"Global Innovation Award" Given to Schuler's Compact Crossbar Transfer Press By Design News

CANTON, Mich.--May 6, 2005--Schuler's new Compact Crossbar Transfer Press was awarded the Global Innovation Award on April 13, 2005, by Design News. The award was presented to Hans Hofele, representing the automotive business unit of Schuler Presses, Germany, who developed the crossbar transfer technology. "It is with great pleasure that we recognize Schuler's innovative design with this award," said Chuck Murray, Senior Technical Editor of Design News. "Schuler's new design will clearly benefit their clients with versatility and output capabilities while taking automation to a new level of forward-thinking."

As part of the award, Schuler received $15,000 which was donated to Ohio State University which has a long-working relationship with Schuler. Professor Tylan Altan accepted the award on behalf of Ohio State University. Schuler has already received eight orders for this advanced technology.

The award winning design features individual transfer drive units, which are mounted to the press uprights and transfer large sheet metal parts from one press operation to the next.

"With older presses, you had to design the stamping operation to handle the most complicated part," said Hans Hofele. "You couldn't modify the press to run faster for less complex projects."

The two drive units allow operators to program the part orientation to the die requirements. Removing the idle station between the press operations reduces the tooling cost. "Eliminating the idle station is the wave of the future of larger transfer presses," said Paul Kosaian, director of Ford's North America Stamping Operations. "The new Schuler design will cut the length of the press line by about 20 feet."

The Compact Crossbar Transfer Press is controlled by Schuler's newly developed, PC-based control and visualization concept. The new concept enables easier operation and trouble shooting. The new system also shortens planning and production launch phases - resulting in condensed lead times.

Schuler Inc., Canton, MI, offers a wealth of metalforming technologies designed to boost productivity and profits. The company provides sales and service of mechanical and hydraulic presses, transfer and tandem lines; front-of-line automation, end-of-line automation, interpress automation, coil-feeding equipment and laser technologies. Its ProfiLine is tailored to the needs of automotive and non-automotive parts suppliers, and its standard machine components are integrated into customized systems.