Networked Controls Keep Presses Pressing

摘要

You can't improve it if you don't measure it. That makes a whole lot of sense in the world of metalforming, and it's an excellent mantra in the continuous-improvement quest. But there's a catch. The measurements must be accurate. Thanks to a controls upgrade on its press lineup that provides accurate productivity measurements, the ability to drill down on performance by machine, part and tool, and the means to link all that pressroom data together, Cooper B-Line has the accurate measurements it needs, and startling improvement has followed. In 300,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space at its headquarters location in Highland, IL, Cooper B-Line produces bolted framing struts and accessories, pipe hangers and spring-steel fasteners, and related products. With 15 mechanical presses, in capacities from 75 to 330 tons, the company has outfitted 12 of them with OmniLink controls, and recently tied the presses together with LinkNet software, all from Link Systems, Nashville, TN.