Automated Sizing of PM Compacts to High Precision with High Speed Hydraulic CNC Press

The latest drive train developments such as the GF6 transaxle transmissions for upcoming FWD passenger car generations rely on highly precise PM components for speed sensors and clutch plates. These typically single level components with large outer diameters and rather small cross sections need to come within tight tolerances both for dimension and shape to comply with the functional requirements of the transmissions. The well proven PM process step of sizing such components to the specified dimensions has been performed primarily by mechanical presses, which generally provide adequate stroke rates but lack process variability options. Hydraulic CNC presses have such flexibility but have yet to attain economical production rates. This paper describes the development and realization of a high speed hydraulic CNC sizing press for 12 000 kN pressing force and a max. throughput of twenty parts per minute.