Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface treatment apparatus and method for inducing compressive residual stress in the surface of a workpiece with dimensional variations. The method comprises the acts of measuring the dimensions of the workpiece during a surface treatment operation and adjusting the surface treatment process parameters to account for the measured dimensions. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises two surface treatment elements oriented in opposition to one another in a caliper configuration. The surface treatment elements are positioned and impinged against the surface of a workpiece by an actuator controlled by a computer control unit. The depth to which the surface treatment elements are impinged is precisely controlled to achieve the desired magnitude and depth of compressive residual stress. A sensor operatively connected to the apparatus senses and relays the dimensions of the workpiece to a computer control unit that adjusts the operating parameters accordingly.

Abstract: In a rotary tube bender, a first set of pressure sensors is located between the normally disposed mating surfaces of a wiper die insert and its wiper die holder; and a second set of pressure sensors is located between the axially disposed surfaces of the wiper die insert and the wiper die holder. Signal outputs of the first and second sets of pressure sensors over the course of bending cycles are compared to previously determined nominal signal outputs for drift indicative of whether a realignment or replacement of the wiper die should be performed.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus using a motor, in which a driving device for fast feed, which lowers a upper die to a position immediately before pressing, and a motor for pressing, which performs a pressing operation, are used to cause the driving device for fast feed and the motor for pressing to operate cooperatively, and only one position detector, which detects a present position of a slider, is provided for a set of the driving device for fast feed and the motor for pressing. A lock device is provided so as to lock the slider and the screw shaft while the motor for pressing is operating for pressing a work piece.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic test method and an apparatus using the same for testing functions of a product by automatically pressing keys of the product. The automatic test method includes the steps of: inputting motion parameters of at least two driven mechanisms into a microcomputer; producing pulse waves by a motion control card disposed in the microcomputer after the microcomputer handling the motion parameters of the driven mechanisms; leading at least one touch head to move along a first direction and a second direction perpendicular with the first direction until the touch head being above the key of the product by the driven mechanisms after receiving the pulse waves; and pressing the key to test the function of the product through depressing the touch head.

Abstract: Provided is a die cushion controller that controls an ascending/descending speed of a die cushion based on a predetermined pressure pattern 56. The pressure pattern 56 has a low pressure target value PL which is first followed by an increased cushion pressure, a high pressure target value PH corresponding to a requisite cushion pressure for retaining a workpiece, and a complementary target value PC which is followed by the cushion pressure at a substantially linear increase rate for a predetermined period of time T2 until the cushion pressure exceeds the low pressure target value PL and reaches the high pressure target value PH. The cushion pressure overshooting the low pressure target value PL continues to follow the complementary target value PC, so that an overshooting amount occurring at a time point at which the cushion pressure reaches the high pressure target value PH can be reduced. As a result, pressure variation in the cushion pressure can be suppressed.

Abstract: A rivet monitoring system is provided which has a micro-strain or micro fluid pressure sensor that measures strains or pressures within a tool component. These measured signals are compared to a number of tolerance bands formed about median strain or pressure versus time curve. Various techniques are provided to analyze the measured data with respect to the tolerance bands to determine if a particular rivet set is acceptable.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for establishing setup parameters for use in a machine. In one embodiment a tooling component is removably mountable to a host machine. The tooling component includes a memory that contains information defining setup parameters for the host machine for use with the tooling component. A controller associated with the host machine reads the information from the memory and configures the host machine based on the information read from the memory. In another embodiment, an information carrying tag, is associated with the tooling component. The information carrying tag is read and the identifying information obtained from the tag is used by a controller to select a set of setup parameters from one or more sets of setup parameters stored in a storage device accessible by the controller. A mechanism is provided to precisely position the adapter on the base plate for the host machine to minimize variations in production using the setup parameters derived from the stored information.

