| AMS Controls Newsletter | October 2008 | | | | In This Issue | | Encoder Tracking - Part 1 of 2 | | Why Automate Now? | | Automatic Bend Sequencing Software for Retrofit Pathfinder Folding Machine Controls | | AMS Controls GmbH Established | | Upcoming Trade Shows | | Corporate News | | Encoder Tracking - Part 1 of 2 | | Accurate and consistent part lengths are crucial to quality control in roll forming processes. Even if parts are produced in tolerance, a batch of parts that are inconsistent in length will be more rigorously scrutinized by the end-user than a stack where the ends of all the parts line up. Encoder and material tracking problems account for most product length variations on computer controlled roll forming lines. From the perspective of a length control system, all information regarding the material - direction, speed, distance traveled - comes from a single point, where the encoder measuring wheel contacts the material. Proper tracking of the encoder measuring wheel is therefore critical to machine performance. Variance can come from sources other than the measuring system. However, these sources are less likely, and tend to be specific to the machine application type. They are more appropriately addressed by machine application in a separate article, rather as a comprehensive article on length control. Also, since encoders are present on most computer controlled roll forming machines, and because the problems associated with encoder tracking and mounting are similar in each application, the encoder system should always be examined first when troubleshooting length variance. For technicians, maintenance and engineering, locating the source of a length variance can be a daunting task. This article will help educate the troubleshooter and describe methodologies for correctly implementing the encoder system for a roll former, as well as ‘best practices’ for encoder systems on computer controlled roll forming lines. Click here for complete article... | | Why Automate Now? | |
Eventually all bear markets yield to a new bull market: The good times will return at some point. The fabricated metal products sector of the economy will certainly regain health. The question is more appropriately - will there ever be a better time to position your business for competitive advantage or to take advantage of tax incentives to add capital improvements to your operations?
Now, as many production lines remain under utilized, is the time to be proactive with preparations for the next significant manufacturing upswing. The best time to prepare for higher volumes and improved manufacturing techniques is when business is slow(er) and down time does not have to be incurred while the machines are playing catch up. Take advantage of a slower time around the shop floor to invest. Learn new ways to improve efficiencies, improve profitability, align strengths and capabilities, and of course - beat out the competition. What should those smart business preparations entail? Start with what will make the most significant impact in terms of return on investment? Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) is one investment to consider that delivers on potential. It offers numerous ways to reduce variable costs while increasing cash flow, and more importantly, revenue. AMS CONTROLS is the leader in development of CIM enabled controllers to serve the metal roll forming and metal folding industries. Eclipse is a tested production management software that will schedule orders; enable download transfer of orders directly to the shop floor, monitor real-time production status, analyze productivity via OEE & Pareto charts, actively track coil inventory, and provide tracking reports. Eclipse also automates the import and export of production data. Mistake-proofing order fulfillment through CIM is perhaps the most valuable benefit to management. Customer retention and support is gained through ensuring that the correct profile, material, length, quantity, etc are delivered when promised. Eliminating mistakes is always a key objective; mistakes caught at the factory are expensive but mistakes caught at the customer site are much more costly in terms of customer relations. The best and proven approach to reducing mistakes is single-point data entry & verification through CIM. CIM can be integrated into any metal fabrication environment and the Eclipse production management system will deliver results quickly. Call AMS CONTROLS for a consultative discussion and review of how this can improve your operation. Now is the time to put your business in the best position to compete when the market rebounds.
| | Automatic Bend Sequencing Software for Retrofit Pathfinder Folding Machine Controls | | 
AMS is pleased to announce a major breakthrough in folding machine technology. Our Pathfinder controller is now able to automatically program the ideal bending sequence for any profile. This feature will give you the highest possible level of productivity on your folding machines regardless of your operators' level of experience. We've spent the last two and a half years developing this technology, because we believe it is necessary to fully integrate folding machines with production management systems such as Eclipse. Creating custom parts is surprisingly easy with the new controller. The operator can either click on the touch-screen to build the profile or he can enter dimensions using the keypad. Once the part shape is completed, the operator can simply click the "go" button to start production. Pathfinder searches through the potentially billions of possible bend sequences to find the solution that minimizes handling of the part, damage to the part, and other conditions that could affect the quality of the part or production speed. If the operator is curious about other possible bending sequences, he can click on a button to see the top solutions. With 30 years of experience in roll forming, AMS is dedicated to the development of integrated manufacturing and providing significant improvements to trim shop operations. Automatic bend sequencing is one major milestone towards that goal. AMS is happy to demonstrate this new feature for your operation and get all feedback. If interested, a web-based demo can be arranged at a time to best suit your organization. For more information about the Pathfinder controller, please visit www.pathfindercontrols.com. | | AMS Controls GmbH Established | | 
AMS Controls is proud to announce the establishment of its European headquarters, AMS Controls GmbH, which is based in Graz, Austria. Mr. Anton Hofer is the managing director of AMS Controls GmbH and brings many years of experience in distribution, technical sales and support. Andy Allman, President of AMS Controls, recently traveled to Austria to officially kick off AMS's new operations: "With the opening of this European operation, AMS will be able to fully support our OEM and end-user customers in this key market." Together with partners such as Formia Construction Oy (Finland) and Allmac Industries (Nanjing, PRC), AMS Controls is in a great position to serve the worldwide market. For further information please contact:
AMS Controls GmbH
Grafenbergstrasse 37
A-8051 Graz
Austria, Europe
Tel. +43 316 684 046
Fax. +43 316 684 026
e-mail: thofer@amscontrols.com | | Upcoming Trade Shows | | EuroBLECH (Hanover): Hall 27, Stand E65
AMS Controls will be exhibiting at the 2008 EuroBLECH "The Mega Show for Sheet Metal Working" (www.euroblech.com) from October 21 through 25, in Hanover Germany. Offering the latest in control technology, AMS will be demonstrating the XL200 series controller for roll forming, the PATHFINDER Controller for folding machines, and the ECLIPSE production integration and management software. We will also be demonstrating a low-cost method to achieve high speed punching (600 mm spacing at 135+ m/m) for metal stud machines. If you are planning to attend EuroBLECH 2008 but do not have your ticket; please click here for a complimentary entrance ticket. AHR Expo (Chicago): # 1242
AMS Controls will be showcasing the XL220 series controller at the International Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigerating Exposition in Chicago at McCormick Place January 26-28. The XL220 controller is specifically designed to retrofit HVAC rectangular duct lines. AMS' retrofit systems restore new performance adding 10+ years of additional life, easily integrating all major manufacturers' equipment. Offering the latest technology and ability to integrate popular CAD systems, the retrofit package will profitably reduce scrap and mistakes. Please visit with AMS Controls at the AHR EXPO, or for consultation and purchasing options please email/call: 30yearsofexperience@amscontrols.com // (314)-344-3144. | | | | | | |