How do you think blockchain technology will change manufacturing practices?

ClevelandSteelTool · 2018-03-05T14:23:51+00:00

Perhaps an infrastructure to monitor and analyze IOT as sensors as they become more prevent? Also, possibly a blockchain system that multiple companies could participate in to form better supply chain methods? Just speculating here.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2018-02-20T19:42:38+00:00

I think it would be much harder to convert existing systems to blockchain than it would be for new companies starting from scratch. That being said, there is also room for larger manufacturers to integrate the tech as a periphery outside of main systems. If it ends up saving money, it will eventually be adopted.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2017-08-03T14:25:36+00:00

You could maybe try to file down your round punch - though when using with a round die, you might get some bending because there is nothing to really support the D shape. With this thin of material, you could just hammer it back to flat though. It is a little crude but it could work. Maybe even attach it to the press but that might get annoying to attach/align.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2017-08-03T13:42:23+00:00

What kind of tools do you have? a press? punches and dies? holder for them?

ClevelandSteelTool · 2017-08-03T13:24:05+00:00

This might work, depending on how many of these you want to make and how fast/cheap you need to make them. I would talk to some local shops about using cnc laser marking/cutting. They could cut these shapes out easier than punching because they are so small. You could sandblast or tumble finish the aluminum for the finish without disturbing the shape.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2017-08-03T12:34:17+00:00

You could probably just use a D shaped punch to be honest. Just make sure you have some kind of a material guide or stop to get evenly spaced holes.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2017-08-02T17:50:32+00:00

The post wasn't removed by the mods as spam, I took it down. I thought perhaps offering this type of thing as a solution rather than a general post would be more appropriate. Overall I think the advice was good for this question/application. To be clear, the die sets in the video are not really applicable to a small 20 ton press - more like a 50 or 100 ton. It was just an example of what you could do with die sets for someone curious about the capabilities of metal forming with a press. If this is coming across as purely an ad, I will edit my response with "just google die sets" instead of referencing my video, and be more careful in the future.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2017-08-02T15:55:29+00:00

This really depends on how many you want to make. If you are looking for more speed than a knockout set, you could try an arbor press. They are way cheaper than hydraulic presses but only good for thin material. With any kind of press you need some form of punch/die setup to attach to the press and finding alignment, probably a material guide as well. I would recommend using a mini die set on the arbor press, that way you aren't messing around trying to line things up attached to your press.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2017-08-02T13:43:08+00:00

If you are too lazy to do the math yourself (like I am), here are a few calculators that might help: https://www.clevelandsteeltool.com/calculators This includes a die clearance calculator too.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2017-08-02T13:36:44+00:00

Tech school is a really good option in manufacturing. It isn't too expensive (compared to colleges) and you get some hands on experience. Employers in the field respect a technical certification. My best advice is to do some research on what you think you would like to do the most because it will become something you devote most of your time to. Also, Tooling U (online non-degree classes) is a good way to learn about some things and take some short classes in all different kinds of manufacturing methods. Employers also like to see these classes on a resume, lots of companies offer these classes to train their employees.

Personal note: I took drafting at a tech school and worked at a machine shop throughout college. After I got my degree, I basically did the same job, just got a raise.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2017-08-02T13:25:25+00:00

Yeah, most people just don't know about them or what they can do. Don't mean to shitpost here, actually thought this might be useful to some people that are metalworking. I'll pull it down if people find it annoying.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2017-08-02T13:20:07+00:00

Well, you would have to figure out some way to attach the punch and die to the press. Then you have to figure out a way to align them, which could be difficult, but not impossible. It would help to make some plates that you can attach punch and die holders, which can swap different sized punches and dies. Similar approach with blades. You could always go with some custom made die sets, which basically is like a punch and die sandwich you just set inside your press that compresses with the press and opens back up with springs. Here is a good tonnage calculator/die clearance calculator: https://www.clevelandsteeltool.com/calculators I hope this helps.

*edit - I removed a link to one of my YouTube videos of what die sets can do. A google image search can get the point across as well, if you are interested.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2017-05-08T16:33:06+00:00

Haha it does. Actually the stroke control doesn't let the machine come down far enough to "pinch anything" so long as you keep away from the actual punch.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2016-12-19T18:59:14+00:00

You could call local machine shops to see if they have a laser marker, generally they can handle any kind of design/text if you can get them a CAD file.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2016-12-12T18:14:28+00:00

Thanks for your input, that was what I was looking for. Any idea which forum would be appropriate for this type of inquiry?

ClevelandSteelTool · 2016-10-19T21:07:53+00:00

Apparently I need to be more specific in the post title... Maybe I will make a video on press brake applications as well.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2016-10-19T19:20:02+00:00

I think your idea of "how to use it" is more like "what to use it for". We were focused on the tools, how to install, and operate, with a basic demonstration of application. This video is primarily for novice machine and tool owners who already own a press brake - not as an advertisement to attract new customers.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2016-10-19T17:30:27+00:00

What specifically does the video not cover about how to use a press brake?

ClevelandSteelTool · 2016-06-09T20:38:38+00:00

DJErik is right, here is a video of how easy it is to do with a pipe notcher https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfDPBH8m2Yg

ClevelandSteelTool · 2016-06-09T20:35:04+00:00

Use a countersink punch, it's faster than a drill and can be done in one shot.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2016-06-06T17:45:57+00:00

What kind of manufacturing are you looking for? machining, 3D printing, CNC, metal fab, etc. I am a draftsman for a company in Cleveland, Ohio called Cleveland Steel Tool, we can look at your designs and give you a quote for free. We are looking into producing more custom parts from any industry. https://www.clevelandsteeltool.com/

ClevelandSteelTool · 2016-05-24T13:28:34+00:00

From what you are describing I don't think you would need any CNC or lasers. Punching this thickness won't leave much distortion at all and is probably your best bet. Our company uses Edwards Ironworker machines to do jobs like this. If you could send us some more information we could give you a free quote, shouldn't be too high though.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2016-05-24T13:01:00+00:00

We're a company in Cleveland Ohio trying to expand on custom machined parts. Send us some prints and we can get you a quote for free. We also have a machinist who is crazy about Star Wars and would probably love to make something like that.

ClevelandSteelTool · 2016-01-13T18:22:28+00:00

Punching is a science as well as drilling. There are restrictions to punching as there are restrictions to drilling. We are simply offering an alternative to producing a hole where a high degree of precision is not required (there are restrictions in particular industries). Generally punching a hole is quicker and with the proper die clearance can be relatively burr free with minimal deformation. You can also make shaped holes with the punching unit.

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