Mechanical Press with Modular and Flexible Configuration and its corresponding Prototype Stamping Tool
The manufacturing and assembly phase of the WP5 demonstrators has begun, specifically the stamping equipment and its corresponding prototype tool set. The press currently under development will enable the sharing of components across different press ranges due to its modular capability. In this work package, in addition to manufacturing the modular press, a sensor-equipped stamping tool is also being developed.
As part of WP5, the consortium has recently begun manufacturing two of the planned demonstrators: the modular stamping equipment and the intelligent stamping tool.
The companies Mecânica Exacta and Bairrimoldes have started producing of the components for two demonstrators, including the main structure, slide, and crankshaft of the stamping equipment, as well as the tool assembly. Additionally, INEGI is implementing a condition-based and predictive maintenance systems powered by sensor data collected from the machine and tool. This system will enable predictive analyses of the press’s dynamic behavior and real time monitoring of its operating condition.
The consortium believes that the main advantages of this solution will be the reduction of customization costs and delivery times, resulting from the sharing of components across the range’s models, ensuring greater efficiency in space utilization. Predictive evaluation of the press’s dynamic behavior using a Digital Twin system will allow end users—particularly TABOR, the demonstrator partner of the developed technology—to anticipate potential issues and plan maintenance actions proactively. In summary, this project is making significant progress toward achieving its proposed goals, namely the development of a new range of mechanical presses with different typologies (double-column, C-frame, single or double crankshaft, eccentric, drive-link, or servo-driven), along with efficient, flexible tools featuring high rigidity and modular component configuration capabilities—ensuring reduced customization costs and consequently shorter delivery times.