Die Storage & Retrieval System
Macrodyne die and mold handling equipment, coupled with quick die change clamping systems, improves the efficiency and productivity of presses or press lines by minimizing the downtime which occurs during die change. This is especially true in light of the demands of just-in-time or short production runs.
Our automated die storage and retrieval system incorporate comprehensive die and mold management, complete with die and mold recognition, registers, flexible storage, pre-staging capability, fault diagnostics, integration with presses or press line monitors and system & die location monitoring.
Macrodyne supplies a wide variety of die and mold handling equipment to suit virtually any operation and extent of automation. The dies or molds can be exchanged from the systems by overhead cranes, forklifts, or may be stored on racks and retrieved automatically as is possible with automated die storage and retrieval system. No matter if you have a Mechanical, Servo, or Hydraulic press, Macrodyne can provide the right solution for you.
Macrodyne supplies a wide range of die and mold handling equipment including:
- Automated die storage and retrieval systems
- Automated die or mold clamping and lifting packages
- Single or bi-directional die and mold carts
- AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle)
- LGV (Laser Guided Vehicle)
- RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle)
- Die and mold spotting presses
- Rolling bolsters
- Die and mold transfer tables
- Die and mold openers
- Die and mold elevators
- Die and mold storage racks
- Die and mold carrier plates
- Die Splitters
Die Handling Equipment for Existing or New Mechanical & Hydraulic Presses
Macrodyne die and mold handling equipment can be custom designed to integrate with existing mechanical and hydraulic presses or may be supplied as ancillary equipment as part of an automated press line with new Macrodyne hydraulic presses.
Macrodyne die and molding handling systems are equipped with comprehensive electrical control packages that provide simple, flexible, user-friendly functionality resulting in rapid and safe die and mold handling.
Change, Store & Retrieve Dies Quickly & Safely
Another major benefit of Macrodyne die and mold handling equipment is the ability to safely and efficiently transport large dies quickly to and from the press or press line for their loading and unloading.
Heavy duty racking systems are available to safely store anywhere from several to hundreds of dies. These racking systems are available as a stand-alone item or can be supplied in conjunction with other automated die and mold handling equipment.
The above Macrodyne automated die storage & retrieval system was designed to automatically store, retrieve and handle forty (40) dies with a maximum weight of 20,000 lbs. This system was supplied to serve two (2) mechanical presses already installed at the Buyer’s facility. The die storage & retrieval system comprises a multi-level die cart with integral elevator table including die loading/unloading mechanism, seven (7) die storage racks with six (6) stations each, and two (2) die transfer tables. The control system stores location information for each die in the system and the staging positions allow loading and unloading of the presses in five (5) minutes.
The above Macrodyne hydraulic tandem press line was supplied complete with a fully integrated Macrodyne automated die storage & retrieval system. In addition to producing a new part every 6.5 seconds, the system is capable of a complete line changeover (all dies and transfer system tooling) in under 10 minutes. The die storage and retrieval system automatically and rapidly exchange four (4) 27,000 lb. dies from four (4) presses. The die storage & retrieval system comprises four (4) level die elevators and four (4) level die storage racks with twenty (20) storage positions and eight (8) additional pre-staging die change positions.
Rolling Bolsters & Shuttles
Optional Rolling Bolsters Facilitate Quick Die Change via Forklift or Overhead Crane
Macrodyne hydraulic presses are available with a variety of optional rolling bolsters or die shuttle tables that allow the die to be transferred out of the press for simplified transportation via a heavy forklift or overhead crane.
Our rolling bolsters are combined with automatic clamping packages for the upper die half and are integrated with the press control system to facilitate rapid and safe removal of the die or mold from the press.
Using a single rolling bolster, a complete die change can be accomplished within approximately 15 minutes provided that the next die to be used is located close to the press.
In addition to time savings, the risk of damage to the dies and other equipment due to human error during die changes is eliminated.
Faster Die Changes Achieved Using Dual Rolling Bolster Arrangements
To further reduce downtime associated with die changes, we offer dual rolling bolster packages. With a dual rolling bolster configuration, the next die to be used in the press can be pre-staged on the second rolling bolster while the press is still operational. When ready for a die change, the bolster in the press exits, and once clear, the second bolster can enter the press allowing for die change in under 5 minutes.
User-friendly controls simplify quick die changes. To remove a die from a press equipped with a rolling bolster, the operator simply selects the applicable operation in the press control system and the upper die is automatically unclamped from the slide.
Once disconnected from the slide, the bolster travels out of the press to a safe position where it can be removed by an overhead crane. A new die can then be lowered onto the rolling bolster and the process is automatically repeated in reverse to install the new die in the press.
Macrodyne rolling bolsters and die shuttle tables are available in a variety of configurations:
- Front to back rolling bolsters traveling out of the front or rear of the press
- Side to side rolling bolsters traveling out of either side of the press
- “T” type rolling bolsters traveling out of any side(s) of the press
- Single or dual die shuttles connected to any side(s) of the press
