A device for piercing casting flash

The machine is used to punch through cast holes in cast iron car control arm castings.

Intended use

The machine is designed to process both right and left control arms (for different part numbers) without the need for mechanical changeovers.

Description of operation

The operator places the workpiece in the machine’s nest and starts the machine cycle. The nest with the workpiece moves into the built-in punching zone, where holes are punched in the control arm using punches moved by hydraulic cylinders. Five holes are punched at once.

After this process, the fixture returns to the loading position, where, using a pneumatically powered manipulator, the workpieces are removed from the fixture and placed onto a belt conveyor. The conveyor transports the workpieces away from the machine, where they are collected by a second operator.

Machine design

MACHINE FIXTURE

The machine nest is equipped with a series of supports, ensuring the workpieces are securely held in place and preventing them from breaking during punching. A set of sensors checks that the workpieces are correctly positioned in the nest, whilst the holes and chutes allow casting residues to be freely discharged after punching. The entire moulding nest can be efficiently removed from the machine for servicing.

HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT

A hydraulic power unit with a high-performance pump and a large oil reservoir is responsible for operating all 9 cylinders. All cylinders are controlled independently, allowing workpieces with varying numbers of holes to be punched.

OPERATOR PANEL

The controls and display allow the selection of the appropriate reference, monitoring of the process status, and control of the machine’s individual drives. The operator panel is mounted on a movable arm.

SAFETY LEVEL

In accordance with the customer’s guidelines and in compliance with the requirements of the PN-EN ISO 12100 standard, the machine is equipped (depending on the type of process performed) with a range of technical safety measures such as: an emergency stop switch, a light curtain, and mesh guards.

Benefits for the customer/user

• The ability to quickly punch holes in castings;
• Handling of different part numbers without the need for time-consuming machine changeovers;
• The ability to integrate the machine into a production line, due to separate loading and unloading of workpieces.