstract: A plurality of individual frames or stampings provided in a sheet strip material by a stamping device are passed in proximity to a sensing device. As each individual frame or stamping is passed in proximity to the sensing device, the sensing device provides a voltage signal to a controller. The voltage signal is proportional to the amount of, or mass of, metallic material in each frame or stamping and the distance between the frame or stamping and the sensing device. The controller generates an individual waveform from the voltage signal for each frame passed in proximity to the sensing device. Each individual waveform is a function of the position of the movable portion of the stamping device for one cycle. As the plurality of individual frames are passed in proximity to the sensing device, a plurality of individual waveforms are generated within the controller. The waveforms are compared within the controller to detect a deviation between waveforms.

Abstract: A plurality of individual openings provided in a sheet strip material by a stamping device are passed in succession through a monitoring station positioned adjacent the outlet of the stamping device. As each individual opening is passed through the monitoring station, the monitoring station produces a plurality of voltage signals which identify the progres of each opening through the monitoring station and the progres of the sheet strip material through the stamping device. A controller is provided having an input for receiving the plurality of voltage signals produced as each opening is passed through the monitoring station and an output connected to the stamping device. Within the controller, the plurality of voltage signals identifying the progress of an individual opening through the monitoring station are compared to the plurality of voltage signals identifying the progress of a following opening through the monitoring station.

Abstract: A plurality of individual openings provided in a sheet strip material by a stamping device are passed in succession through a monitoring station positioned adjacent the outlet of the stamping device. As each individual opening is passed through the monitoring station, the monitoring station produces a plurality of voltage signals which identify the progress of each opening through the monitoring station and the progress of the sheet strip material through the stamping device. A controller is provided having an input for receiving the plurality of voltage signals produced as each opening is passed through the monitoring station and an output connected to the stamping device. Within the controller, the plurality of voltage signals identifying the progress of an individual opening through the monitoring station are compared to the plurality of voltage signals identifying the progress of a following opening through the monitoring station.

Abstract: A plurality of individual frames or stampings provided in a sheet strip material by a stamping device are passed in proximity to a sensing device. As each individual frame or stamping is passed in proximity to the sensing device, the sensing device provides a voltage signal to a controller. The voltage signal is proportional to the amount of, or mass of, metallic material in each frame or stamping and the distance between the frame or stamping and the sensing device. The controller generates an individual waveform from the voltage signal for each frame passed in proximity to the sensing device. Each individual waveform is a function of the position of the movable portion of the stamping device for one cycle. As the plurality of individual frames are passed in proximity to the sensing device, a plurality of individual waveforms are generated within the controller. The waveforms are compared within the controller to detect a deviation between waveforms.