Punching onto the market

The additions to the Kaltenbach range, the KPS-A 167 and KPS-A 207 replace the previous, proven KPS models and have been completely redesigned from the ground up.

Drawing upon Kaltenbach's extensive process knowledge the new machines are built alongside the other models in the Kaltenbach range of sawing, drilling, plate processing, coping and robot welding machines at its advanced manufacturing headquarters in Lörrach, Germany.

Both machines are designed primarily for processing angled materials up to 160mm x 160mm x 25mm and 200mm x 200mm x 25mm respectively. Optionally, flat materials up to 170mm wide can also be processed. The machines feature two punching units for use with six punch and die sets which are designed for swift and efficient tooling change via a 'slide-in' combined tool cassette design.

The new KPS machines also include shear units with multi-use knives permitting the shear knife to be rotated by 90° as it wears for use up to four times before replacement. This increases the life of the overall tool whilst keeping the tooling cost to a minimum. Automatic punch power and cut clearance reduction is standard, along with a host of other features for optimal efficiency and performance.

Kaltenbach's design requirements demanded exacting standards for high strength, rigidity and process speed with low maintenance and assured reliability. Whilst occupying a compact footprint, the new KPS machines weigh in at an impressive 10 tons with a robust design and powerful 30kW hydraulic units. Both can be complemented by new materials handling systems with automatic material loading at the infeed, gripper based length measurement and good piece/scrap sorting at the outfeed with the ability to discharge pieces into user defined sorting positions.

Programming and control are via Kaltenbach's own 'Multiline' software which additionally now has a redesigned user interface for the new machines. The operator friendly system runs from a powerful, colour, multi-touch control screen, permitting operation and line side programming with part optimisation and DSTV+ file format compatibility. Being PC-based, the system can be connected directly to the user's network for offline programming and remote support via Kaltenbach's international technical service centres.

There is also a comprehensive array of Kaltenbach service and spares support options which include full tooling and spares packages along with a choice of maintenance programmes, from annual servicing through to advanced PPM schemes and pre-failure analysis, ensuring that machines deliver high levels of uptime, even in the most demanding of production environments. The new KPS models are ideally suited for production in industries such as electrical pylon manufacture, steel fabrication and steel service centres. The machines are already being delivered to customers and will shortly debut at international trade shows.

KALTENBACH
www.kaltenbach.com