Abstract: A die-cushion controlling device includes: a position-command-signal outputting section for outputting a position command signal of a die-cushion pad; a position detecting means for detecting a position of the die-cushion pad; a position comparing section for outputting a position deviation signal corresponding to a deviation between the target position value based on the position command signal and a position detection value based on a position detection signal; a position controlling section for outputting a position-speed command signal based on the position deviation signal; a speed controlling section for outputting a motor-current command signal based on the position-speed command signal from the position controlling section; a servo amplifier for generating a current corresponding to the motor-current command signal; and an escape-position-command-signal outputting section for outputting a position command signal for commanding the die-cushion pad to escape from a bottom dead center position based on a

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a die cushion mechanism including a servo-motor as a drive source and producing a force adapted to be applied to a slide in a press machine. The control apparatus includes a force commanding section for commanding a force to be produced by the die cushion mechanism; a force detecting section for detecting the force produced by the die cushion mechanism; a motor-speed detecting section for detecting an operating speed of the servo-motor; a slide-speed detecting section for detecting a moving speed of the slide; and a force controlling section for executing a force control on the servo-motor, based on a force command value commanded by the force commanding section, a force detected value detected by the force detecting section, a motor-speed detected value detected by the motor-speed detecting section and a slide-speed detected value detected by the slide-speed detecting section.

Abstract: A safety system for use with a machine having a moving tool arranged to move through a known path of movement. The safety system is arranged to detect the presence of an obstruction in a region (20) around a portion of said path deemed to be hazardous. The safety system is characterised by comprising a light emitting means (16), a light receiving means (18) and a processing and control means. The light emitting means (16) is arranged to emit light generally parallel to the path of movement of the tool such that the region (20) is illuminated. The light receiving means (18) is arranged to receive light from the light emitting means (16) which has passed through the region (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a shaping machine (1) having a tool (2), in particular a shaping machine having a shaping tool, in which the workpiece is handled by means of a handling device (3) during the manufacturing process. To improve the production process, the invention provides that before machining of workpieces on the shaping machine (1), the position and/or orientation of the tool (2) is/are determined by approaching at least one reference surface (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) on the tool (2) with a handling device (3) equipped with at least one sensor (4, 4?), transmitting the determined positions of the reference surfaces (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) to an evaluating means (11), and determining in the evaluating means (11) the position and orientation of the tool (2). The invention further relates to a shaping machine.

Abstract: High production processing and high accuracy processing are selectively performed with a single press. To this end, there are provided a system and method for controlling a servo press 1 in which an eccentric rotation mechanism 20 is driven by a servo motor 21 and the rotating power of the eccentric rotation mechanism 20 is transmitted to a slide 3 through a toggle linkage 15, thereby vertically moving the slide 3. In the control system and method, the rotation of the servo motor 21 is controlled in response to a motor speed command rm calculated based on the deviation ? p of the position of the slide 3 and a positional gain G(?) preset according to a speed ratio of the slide 3.

Abstract: A pressing tool (13) includes a fluid pump (4), a cylinder element (5) arranged connecting with this and a piston which can be slid forward in the cylinder element (5) by pressure fluid of the fluid pump (4) and reset by a return spring (20a). A piston rod (6) is passed out to the cylinder element (5) as an activation part. The pressing tool (13) is moreover outfitted with a position measuring device (12, 12a; 112, 212, 212a) which measures without contact which makes the piston position continuously detectable over a positioning range free of disturbance and with a presence sensor (52). The presence sensor (52) verifies the presence of a jointing clamp (51) and issues an indicator signal in the event that a jointing clamp (51) is missing or improperly fastened and shuts the pressing tool (13) off following a delay period to the extent that no orderly inserted jointing clamp (51) is yet available.

Abstract: A control device of a die cushion mechanism, by which a force between a slide and a die cushion may follow a commanded value even in the rapid acceleration or deceleration of the slide and, moreover, a problem such as vibration of the mechanism may be prevented in the gradual acceleration or deceleration of the slide. The control device includes a slide position detecting part, such as a position sensor, for detecting the position of the slide and a correcting part for correcting a current commanded value using an acceleration of the slide, obtained by second-order differentiation of the position of the slide detected by the position sensor.

