Schuler has designed the control of the machine in the style of an intuitive smartphone app; operators can select from predefined movement profiles or program them freely. This functionality significantly reduces the inhibition threshold for exploiting the machine’s potential. Thanks to the kinematics of the knuckle-joint drive, forming at the bottom dead centre is also slower in itself, which means that readjustment via the servo drive is not always necessary.
Among the functions of Smart Assist software is the ability to optimise the transfer and slide profiles to maximum output depending on the clearance profiles – a complex process that previously required a lot of time.
Schuler’s process monitor integrated in the control unit offers extensive monitoring options. Here, overload protection can be assured across the entire course of the press-force profile and whole movement profile; a minimum and maximum force can be defined for effective protection of the die. Response times of the electronically designed overload protection device are in the range of a few milliseconds, which is faster than with a hydraulic overload protection device. The press can be used again immediately after an overload has been detected.
Short stopping distances and quick response times are only possible thanks to the low-mass moments of inertia in the drive train, which also lead to high dynamics during forming and other machine operations. While standard presses normally reduce the force in the event of an overload and drive the slide through the bottom dead centre to the upper reversing point, the MSP 400 has a smart release function. Here, the slide automatically runs back over a defined path after an overload has been detected, thus relieving the strain on the die and press.
The integration of additional sensors – for acceleration, oscillation or pressure – enables comprehensive condition monitoring of the system, which can be displayed in the control system’s visualisation. The basis for this is frequency spectra that provide information about possible wear in the gearing, bearing or motor.
Unlike a conventional press, the pressure points of the MSP 400 are not above the slide, but instead on the outside of the actual bed area. This design allows the machine to absorb very high eccentric loads, and means that around 25% more press force is available to both the infeed and discharge sides. It is therefore possible to form even high-strength materials at the first die stage.
The geometric arrangement also gives the slide a high mechanical tilting rigidity, while deflection of the entire system is reduced because the drive is located far to the outside of the crown.
