PARALLELISM MANAGEMENT TO ENSURE QUALITY OF NON-METALLIC PARTS

FIBERPACHS S.A. is one of the most important suppliers in the automotive industry, specialising in the manufacturing of accessories and moulded plastic replacement parts using a SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) hot compression system.

In April 2014, FAGOR ARRASATE delivereda 1000 tonne monoblock hydraulic press to FIBERPACHS S.A. to form composite materials at its facilities in Pacs del Penedes. The new features of the machine have been highly appreciated by the Customer, which has come to appreciate the complexity, quality and performance of the machine as well as the efforts undertaken by Fagor Arrasate to meet its needs.

The parallelism control of slide during pressing is achieved via four separate servo-actuating cylinders, each being monitored by a linear encoder and two pressure transducers.

The cylinders are located at the corners of the frame, operating directly against the slide, and they are capable of applying a force of up to 500kN each, allowing for individual control on each stamping cycle at each of the corners on the moving bolster.

the quality of the part, otherwise the clearance between the two sides of the die would vary and it would alter the transmission of heat and pressure at each point. Consequently, the distribution of material being melted by the heat from the die and the pressure being applied throughout the material would be inconsistent. As a result, there would be differences in thickness and therefore in the physical characteristics and surface finish f the part. These requirements can be achieved with hydraulic presses, but not with conventional mechanical presses due to the difficulty they would have in achieving proper control over reduced speeds and variable carriage pressure.

It is possible to heat the two parts of the die at different rates, in order to improve the quality of the part or to provide either face with distinct characteristics, and above all to achieve the proper fit for both parts, in order to prevent the die from becoming damaged due to the differences in dilation on either side. All of thisis controlled and monitored on the control panel and it also has alarms to warn if the mould is overheating.