Abstract: A control device (10) for a die cushion mechanism that produces a force for a slide (24) in a press machine, comprising slide velocity command-forming means (61) for forming a velocity command for the slide (24), die cushion velocity command-forming means (62) for forming a velocity command for said die cushion (20), and velocity relation calculation means (65) for calculating a velocity relation between the velocity of the slide and the velocity of the die cushion based on a rate of increase (dF) in the force produced between the slide and the die cushion immediately after the collision of the slide with the die cushion. The cushion velocity command-forming means forms the velocity command for the die cushion based upon the slide velocity command formed by the slide velocity command-forming means and upon the velocity relation calculated by the velocity relation-calculation means. This makes it possible to form an optimum velocity command for the slide and/or the die cushion.

Abstract: A marking device for encoding metallic workpieces with two-dimensional matrix codes includes a striking tool for forming the code recesses, driven by an electromagnetic device. The driving movement is performed against the force of a return device. A positioning device displaceable on two axes (x, y) of a plane perpendicular to the striking direction (z) is used for positioning the striking tool in the desired code positions. An electronic control device for controlling movement of the striking tool includes means for presetting a higher current for the electromagnet device during a first acceleration phase of the striking tool and a lower current during a subsequent moving phase until the workpiece is impinged. In this manner, the precision of the code recesses in the workpiece can be exactly set or maintained, so that readability of the coding is substantially improved.

Abstract: A workpiece displacement system that includes: providing a head including a conduit, a recess port, and a channel; inserting a force distribution member into the recess port; and supplying a negative pressure state through the head and the force distribution member.

Abstract: A rivet setting tool is provided to provide improved monitoring of riveted connections during rivet setting. The rivet setting tool includes a head piece for holding a rivet, a device for gripping a rivet pin, a pulling apparatus connected to the device for gripping a rivet pin, and a device for measuring the tension of the pulling apparatus. Using the setting implement according to the invention, a cause of a fault can be determined by means of a comparison between measured values and stored values.

Abstract: A die cushion controller uses position control to position die cushion members for placement of a metal sheet. A pressing process starts and the upper die is lowered. When a position detector detects a position at which the upper die touches the sheet metal, the die cushion controller switches over from position control to pressure control and applies a preset pressure to the sheet metal. When the position detector detects that the upper die has risen to a preset position, the die cushion controller clears the positional deviation accumulated in position control to zero, then moves the die cushion members to preset positions and holds them there.

Abstract: In a press installation including a number of presses with servo-drives for operating the presses and auxiliary equipment such as workpiece handling devices wherein an energy management system is provided including a DC voltage intermediate circuit connected to a power supply grid via an AC/DC converter and to the servo-drives via servo-converters, a fly-wheel storage device is connected to the intermediate circuit for supplying energy thereto and recapturing energy therefrom under the control of a control arrangement which controls the flow of power between the intermediate circuit, the servo-drives, the fly-wheel storage device and the power supply grid.

Abstract: A high-pressure press includes a pressure vessel surrounded by a force-absorbing press frame. The high-pressure press also includes a detection structure for detecting changes in length of at least one column comprised in the press frame, the changes in length depending on the pressure inside the pressure vessel. The detection structure includes a limit switch, which is adapted to detect if the change in length of the column has reached a threshold value and, in that case, interrupt a pressing operation in progress and reduce the pressure inside the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus using a motor, in which a fast feed drive lowers an upper die to a position immediately before pressing, and a motor for pressing performs a pressing operation. The fast feed drive and the motor for pressing operate cooperatively, and only one position detector, which detects a present position of a slider, is provided for a set of the fast feed drive and the motor for pressing.

Abstract: A method for processing sheet metal includes processing and forming a sample and a blank on a work while leaving a microjoint part in a blanking process. The method also includes detecting at least one of a plate thickness of the work in an optional position and a spring-back amount of the sample during bending. Information of at least one of the plate thickness and the spring-back amount is transmitted to a controller of a bending machine in a bending process after the blanking process. Bending is performed by calculating a ram control value in bending using data of at least one of the transmitted plate thickness and the spring-back amount.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for establishing setup parameters for use in a machine. In one embodiment a tooling component is removably mountable to a host machine. The tooling component includes a memory that contains information defining setup parameters for the host machine for use with the tooling component. A controller associated with the host machine reads the information from the memory and configures the host machine based on the information read from the memory. In another embodiment, an information carrying tag, is associated with the tooling component. The information carrying tag is read and the identifying information obtained from the tag is used by a controller to select a set of setup parameters from one or more sets of setup parameters stored in a storage device accessible by the controller. A mechanism is provided to precisely position the adapter on the base plate for the host machine to minimize variations in production using the setup parameters derived from the stored information.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bending machine comprising a machine frame, and upper bar and a lower bar mounted on the frame and mutually mobile, a bending bar mounted on the frame, a bending bar mounted on the frame and mobile relative to the frame, to the upper bar and to the lower bar, said bending bar being provided with a support and a bending tool pressing on said support via a bending device actuated by a control unit. The invention aims at making the bending adjustment faster and more accurate. Therefor, said bending device is equipped with an adjusting device capable of being used during a bending operation; the adjusting device, which is actuated by the control unit, can be controlled during a bending operation; at least one sensor associated with the control unit enables detection, through the adjusting device of an adjustment performed by the control unit.

