Capacity is an age-old dilemma for job shops. When setups require a variety of tools to do the job, the machine might not have enough space to accommodate all the tooling. In this all-too-common scenario, fabricators are forced to stop the part run, change out the tools and then restart the job – a process that’s far from efficient for both turret and rail machines alike.
With the added labor needs to complete tool changeovers, costs can start to add up quickly. By implementing options like a multi-tool, however, fabricators can make the most of limited space without having to purchase an entirely new punch press. As a cost-effective, efficient tooling option, job shops can turn around jobs much quicker and be more competitive when bidding on future projects.
Multiple options with multi-tools
Implementing multi-tools give fabricators ultimate flexibility and increased capacity on the punch press. By combining multiple punches in a single tool station, a multi-tool can increase capacity by as much as five times or more.
For example, by loading five, three-station multi-tools on a five-station punch press, fabricators can transform the entire setup into a 15-station press. A multi-tool can be loaded in one station and each punch is operated independently, delivering the same results as a standard setup. Adding multi-tools utilizes the capabilities of the existing punch press and adds capacity while reducing the number of required setups.
Why choose Wilson Tool?
Multi-tools are available in a number of different tooling styles, offering different limitations and benefits. Purchasing multi-tools from just about any tooling manufacturer will bring fabricators increased punch press capacity, fewer tool changes and faster run times. All of these are savings that can be passed down to the customer.
By implementing multi-tools, fabricators have less tooling inventory to maintain and can run the same job in less time. Less labor and changeover time translates into reduced overall costs when compared to running the same job using several individual tools.
Multi-tools from Wilson Tool can bring fabricators even greater advantages. Because of the wide range of multi-tools available for virtually all types of turret presses and rail style machines, fabricators can select the right multi-tool for a variety of different jobs. Furthermore, Wilson Tool’s multi-tools can hold between three and 30 punches, giving fabricators ultimate flexibility and capacity for tackling challenging jobs.
Coatings and hardened tool steel are additional benefits fabricators receive by purchasing multi-tools from Wilson Tool. The company manufacturers all multi-tools using hardened, precision-ground tool steel, which delivers longer tool life and greater reliability for operators. In addition, Wilson Tool’s Optima® coating is an option available for all multi-tool punches. This coating provides maximum wear resistance for longer tool life.
Finally, every multi-tool die from Wilson Tool is available as a Slug Hugger®. Slug Huggers are a proprietary style designed to help increase positive slug retention, eliminate scrapped parts, reduce costly downtime, and erase possible press and tooling damage due to slug pulling. The dies are compatible with most material types and thicknesses, including aluminum and stainless steel.
Greater capacity. Greater savings.
Expanded capacity for the punch press translates to increased savings for fabricators on the shop floor and the bottom line. Requiring less labor for tool changes, reducing setup times and cutting tooling costs all bring greater flexibility to any part run and greater savings for the business.
April 19, 2017