For more than 45 years now, the name Strothmann has stood for innovations in the transport and handling technology field. Only components from top-quality suppliers are used in the firm’s machines and plant, for instance for press automation. If these suppliers have a portfolio that also enables exact compliance with the requirements of the various machine axes, then for Strothmann it’s like hitting the jackpot. No wonder WITTENSTEIN plays a part in all axes of the new FeederPlus 6^neo – with compact, low-backlash planetary gearboxes, racks combining high endurance strength with quick, chipless assembly, planetary gearboxes in the High Torque version, Galaxie^® DF gearboxes featuring extremely high torsional rigidity and an ultra-compact, low-backlash design, bevel gearboxes and servo actuators – everything from a single source. All of this goes hand in hand with intensive planning and design support in the search for the optimum drive solution.

The complex kinematics and the special dynamics and precision requirements of the drive components were analyzed by Strothmann early on in the development project with the help of multibody simulations. The forces and moments which were calculated in this way were verified and optimized by Strothmann along with the preliminary designs by importing the data into our cymex^® 5 sizing tool. The detailed results of the multibody simulations enabled an in-depth, end-to-end system assessment. Basic gearbox options connected to performance, installation space and costs were likewise evaluated. Following a thorough investigation of the design limits for each gearbox application, we identified the optimum gearbox together with the customer and specified appropriate safety reserves for the sizing process.

Extreme rigidity was a must for the C1 axis: the feeder’s swivel arm needed to be attached directly to the C1 gearbox without additional mounting. This placed particularly high demands on the gearbox mount owing to the large lever arm and the associated tilting moments. The TP⁺ 2000 High Torque which was chosen is one of the few servo gearboxes that are capable of absorbing the specified tilting moments. A gearbox solution with an integrated motor – which had to be built as flat as possible because this part of the feeder plunges into the press chamber – was required for the C2 axis. At the same time, high torques are essential to rotate finished parts and deposit them on end-of-line conveyor belts. The Galaxie^® DF110 Drive System which is used for this purpose provides higher torsional rigidity and torque density in such a small space than any other motor / gearbox unit in the market.   

First, the FeederPlus 6^neo can now accept blanks with positioning errors from the handling system, center them as required by the process and load them into the first press. Second, it also removes finished parts from the final press, rotates them ergonomically through 90° and deposits them on downstream conveyor belts. 

This saving is achieved because robot and shuttle systems are no longer required at the front or end of the press line. Workpiece-specific grippers and tooling change systems can therefore likewise be dispensed with. The economies in the front and end-of-line processes mean a shorter line overall, so that the costs for steelwork and noise protection are lower too. In addition to these direct cost savings there are also various indirect savings, for instance for set-up times, installation and warehouse space or maintenance and repairs.

FeederPlus 6^neo already proven in use
In September 2019, following about two years of further development work, Strothmann unveiled the prototype of the FeederPlus 6^neo at an in-house exhibition. The product development and testing phases have since been brought to a successful conclusion. In the meantime, the first feeders have gone into operation on the press line at a leading automobile maker and are proven in daily use.