Tiny Press, Big Results

Impetus to Invent

When you need a little more than what a simple press can offer, turn to Invent Automation. In this case, the customer needed the press to insert a plug into the side of the product once the vertical press operation was done. A little pneumatic logic later, and voila! Two operations for the price of one. Innovative, simple solutions like this can yield big wins for the plant floor. Not everything can or should be a robot. What matters is that you are getting more done with less using solutions like this!

Problem Solved

Two separate stations were being attended by two people, with parts being passed back and forth all day, every day, across three shifts. A small investment led to big results, and the operation was consolidated to one station with one person. Problem solved!

Lessons Learned

Toggle presses come with many options and require a safety release. There are lots of interesting features to explore in these versatile press types.

What Was Unique 

Pneumatic logic has its place, and this was a great application for it. Did you know logic elements such as AND, OR, NOR, and other Boolean logic elements allow you to add automation where electrical components are not desired or are overkill?

What Was Challenging

Holding the little side plug with a magnet and holding it there until the press got to full stroke took a little playing with.