Our Client:
After the world’s #1 truck manufacturer went all in on an all aluminum-bodied truck the challenges for its entire supply chain began. Our customer is a Tier One Automotive supplier in need of a custom Aluminum Coil Processing System to handle the unique challenges aluminum presented.
Our Challenge:
Create a servo feed and coil handling system that accommodates military-grade Aluminum alloy with a .015” (0.4mm) minimum stock thickness and a maximum stock width of 72” (1828 mm) in a capacity and application never done before.
For 45 years we’ve built custom coil handling equipment for feeding, straightening, and shearing and we’ve pretty much handled every variable there is -- with steel.
But aluminum is not steel.
We had no choice but address every challenge head on. As a result the new coil handling system overcomes the many challenges unique to aluminum including:
Aluminum is much softer than steel
Aluminum is not magnetic
Aluminum is not as pliable as steel
Aluminum has to stay cleaner than steel
Aluminum can’t withstand bends or scratches like steel
Our Story:
Manufacturing with aluminum is not even in the same ballpark as steel.
Tolerances on everything from the forming and bending to the cleanliness of the blanks is much more formidable compared to steel. Not to mention the body is joined by rivets and glue instead of spot welding.
After months of expert engineering and building we’ve delivered four Feed Lease Corp custom aluminum coil processing machines that are now in full time operation for the client.
Our Results:
North America’s first and only Servo Feed and Coil Handling Equipment built to handle an aluminum application. Some of the many unique features are:
• Servo-Driven Tail Out Feeder with Vacuum Belt for transfer application
• Outboard Support Rails with powered adjustment
• Powered Telescoping into die area
• Hard-Chromed Straightening Rolls ground to a specific micro finish to prevent marking and build up
• 1” of Depth Engagement on straightening rolls for enhanced straightening capabilities
• Four Pad Mandrel Design with wedge expansion to help prevent coil triangulation at end of run
• Automatic Coil Centering via coil car and laser sensors
• Recipe Driven Automatic job setup of multiple functions
No other Servo Feed or Coil Handling Equipment company has a system to handle aluminum at this scale. Our machines and systems overcome the many nuances of working with aluminum coils that typical steel coils never encounter.
Who We Are:
We’re Feed Lease Corporation. For over 45 years, we’ve been committed to designing and building premium quality, high performance Press Automation and Coil Handling Equipment.
From space-saving coil processing lines to custom servo feeds, CTL shearing and conventional lines that work with Class A and other surface-critical materials, count on us to provide a smart and proven solution.
For more information, call 248.377.0000 or visit us on the web at: www.FeedLease.com.
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