DieBotics FAQ

Q: What does DieBotics do?

A: We create cutting edge transfer systems for your industry. We offer several standardized models, or we can design a custom integration tailored specially for your needs.

Q: Does DieBotics make dies?

A: No! But our local integrator Preferred Tool & Die would be happy to help with all your tool and die needs, or you can request a joint project from either company and we will design, build, and automate your press all at once. 

Q: Can we partner with your local tool and die maker in designing an automated die?

A: We would be happy to work with the tool and die company that is most familiar to you to ensure your process is running as efficiently as it can, or if you would like to automate a pre-existing die, simply send us the specs and we will recommend the best system for you.

Q: When is a transfer a good option?

A: Parts that don't nest efficiently, parts that require separation, parts with fully hemmed or coined edges, parts that don't have adequate progressive carrier options, parts that can't be made from coil, aluminum extrusions, or parts that start out as roll-formed sections but require additional processing all are good candidates for transfer automation.

Q: What types of parts is a Walking Beam Transfer (WBT) good for?

A: Parts that can't be run in a progressive die such as tubes, roll-formed sections and aluminum extrusions make sense to run with a WBT. Parts that require full coverage can be transferred using a WBT with the addition of hand-off stations to change the gap location.

Q: What speeds are possible with a DieBotics transfer?

A: Many factors affect transfer speed, such as part geometry, rigidity, required lift, required pitch, reach in, press stroke, part depth, die component interference, etc. However, a reasonable example would be our Walking Beam Transfer (WBT) running at over 30 SPM with a 2" (50mm) lift and a 12" (305mm) pitch, or for our Polar 3-Axis Transfer (P3D), our system can run at over 20 SPM for a typical transfer move. Our systems are very scalable and the upper limit has yet to be discovered so if you have a specific speed requirement, we would be happy to work with you to achieve that goal.

Q: What press stroke is required to accommodate a transfer?

A: For Walking Beam Transfers, we've run in presses with strokes as low as 6", or twice the part depth. Because the transfer mechanism picks up the part from below, the cycle can start very early and follow the press up and run just ahead of the press on the way down.

As for our Polar 3-Axis Transfers, the bigger the stroke, the more time for transfer.  A minimum stroke of 18’’ is recommended, however we have successfully implemented designs for strokes as low as 12’’. The minimum stroke required for these systems depends more heavily on part depth, geometry and other specifications, as the system itself must clear the press after executing the transfer, and do so with the appropriate safety margins.

Q: What is the delivery time?

A: We stock a small number of Walking Beam Transfers but typically all systems are semi-custom and deliveries vary from about 12 weeks for a Walking Beam or 26 weeks for a Polar3 Axis Transfer.

Q: What does a transfer system cost?

A: Our prices are very competitive. Our patented Elongated Support Parallel Arm Robot (ESPAR) technology is simple and robust with fewer parts resulting in lower cost and less maintenance, and with the decreased labor cost and increased material savings and energy efficiency, our system can quickly pay for itself.

Q: Are your transfers really a robot?

A: Our transfers have polar articulation, are servo motor actuated, have fully programmable moves, and communicate with the press and surrounding mechanisms. The Polar3 Axis Transfers (P3D) can run in a typical transfer mode, transferring parts L/R or in a Load/Unload mode feeding parts front to back (ideally matched with a WBT for under ram transfer). With all the advantages of a dedicated stamping press transfer system plus the diversity of running in different modes, our systems are more robot than dedicated transfer!

Q: How does the automation communicate to our press?

A: The DieBotics control includes an encoder that mounts to your press crank position output shaft and continuously relays information such as press position and movement speed. There is an E-stop connection between the press and the transfer that works both ways. Feedback from the press is constantly monitored and the transfer speed adjusts as necessary. We also do a look-ahead to watch for interference, accounting for factors such as press stopping time and other external complications. This two-way communication allows the press to stop the transfer if necessary, and vice versa.

Q: What are some of the other features that I should know about?

A: The DieBotics control has user programmable inputs and outputs that you can use to monitor and control functions such as gripper activation, part present sensors, lifter pad activating, etc.

Polar3 Axis Transfers (P3D) have a large work envelope, swing up and out of the way, and can present the finger tooling to setup personnel for easy modifications. 

The simplicity of the design offers low moving mass which means energy efficiency, low cost, and minimum maintenance.

Q: How can I contact you?

A: You can contact us through email or phone (both listed below), through a LinkedIn or Facebook message to our engineers or company president, or simply click on ‘DieBotics’ below. We look forward to hearing from you!