Die Storage & Retrieval System
Macrodyne Custom Die Storage, Die Handling Equipment and Die Retrieval Systems for Heavy-Duty Presses
Significantly improve efficiency and productivity by minimizing downtime during die changeovers.
Macrodyne supplies die storage, die handling equipment and die retrieval systems for dies or die sets from several hundred pounds to 100 tons or more. Our die handling equipment is custom-designed and can be configured to serve one or more presses in a wide variety of configurations.
Our automated die storage and retrieval systems incorporate comprehensive die and mold management, complete with die and mold recognition, registers, flexible storage, pre-staging capability, fault diagnostics, integration with presses or press line monitors, and system and die location monitoring.
Dies or molds can be exchanged by overhead cranes, forklifts, or may be stored on racks and retrieved automatically. Ask how we can custom-develop the ideal die handling and storage system for you.
Macrodyne supplies a wide range of die and mold handling equipment including:
- Automated die storage and retrieval systems
- Automated die or mold clamping and lifting packages
- Single or bi-directional die and mold carts
- AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle)
- LGV (Laser Guided Vehicle)
- RGV (Rail Guided Vehicle)
- Die and mold spotting presses
- Die and mold transfer tables
- Die and mold openers
- Die and mold elevators
- Die and mold storage racks
- Die and mold carrier plates
- Die Splitters
- Rolling bolsters
Die Handling Equipment for Existing or New Presses
Macrodyne die and mold handling equipment can be custom-designed to integrate with existing mechanical and hydraulic presses or supplied as part of an automated press line with new Macrodyne presses.
Macrodyne die and mold handling systems are equipped with comprehensive electrical control packages that provide simple, flexible, user-friendly functionality for quick and safe die and mold handling.
Easily Change and Store Dies with Macrodyne Die Storage Racks
Heavy-duty die storage racks are available to safely store up to hundreds of dies. Our racking systems are available as a stand-alone item or can be supplied in conjunction with other automated die and mold handling equipment.
The automated system showcased above was designed to store, retrieve and handle 40 dies with a maximum weight of 20,000 lbs. The system was supplied to serve two mechanical presses at the buyer’s facility. The system is comprised of a multi-level die cart with an integrated elevator table featuring a die loading/unloading mechanism, seven die storage racks with six stations each, and two die transfer tables. The control system stores location information for each die in the system, and the staging positions allow loading and unloading of the presses in five minutes.
The hydraulic tandem press line showcased above was supplied with a fully integrated automated die storage and retrieval system. In addition to producing a new part every 6.5 seconds, the system is capable of a complete line changeover (all dies and transfer system tooling) in under 10 minutes. The die storage and retrieval system automatically and rapidly exchanges four 27,000 lb. dies from four presses. The system is comprised of four-level die elevators and four-level die storage racks with 20 storage positions and eight additional pre-staging die change positions.
Rolling Bolsters & Die Shuttle Tables
Experience Quick and Easy Die Changes with Rolling Bolsters and Die Shuttle Tables
Macrodyne servo and hydraulic presses are available with a variety of rolling bolsters or die shuttle tables to allow the die to be transferred out of the press for simplified transportation via a heavy forklift or overhead crane.
Our rolling bolsters are combined with automatic clamping packages for the upper die half, and are integrated with the press control system to facilitate rapid and safe removal of the die or mold from the press.
Using a single rolling bolster, a complete die change can be accomplished within 15 minutes (provided that the replacement die is located close to the press).
In addition to time savings, a rolling bolster or die shuttle significantly minimizes the risk of damage to the dies and other equipment due to human error during die changes.
Enjoy Even Faster Die Changes with a Dual Rolling Bolster Arrangement
To further reduce downtime during die changes, a dual rolling bolster configuration allows the next die to be pre-staged on a second rolling bolster while the press is still in operation. When ready for a die change, the bolster in the press exits and, once clear, the second bolster can enter the press, allowing for die change in under five minutes.
User-friendly controls simplify quick die changes. To remove a die from a press equipped with a rolling bolster, the operator simply selects the applicable operation in the press control system and the upper die is automatically unclamped from the slide. Once disconnected, the bolster travels out of the press to a safe position where it can be removed by an overhead crane. A new die can then be lowered onto the rolling bolster and the process is automatically repeated in reverse to install the new die.
Macrodyne rolling bolsters and die shuttle tables are available in a variety of configurations:
- Front-to-back rolling bolsters traveling out of the front or rear of the press
- Side-to-side rolling bolsters traveling out of either side of the press
- “T”-type rolling bolsters traveling out of any side(s) of the press
- Single or dual die shuttles connected to any side(s) of the press
Think Big with Macrodyne
Learn more about our industrial press design and automation solutions.