Press Releases

New solutions for press hardening result in shorter cycle times

Cycle times play a key role in the sheet metal forming industry's constant pursuit of higher productivity. As a means of satisfying customers' needs, AP&T has developed several new solutions that offer a more effective press hardening process.

Quicker cooling with pressure equalization
AP&T's PLS (Press Leveling System) is one example. The system is based on four interconnected hydraulic cylinders that equalize contact pressure in the press tool.

"A high-quality final result is achieved without problems related to tolerances, at the same time that cooling is much more effective than is otherwise the case," says Johan Friberg, Senior Advisor at AP&T.

Hot cutting cuts cycle times
Hot cutting of blanks is another method that cuts down on total production time. Hot cutting sheet metal parts to the right shape as early as the press line in combination with pre-development of blanking dies means that 90% of the finishing work performed today with laser cutting can be eliminated.