This post will show how to couple stamping die segments without a hard wire connection, AND prevent the potential gorilla-like effects of forklifts during die change! Have you ever experienced or heard about a forklift removing a stamping die with the giant Mil-Spec connector still attached (OOPS!!!!)? It certainly isn’t a pretty sight. Below is a typical Mil-spec connector, they aren’t cheap or easy to re-wire.
Or, have you ever tried to figure out a way to add sensors in very complex progressive die segments that will facilitate rapid die change? If so, I have an answer for you with a non-contact connector system. Take a peek at the picture below.
The two black, M30 circular parts that you see in the cutout section of the die actually replace a hard wire connector for powering up sensors downstream and sending output signals back to the host control. No physical connection is needed. These couplers function like a transformer of sorts and when energized, inductively couple via an air gap. Cool, eh? And these gizmos can handle shock, vibration, coolant, die lube compounds and are IP67 rated. They just need a tiny bit of respect and should be treated like an inductive proximity sensor when mounting considerations are underway.
If you want to get really fancy and put your imagineering juices to work, take a look at the system below:
Integrated Tool ID and I/O – How it Works
ID using Jumpers
- Binary pin connections
Hardwired connection- Limited number of possibilities
ID using Bytes of Data
- ID information is electronic
- Hardwired or non-contact solutions
- 65536 possible combinations
Benefits of Integrated ID and I/O
- Decreases wiring time and mistakes
- Increases data reliability
- Speeds up setup time
- Reduces startup errors and issues
Additional Benefits of Non-Contact ID using Bytes
- Eliminates connector pin damage and repair
- Eliminates die rework due to forgetting to disconnect or unplug a connector
- Decreases die setup and changeover time
Using these same non-contact couplers to communicate with a stamping die and using an integrated RFID and I/O platform, you can send die ID info wirelessly across an air gap, facilitate rapid die change, increase data reliability reduce setup time, prevent down time and…make your life a whole lot easier!
Want to learn more? Click here.
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