Mitsubishi Electric has helped to deliver a step-change in productivity for high-volume lead frame stamping applications, following another successful partnership with one its leading machine builder customers.
Working with Oxfordshire-based machine builder and systems integrator DAS, the company has supplied an intelligent control solution for an automated workcell for Batten & Allen – experts in the stamping, plating and assembly of high precision parts for the electronics, automotive, media and industrial markets – to aid in the production of relay base components for a customer based in Mexico.
The system, a unique cropping machine for cutting reeled lead frames up to 40mm wide into a range of components up to 250mm in length, consists of a MELSEC iQ-F machine controller with multi-axis synchronised motion. One axis controls the stamped strip feeding, whilst another delivers a force of 6000N to the cropping tool. Designed for accurate and reliable positioning, the new design has helped minimise changeover times and provided a significant boost to throughput with the ability to cut up to 700 pieces per hour.
Mick Stallwood, Director at DAS, commented: “The initial implementation of the new solution has been a huge success, having allowed the end-customer to make considerable improvements to throughput. On top of this, through the use of electrical actuators, the design takes full advantage of modern technology to deliver a less energy-intensive system to help reduce the overall process.
“We’ve been working with Mitsubishi Electric for over 30 years now, and the quality of its products is always excellent. As such, it felt natural to collaborate on this project.”
Richard Allen, OEM Business Development Manager at Mitsubishi Electric, adds: “We always strive to help OEMs build the very best machines that they can, and DAS stands as a prime example of a machine builder that consistently goes above and beyond to unlock new efficiencies for its customers. This new system has helped raise productivity and quality control standards considerably, and we’re delighted to hear the impact it is already having on the customer’s operations.
“In short, this project truly represents our ecosystem at its very finest, and we’re delighted to have played our part in it.”
For more information on Mitsubishi Electric’s range of solutions for OEMs and machine builders, please visit: https://gb.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/solutions/industries/machine-building.
