LINK Systems System 1100 Tonnage Monitor - Manual (Page 95)

USING SYSTEM 1100 TONNAGE MONITORS
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9-4
1) Initially determine and record the optimum location and
minimum required tonnage for each set of tools used in a
machine. Any tooling that requires more tonnage to produce a
correct part than the rated tonnage capacity of the machine,
or, at management's discretion, some selected percentage over
rated machine capacity should be moved to a machine with
higher rated tonnage, or the tooling should be reworked to
require tonnage below rated machine capacity.
2) Although not always practical because of other production
considerations such as feeding, part transfer, part removal,
or tooling design, the optimum die location on "C" frame
machines such as OBI, OBS, and Gap presses is generally with
tooling centered from front to back under the connection(s)
that drive the slide (ram), and at a left to right location in
the machine bed that produces approximately equal tonnage
readings on the left and right channels of a System 1100
Tonnage Monitor. On a straight side frame machine, the
optimum tooling location in the machine bed is generally that
location that produces approximately equal tonnages on each
channel of a four channel System 1100 Tonnage Monitor.
Equalizing the load in the machine usually produces less
deflection between lower and upper dies, reduces bearing and
gib wear, and fatigues structural members of the machine less.
Using the System 1100 to determine the minimum tonnage
necessary for tooling to produce correct parts develops an
initial die setting standard for more consistent setups that
will conserve energy, extend machine and tooling life, and
achieve more consistent parts from different production runs.
The initial determination of minimum tonnage to make the part
also provides a standard by which tooling wear may be judged
and scheduled for rework when wear increases, or, in some
instances, decrease the tonnage necessary to make a correct
part.
Note! Tool and die makers calculate the approximate tonnage
required to produce a part. These calculations, in some
instances, can be substantially overstated or understated.
With the System 1100, the actual tonnage required to produce
a part can be determined as well the normal variations in
tonnage due to inconsistency of material thickness, material
physical properties, parts lubrication, etc.
During the initial use of the System 1100 to determine optimum