Heading to Fabtech? Read this first.

Balluff has the opportunity to share some of the company’s proven Error-Proofing Techniques in a Seminar at Fabtech on November 14, 2011 in McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.  The session is segmented into two areas:

1.   Automated/Robotic Weld Cell Process Improvement. We continue to see a great deal of need in this arena.  When the economy tanked in 2007/2008, many companies inside and outside of the Automotive Industry were on the edge and many good, talented people were let go.  In some cases, the people whose jobs were eliminated had many years of experience in maintenance and in manufacturing engineering.  When volumes of work came back, so did the problems associated with weld cell nesting, Poka-Yoke, clamp sensing because of loading impact, weld debris hostility and other issues related to peripheral sensing devices in weld cells; in many cases, without the experienced personnel to reduce time in consumption used to address a wide range of problems.  In this session, we will discuss and provide examples of proven techniques aimed squarely at these productivity and time-wasting problems that will return significant ROI for many customers.

1. New Methods of Error-Proofing, die ID and process improvement in Metal Forming.  We will look at  many new electronic solutions in metal forming that are contributing to scrap reduction, machine down time and parts tracking in this function of metalworking:
   •  Low cost vision sensing for Part Inspection that catches errors/flaws early in the process.  Several examples of “Pass-Fail” situations will be examined in this session.
   • Low cost Track and Trace 1D and 2D bar code reading after codes have been electrically/chemically etched, dot peened or laser etched on metal components that need to be tracked (certain automotive and aerospace parts, especially).  We will also review some basic Barcode and Data Matrix basics in this segment as well.
   • Wireless Connectivity.  We will be looking at the concept of non-contact transmission of signal and power through an air gap with these systems to join sensors downstream in replaceable die segments, Rapid Die Change without a hardwire connection and a new concept of Integrated Tool ID and I/O; passing Die ID through a dependable air gap (Passive Inductive RFID tool information) using wireless connectivity systems and new concepts in Expanded I/O Architecture.
   •  Wireless connectivity to energize and pass signals on rotational weld cells, index tables, and with weld fixtures that integrate replaceable weld fixtures without hardwire connection etc. where slip rings, commutator rings or twisted wires present problems.

We hope to see you there!  Our goal is to share some concrete and time-proven techniques for improving many dimensions of metal forming, automated welding/assembly and fabrication processes.

Automatic In-Die Part Quality Monitoring & Tool Adjustments
Implementation of part measurement, die-adjustment and part tracking can result not only in 100% verification of critical part features, but also in significantly increased machine utilization, accurate production and scrap rates, and more reliable die protection. Learn the practical methods to select, apply, and integrate sensors and control systems into the stamping process in order to fulfill accuracy and quality requirements.
James Barrett, Link Systems. Inc.