SpeedFeeders Key to Automating Five-Press Tandem Line
Spartanburg Steel Products Inc. in South Carolina manufactures pressed metal parts, components and complex assemblies mainly for cars, trucks and agricultural machinery. Five years ago, the company decided to automate its tandem line -- and the result has been excellent.
AP&T was tasked with fully automating an existing five-press tandem line at Spartanburg Steel Products Inc.
To improve safety, make manufacturing more efficient, shorten cycle times and increase flexibility, Spartanburg Steel decided in 2017 to automate one of their existing tandem lines with five large presses that were fully manually operated at the time. Thanks to already having a relationship with AP&T North America, they knew where to go to get a solution proposal.
"Yes, this was our second AP&T automation installation. We previously purchased a transfer system which performs very well, so we trust the technology," says Chad Raynes, Vice President of Business Development & Engineering, at Spartanburg Steel.
For AP&T it was a technical challenge to bridge the substantial gap between the line's presses efficiently.
"Rather than use conventional industrial robots, we presented a design solution based on our new generation of five-axis SpeedFeeders," says Adam Allansson, President of AP&T North America.
The automation was installed to improve safety on the line. This has also resulted in better efficiency at a lower cost.
The proposal was highly appreciated and in April 2018, Spartanburg Steel placed their order. A year and a half later, the equipment was installed and integrated, and the now fully automated line could be commissioned.
"In total, we installed six SpeedFeeders for blank feeding, transfer of parts between the five presses, and unloading. As we were doing our work, Spartanburg Steel upgraded the presses in the line and their tool exchange system. We cooperated closely with other suppliers to ensure the best possible total solution in the shortest possible time," says Adam Allansson.
In total, AP&T installed six SpeedFeeders for blank feeding, transfer of parts between the five presses, and unloading.
Since the autumn of 2019, the upgraded, five-press tandem line has delivered according to expectations. It is regularly serviced by AP&T's technicians and new staff at Spartanburg Steel are trained in operation and safety by AP&T.
"We installed the automation to improve safety on the line. This has also resulted in better efficiency at a lower cost. The equipment has met our expectations and continues to run well. We plan to automate additional lines in the future, specifically a tandem line in 2023," says Raynes.
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