Fagor Arrasate exhibits new smart developments at the Blechexpo in Stuttgart

Fagor Arrasate will participate from 7 to 10 November at the Blechexpo in Stuttgart, Germany, where it will present its new smart developments that provide the perfect means to obtain a maximum return on customers' investments. Examples of this are the Syncro software to optimise rates of transfer presses, the Visual Stamp force control system on presses or the Smart Connect integral maintenance system. Another innovation is the servo-mechanical cushion that reduces energy consumption by 75%.

Fagor Arrasate's presence at this important European trade exhibition is framed within its commitment to the German and surrounding market adopted years ago, which recently received a strong impetus with the inauguration on September 28 of the new facilities in this country, in Hilpoltstein, to offer a closer and more personalised service to German customers.

Located in hall 8, stand 8308 at the Blechexpo, Fagor Arrasate will exhibit the latest developments arising from Industry 4.0 such as smart machines with a greater autonomy, automation and productivity. One of the innovative Smart machines of the Fagor Arrasate portfolio is the Syncro 3D simulation program, a software that optimises the process between the press and electronic transfer or feeder. This turnkey solution uses an off-line virtual model on which the paths and appropriate speed of the press and transfer are calculated to prevent possible collisions with a full simulation of the entire cycle. Hence, during the planning and control of the program run, rates are optimised and a greater production output is achieved.

The force control system on the Visual Stamp press makes monitoring, control and diagnosis of the stamping and/or cutting process on the press possible in real time through an independent cyber-physical system integrated in the press control unit, allowing the customer to ensure the press is working in ideal conditions and to check if incorrect force graphs are due to poor settings on the press or the die.

Among some of its advantages, the Smart Connect integrated maintenance system makes it possible to predict future maintenance needs on the machine with a view to optimal planning without interfering with normal production. In addition, the system developed by Fagor Arrasate guarantees maximum confidentiality, security and reliability in the management of information, ensuring a correct data exchange.

In terms of energy efficiency, Fagor Arrasate will present its innovative servo-mechanical cushion at the Stuttgart fair. This innovation reduces energy consumption significantly, since it only consumes 25% of what a hydraulic installation requires. The notable decrease in consumption is not the only advantage; incorporating the electric cushion facilitates lower maintenance by eliminating the hydraulic unit with approximately 5,000 litres of oil, thus providing more space in the pit of the press, in addition to guaranteeing a more precise control of the forces, position precision and a repeatability much higher than that of a hydraulic installation.

The firm commitment of Fagor Arrasate to Industry 4.0 results from continuous investments in new technologies that improve the competitiveness of the equipment. This ranges from innovation in the fields of energy efficiency, improvement of productivity and the development of smart installations and platforms with value-added services, as well as products and processes for the treatment of new materials.

The Blechexpo exhibition in Stuttgart will allow Fagor Arrasate to showcase the thousands of visitors that come to this important European event every year, its broad portfolio of Industry 4.0 smart developments which result in increasingly autonomous and robust processes. The German market is a strategic commitment of Fagor Arrasate, which has just taken a historic step in this country with the implementation of a state-of-the-art facility that meets the demands of customers for a fast and professional service. Opening this plant is a logical consequence of the gradual growth of the order book in Germany and surrounding countries, and precedes another major milestone: the opening of a service centre in Mexico in November that will help strengthen our presence in America.