Wuxi Ding Guohua Hand drawn Wallpaper Co., Ltd , https://www.silkwallpaperasia.com
On May 12–15, 2013, the 2013 China Climbing Technology and Equipment Seminar, themed “Development and Innovation,†took place at Suzhou Zhuhui Hotel. Organized by *Metal Processing Magazine* based in Beijing, the event was sponsored by Liji Culture Communication Co., Ltd., and supported by BLECH China, managed by Maybus (Shanghai) Convention and Exhibition Co., Ltd. The seminar aimed to bring advanced metal processing technologies from both domestic and international sources, offering valuable insights during the BLECH China 2013 exhibition.
During the meeting, Xu Zhenghong from Yizheng Shenwei Stamping Co., Ltd. delivered a presentation on the development direction of China’s automobile stamping parts industry. He highlighted four key types of automation in auto stamping:
**1. Tandem Stand-Alone Line Automatic Punching Line**
This system typically uses 5–6 presses equipped with either a robot feeding or handling system to achieve in-line automation. It is commonly used for producing outer body panels and large inner components. The robotic feeding system offers high investment but fast cycle times. For example, Miller Wanjiadun’s Speedbar fast crossbar conveying system can cover the entire working area of two front and rear presses, allowing seamless transfer of workpieces between molds, achieving a production speed of 13–15 cycles per minute. On the other hand, the robot handling system provides greater flexibility and lower investment, with a cycle time of 4–9 cycles per minute, making it ideal for multi-variety, medium to small batch production.
**2. Large Multi-Station Press**
A large multi-station press usually consists of a demolition machine, a large press, an automatic feeding system, and a discharging system. Its production cycle can reach 16–25 cycles per minute. In 2000, Opel started using a 63,000 kN press to produce car roof covers at a rate of 16 cycles per minute. Jinan No. 2 Machine Tool Group has developed various multi-station presses, including models with 25,000 kN, 30,000 kN, and 50,000 kN capacities. Depending on the workpiece conveying method, the feeding system can be divided into three-coordinate and vacuum suction cup types.
**3. Servo Press**
A servo press uses a servo motor to directly drive the eccentric gear, eliminating the need for a flywheel and brake. This allows for precise programming of the slider’s stroke, speed curve, and bottom dead point holding time, tailored to specific stamping requirements. It can reach its nominal tonnage even at low speeds, offering low noise, energy efficiency, and high productivity. While foreign countries have developed large-scale servo presses with output over 1,000 tons, Japan is currently seeing a rise in their adoption. In China, only companies like Yizhong, Qier, and Jinan No. 2 Machine Tool have conducted research on such systems. However, major technologies like high-power servo motors are still under development.
**4. Hot Forming Press**
Hot stamping involves a specialized production line that includes a heating furnace, conveying mechanism, hot forming press, hot stamping die, and loading/unloading system. The hot forming press is the core component, capable of rapid clamping, pressing, and holding. It also requires a rapid cooling system, making the technology complex and largely imported. Globally, the number of hot-formed parts increased from about 3 million in 1977 to 8 million, and by 2007, it surpassed 100 million. It is projected to exceed 350 million by 2013.
The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in metal processing, emphasizing the importance of innovation and automation in the industry.