Abstract: A metal sheet folding device, particularly a folding press, comprising a table beam stationarily arranged on a machine frame, and a press beam arranged on the machine frame in guide arrangements with a driving device. The press beam is adjustable in relation to the table beam. Furthermore, provision is made for a sheet depositing/positioning device for at least one metal sheet plate or at least one workpiece for intermediately positioning the latter for carrying out a gripping operation with the gripping device of a handling system. The device is supported on the machine frame preferably on the table beam and adjustable in a linear guide arrangement in the direction of the longitudinal expanse of the table beam over at least part of the length.

Abstract: A straightening apparatus for large diameter thick wall pipe has an expander head at one end of a beam inserted into the pipe and having a radially displaceable saddle positionable at any selected location along the beam. The saddle may be shifted along the beam by a linear actuator and the saddle applies a radial force to the inner wall of the pipe in a bending operation.

Abstract: A press forming machines includes displacement measuring means for measuring a displacement between a slide plate and a reference plate. Control means measures a positional displacement of each of the driving sources by using the displacement measuring means in each of a plurality of operating steps during the molding operation, detects a desired displacement position of the entire slide plate, extracts control data including a correction amount to maintain the entire slide plate at the desired displacement position, the correction amount corresponding to a change in load on each of the driving sources, stores the control data in the memory, supplies the control data to the driving sources, and separately drives the driving sources. Since an actual molding operation can be performed using control data generated in a trial molding operation, the cycle time of the actual molding can be shortened.

Abstract: A cutting head has upper part with at least one separating cutter, at least one stripping cutter, a first cutting edge, a force-measuring device operating on the piezo principle, and a first holding plate. A lower part of the cutting head includes at least one separating cutter, at least one stripping cutter, a second cutting edge and a second holding plate. The first cutting edge, the second cutting edge, and the force-measuring device serve to measure the height of the crimp. The first holding plate and the second holding plate serve to measure the pull-out force.

Abstract: A moving speed of one of tables 11 during the bending process in an approaching direction is controlled to be a bending process optimal speed which is determined by maximum machine speed inherent in the table 11, a coefficient of a material of a workpiece W, a coefficient of a thickness of the workpiece W, a coefficient of a product shape, and coefficients of dies P and D.

Abstract: A crimp state estimation apparatus includes: an information input section for inputting information on an crimp contact terminal, an electric wire, an anvil, and the crimper and an input compression ratio of a core wire of the electric wire; and an estimation unit for calculating a total length of the bottom wall and the pair of crimp pieces after crimp in a cross section orthogonal to the core wire based on the information and the input compression ratio and estimating a cross-sectional shape of the bottom wall and the pair of crimp pieces after crimp based on the total length.

Abstract: A press forming method is disclosed, wherein press forming can be effected at high speed while maintaining the horizontal state of a slide plate in press-forming work by a press machine. A press machine is used in which the slide plate is pressed by a plurality of servo-motor drive sources. In trial forming, the slide plate is sufficiently slowly moved to measure the delay of each drive source. According to the magnitude of the delay of each drive source or according to the difference between the trial forming speed and the production forming speed, the respective speeds of the drive sources are corrected, and trial forming is repeated on the basis of the corrected speed to derive conditions that enable press forming at high forming speed suitable for mass production while maintaining the horizontal state of the slide plate to the extent of ensuring sufficient product accuracy.

