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FEATURED BLOG
Update
Submitted By: Q
8/6/2009 8:28:27 PM
Not much new, found some new tools to lower costs.....
Automated die design has come a long way.. sort of on hold right now in lieu of putting some time in on other projects, but it is up and running....
Patriot tooling systems is the latest project.... allows a low cost tool to be built with more rigidity than older methods, and 10-13% price reduction... finding more things we can do with it too... it helps enable ...(more)
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| Low Cost Tooling Initiative Jan 2009 update |
| Submitted By: Q on 1/29/2009 7:10:12 PM |
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Hi to everyone and Happy New Year!
Just a quick update on the Low Cost Tooling Initiative….
If you recall, in my last update I made what I considered to be a bold prediction:
Here is the bold prediction: Most of the intelligence of the die design, that requires human intervention, is done at the strip layout stage. (For now). My belief is that once this strip layout is done, a die should be able to be completely designed within 2 hours, i.e. designed, detailed, bill of materials created, the whole thing.
And this is where the project stood at the time:
Here is what I have so far, and this is what prompted me to post an update. Based on a basic strip layout, outlining just the punch shapes, in there proper station locations. I have been able to create the "intelligent automation" to completely draw all the "Dayton" punches, top and side views, complete with correct part numbers, and automatically create all the upper retainers for the entire tool, in less than 45 seconds. Yes, I did say that correctly. So I don't think the 2 hours is a big stretch of the imagination. Maybe 2 hours is too long??? I thought about posting an avi file showing a demonstration of this, but I am not sure if I can as there may be some patent issues and I must be cautious as to how much to reveal.
At this point the automated die design system, now coined "Die Synthesizer" is capable of completing, as above, the punches, and retainers.
In addition it will now:
• Complete all the lower die details, complete with proper die clearance in the trim areas, edm start holes screw holes etc.
• Completely draw a stripper pad, with clearances, edm start holes, properly configured spool locations, and size/length including a proper pocket in the upper die shoe.
• Draw spools as per above in top and side views, complete with part numbers attached and integrated into the design.
• Completely draws the die shoe, complete with slug clearance. It calculates proper pin/bushing size and location and records proper part numbers.
• Draw pins and bushings and ball cages in top and front views as per above again complete with part numbers attached and integrated into the design.
• Calculate and draw stop blocks of proper size, and includes text information on the stop block as to material thickness and proper lead reading for that thickness.
• Draw parallels to proper create proper shut height for the die. Both footed and standard parallels are created on proper t-slot centers according to press specifications.
At this point based on the simple 32" die I am using as a test piece, the entire process is about 35 seconds.
My thoughts are wavering; I think the "2 hour" prediction may be off. That is, it might be too long!
Until next time, Good luck to all! And hang in there!
Best regards,
-Q
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