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Using Long-Range RFID for Metal Stamping Die Identification

Using incorrect dies for metal stamping operations can result in lost time and production as well as severe damage to the presses and a risk to human lives.

In recent years, there was a case where the use of the incorrect die caused catastrophic press damage resulting in significant downtime and, because the press was so large, it had to be cut up before it could be removed and replaced. These types of occurrences can prove disastrous to the survival of a company.

When not in use, dies are generally stored in specified storage areas. Often, the die is in the wrong place, and the crane operator needs to know what he/she is retrieving for the next process in the correct die.

To help ensure that these types of errors do not occur, some manufacturers use long-range UHF RFID technology. This can ensure that the correct dies are chosen when they are staged outside of a press. And with handheld devices, it can help the operator find the correct die in storage if it has been misplaced.

Since long-range UHF RFID technology allows the verification of the correct dies from as little as one foot away to as far as several meters, it can be used in both large and small stamping presses. The long-range allows the reader antennas to be placed in strategic locations where the correct readings will be possible but in positions where they will not be damaged by the operation of the press and dies.

I recently assisted with a metal stamping operation that first brought this idea to my attention. This manufacturer was having the problem of the wrong dies being staged for installation into the press. So far, none of the dies had made it past the staging area and into the press. Still, the possibility of that happening was clearly present, and they were experiencing lost production due to having to remove the incorrect die and find the correct one.

The manufacturer wanted to interlock the press so that if the incorrect dies were not in place, the machine would not be able to run. He also wanted to know ahead of time of a wrong die so that it could be replaced promptly to not impact production.

The solution we developed was to place multiple reader antennas at multiple staging locations at the press and interlock the RFID reads with the PLC that controlled the press.

Additionally, he incorporated handheld readers to help find misplaced dies in the storage area.

This solution required testing and tuning of the UHF RFID system to ensure that all die RFID tags were being read when the dies were staged. But once this was completed, it proved to work effectively and reduce the errors and downtime.

It should be noted that due to the physics of UHF RFID technology versus other types of RFID technology, implementing long-range UHF RFID systems in any application should be preceded by a feasibility study that tests the system in the real world environment of the plant.

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Why In-Die sensing is a must

Metalforming suppliers are facing unprecedented challenges in today’s marketplace. As capital becomes scarce, and competition for business increases, the impact of a die crash or production run of bad parts could make the difference in whether they survive. Companies must protect their most critical assets, the presses and dies. Presses, dies, and various press room automation systems are the lifeblood of the supplier, and their costs can run into multiple millions of dollars in capital investment.

Sensor-driven error-proofing and die protection programs reduce downtime, ensure production is maximized, and prevent costly capital equipment repairs. Sensor implementation can prevent most die crashes and defective parts production if utilized correctly.

The vast majority of expensive press and die damage occurs due to failure to implement or the misapplication of sensing devices through a die protection program. There is a relatively inexpensive way for metal formers to protect their most critical assets in terms of dollar value and revenue creation. Stamping companies need to focus on two main areas to reduce costly repairs and production:

Feed-in and feed-through: You have to ensure the metal is in the press before the start of the cycle, and that it is feeding through properly. Once the cycle has completed, you must make sure the finished part is out of the stamping area. The type of stamping you do will determine the various points where you will need to incorporate sensors.

Part and slug ejection: During the stamping process, scrap material will be left that needs to be removed before the next cycle. Failure to ensure this will leave material inside the press, which can affect product quality or cause significant damage to the press, die, or both.

There are multiple additional processes within the press operation that can improve overall operational efficiency, but the two above should be the first steps toward implementing a successful program.

Multiple sensing devices can help you meet these requirements as well as a variety of suppliers and options you can choose from. It is essential that your personnel are trained on the various sensor technologies, and you are aligned with a supplier that understands the industry, your processes, and the variety of dies and materials you produce.

Many suppliers can provide you with sensing parts, but only a few are industry experts and can serve as both a consultant and parts supplier. You may need to invest a little more to get the expertise necessary to implement a sensing program upfront. Still, it will pay dividends for years to come if you focus upfront on the products that will reduce the downtime related to premature component failure or misapplication of sensor components.

Also, since most suppliers outsource the design and build of their dies, it is critical that your sensor solution partner is involved in new die design, with both your internal team as well as your die supplier. In addition, successful die protection programs entail rigid specifications for die sensing to help reduce their spare parts footprint and maximize the performance of their sensing devices.