Abstract: An approach sensor 2 is provided to give a signal to a control device, that is, CPU 1, when the approach sensor 2 detects an operator approaching a region predetermined in consideration of a region where a ram 20 is driven. The CPU 1 is operated in response to the signal from the approach sensor 2 to turn a relay 6 off, thereby to intercept the power supply to a servo motor 8 from a power source, wherein the servo motor 8 is controlled to return the ram 20 to an operation point when an instruction is given from an operating device 4 to turn the relay 6 on to supply the power to the servo motor 8 from the power source.

Abstract: An actual plate thickness and actual material constants are measured during punching before bending. The measured information is reflected on the bending, so that the bending is performed efficiently and accurately. Punching is carried out for each blank developed based on a nominal plate thickness and nominal material constants in blanking before the bending of a work W. Then, an actual plate thickness distribution and an actual material constant distribution of the work W are calculated based on various data containing a ram stroke and a pressure detected in the punching.

Abstract: A vertical position of a ram is directly detected by a ram position detector. A first speed arithmetic operating portion determines a first ram moving speed on the basis of a change of the detected position. A second speed arithmetic operating portion determines a second ram moving speed on the basis of a rotational number of a servo motor which is determined by a servo motor rotational number detector. A comparing portion compares the first ram speed with the second ram speed, and when a difference is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, a judging portion judges that an abnormality exists so as to immediately stop the servo motor and stop an operation.

Abstract: A crimp state estimation apparatus includes: an information input section for inputting information on an crimp contact terminal, an electric wire, an anvil, and the crimper and an input compression ratio of a core wire of the electric wire; and an estimation unit for calculating a total length of the bottom wall and the pair of crimp pieces after crimp in a cross section orthogonal to the core wire based on the information and the input compression ratio and estimating a cross-sectional shape of the bottom wall and the pair of crimp pieces after crimp based on the total length.

Abstract: A press forming machine having a slide plate which reciprocates by driving sources between a lower support stand and an upper support plate and has a forming space between the lower support stand and the slide plate. In the press forming machine, a reference plate for a displacement reference for the slide plate is supported on the lower support stand. The driving sources are engaged with the slide plate by the drive shafts of the driving sources to drive and press the slide plate. The drive shaft is provided with a through hole axially extending in a shaft center thereof, and displacement measuring devices each for each of the drive shafts measures the displacement of the slide plate portion corresponding to the through hole with respect to the reference plate, through the through hole. As a result, the displacements at the pressurized points on the slide plate can be measured.

Abstract: A tool is evaluated in response to a member of the tool being moved from a first position to a second position. In this evaluation, a first force is applied to the member. The first force is operable to move the member from the first position to the second position. In addition, a second force is sensed. This second force results from a resistance of the tool to the first force. Furthermore, it is determined whether the second force exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A machine tool system (30) includes a tool (32) for cold forming a workpiece over an operating cycle and a sensor device (40) which senses each operating cycle of the tool (32). Identification data for the tool (32) and operating data for the tool (32) are stored on an electronic device (34) fixedly mounted to the tool (32). At least one interface device (46) provides communication between the electronic device (34) and the sensor device (40).

Abstract: A tooling fixture for supporting a workpiece, comprising: a body including a surface over which a workpiece is in use supported and a plurality of bores therein; a plurality of supporting elements (12) for supporting the workpiece, each slideably disposed in a respective one of the bores such as to be extendable from the surface of the body; at least one fluid reservoir (9) operably in fluid communication with the supporting elements such as to cause sliding of ones of the supporting elements on displacement of the fluid in the at least one fluid reservoir, and fluid control means (53) for displacing the fluid in the at least one reservoir such as to cause the supporting elements to be extended to a supporting position in contact with the workpiece and locking the supporting elements in the supporting position.

