Part-Handling Choices for Advancing Automation

When it’s time to step up your automation efforts, don’t overlook material selection for tooling. 
By Joe Jancsurak, Associate Editor Metalforming Magazine

When talking of automation advancements in manufacturing circles, software, controls and robotics often take center stage. However, how about the tooling necessary for transferring parts to and from forming presses? 

“The material from which such tooling is made can be a game-changer when it comes to automating part flow,” say Tom Garant, general manager of Bilsing North America, a Roseville, MI-based provider of carbon fiber tooling solutions. Garant says such options as carbon fiber crossbar beams, loading and unloading beams, destacking beams, panel loading t-booms, and tooling supports are lighter, stiffer and vibrate less than tooling made of steel and aluminum, resulting in improved production rates and longer life…