The topic of efficiency runs through all stages of automotive production and is also an important issue when it comes to pressing in punching nuts to join sheet metal or other parts together in a detachable manner. A major challenge is the feeding of the punching nuts, as the space in the press for the sheet metal and punching tool is extremely limited. Arnold Umformtechnik has developed a flexible multi-feed system for this purpose, which demonstrates its advantages particularly where many punching nuts have to be inserted into a component. The flexible system consists of a multi-feed unit that can supply two punching heads directly via a feed hose. If several punching heads are to be supplied, up to two so-called multi-distributors can be interposed, each of which can supply up to eight punching heads with nuts. This means that up to 16 punching heads can be supplied with nuts in one press tool, saving space and costs.

With the multi-distributor, users can make multiple savings, says Arnold. Firstly, directly at the time of purchase, as the alternative would be to buy several feeders. Secondly, its design also shortens the distance from the nuts to the punching head, which shortens the cycle times and thus increases the overall efficiency of the system. The Multifeed system can also be flexibly adapted to the needs of the application - both in terms of the number of punching heads to be supplied and the installation location: in applications where the installation space in the tool is too limited, the multi-distributors can also be mounted outside the press. Depending on whether punching nuts are to be pressed into the component from above or below, the multi-distributor can also be installed above or below the component, thus meeting different space and installation requirements.

An efficient automated solution is now available for applications that require secure connections even under high loads and rely on punch nuts for this purpose, as the Multifeed system can also be used to press a large number of punch nuts into complex components very quickly. pb