Abstract: A controller for a press brake controls a servomotor to reverse the rotation of a bidirectional piston pump so as to reverse the vertical movement of a hydraulic cylinder and a ram. A command generator maintains a constant speed for a predetermined warmup time or distance after the ram movement is reversed, and afterwards changes the ram speed to a predetermined speed. A ram position, set according to a moving speed pattern, is compared to the actual position of the ram to conform the ram to the moving speed pattern. The moving speed may be limited based on at least one of a pressure and a detected by a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A continuous extrusion machine has a chassis (1) supporting a wheel (2) for rotation by a motor. An endless groove (7) extends around the periphery of the wheel (2). A shoe (3) is mounted in the chassis (1) and has an enveloping surface shaped to closely envelop an arc of the wheel (2) periphery so that the groove (7) co-operates with the shoe (3) to form a passage. An abutment is mounted on the shoe (3) to extend into the passage at a downstream end. Tooling is mounted in the shoe (3) including a die such that a material such as aluminum or copper bar fed into the groove (7) is extruded through the die as a consequence of the energy transfer via friction from the rotating wheel (2). A gap (12) exists between the enveloping surface and the wheel (2). The gap (12) is used to provide the orifice of a sonic gap (12) sensor whereby the size of the gap (12) can be accurately and directly measured.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the force severity of a mechanical press able to do so without utilizing a contact force sensor. The method continually computes values of dynamic deflection for the press being monitored and utilizes these values to compute load on the press at any point in time. Also provided is a method and apparatus for generating a theoretical slide displacement curve and an actual displacement curve as well as a system for comparing such curves.

Abstract: The setting of parameters in a transfer press is simplified by inputting pattern information to an interference checker. From the pattern information (stroke of each shaft, slide stroke and the like) the interference checker simulates the movement conditions of the die, fingers, and product shapes to check the interference status. The pattern information is sent to the transfer press. Also, interference is simulated for display or printing before actual press operation is required.

Abstract: A plate thickness detector for a bending machine causes a punch to make a relative stroke and bend a workpiece mounted on an upper surface of a die cooperatively by the punch and the die. A displacement gauge is provided in the die, is always urged upward from a V-groove of the die, and measures a distance from the upper surface of the die to a lower surface of the workpiece. A ram position detector detects a relative stroke quantity of the punch to the die. The punch is caused to bend the workpiece from a position away from the die by a reference inter-blade distance.

Abstract: In a tool and a method having a system for monitoring the operability of the tool, a shank-like section is provided with a tool section subjected to wear and is equipped with a cavity, to which a pressure medium is admitted for monitoring the operability of the tool, the shank-like section having a predetermined breaking point, and a monitoring device being provided, by which a signal of failure may be generated in the event of a pressure change.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for enlarging part of a metal workpiece by cold forging, characterised by an enlarging die (5, 6) and by the die having means (8, 8′) to alleviate stress to the workpiece during forging.

Abstract: Integrating device to detect and recover the deformation of shoulders in a press-bending machine, including an optical ruler joined to the beater and reading trolley, pulled back elastically, and stressed by the false shoulder. The device provided for the false shoulder is made up of a rod perpendicular to the beater, which on one side is hinged to the shoulder of the machine, while on the opposite end, oscillating and facing the beater. It is stressed by the arm joined to the reading trolley of the optical ruler. The rod provides a slider in connection with an underlying plane plate that is part of the false shoulder.

Abstract: A tooling fixture includes a plurality of cylinders in a module fitted with pistons in which a portion thereof extends from the surface of the module. The cylinders are connected with a fluid source by a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly controls the amount of fluid to enter the cylinders in order to raise the pistons until a portion thereof are in contact with and support a workpiece. Once all of the pistons are in contact with and are fully supporting the workpiece, the fluid pressure is stabilized, maintaining the pistons at their set heights. Once the pistons are desired to be lowered, the valve assembly opens and the fluid can freely exit the cylinders and retract the pistons back into the module.

Abstract: A stretch bending device that can conduct accurate bending without using heavy material. A tension application mechanism 62 comprises first and second drive sources for movably supporting both ends of a guide member 12 with respect to a pair of arm members 28, 30 and moving the guide member 12 along the arm members 28, 30. Between the arm members 28, 30, a work piece 6 is arranged. There are tension sensor 98 for detecting tension applied to the work piece 6 and position sensors for detecting positions of the guide member 12. Torque of the first drive source is controlled based on the tension detected by the tension sensor 98, and the second drive force is controlled based on the positions detected by the position sensors.