The latest hydraulic tie-rod cylinders, pumps and directional, flow and check valves have been specified for a cold roll forming and transfer line to produce automotive bumpers.


Parker Hannifin hydraulic tie-rod cylinders, pumps and directional, flow and check valves have been specified for a new multi-function process line with automatic transfer line built by Coleford, Gloucestershire-based, Travers Metal Products, for production of beams for the front bumper on Ford's new Fiesta. Travers built the line as a turnkey project for installation at the Brownhills, UK, plant of Wagon Automotive, the leading supplier in lightweight design engineering solutions, who in turn supply all Ford Fiesta finished front bumper requirements. Predicted volumes for the new process line are 2800 components per day.

The new multi-function process line comprises a decoiler which supplies Docol 1000 coil strip to an 18-pass roll forming machine which forms and cuts the beam to length.

The beam then passes through a transfer system, which incorporates length and curvature measuring system, onto a conveyor and into a 6-station process rig, before being conveyed into the welding area.

'As an ISO/TS16949 supplier we have to be confident that the tools and manufacturing processes we use are able to provide us with the quality that Ford demand,' said Alan Fleet, Wagon Automotive Divisional Engineering Director.

More than 30 Parker Hannifin HMI hydraulic tie-rod cylinders are used in the 6-station process rig for control of piercing holes, cutting notches, positioning and end bend forming functions.

The hydraulic power pack for the line - designed and engineered by Parker distributor, Hymid Hydraulics - features a 22kW motor, which drives one of the recently introduced PVPlus heavy duty variable displacement axial piston pumps.

The pump features horsepower control and soft-start, set to deliver a maximum 250 litre/minute at 100 bar line pressure.

Parker Hannifin O-Lok and EO-2 leak-free fittings and Parkrimp high pressure hose are used throughout the hydraulic installation.

In addition, the new process line features Parker Pneumatic guided cylinders and air preparation systems.

Parker Filtration products are used in the hydraulic power pack.

Established in 1962, Travers Metal Products make special purpose machinery for the automotive industry which includes stretch bending of roll formed and extruded materials.

Technical Director, Haydn Risbey, says, 'We have a long-standing 30 year relationship with Parker, the basis of which has always been the supply of the highest quality products backed up by second-to-none customer service.

As much of our equipment find its way into automotive plants located in countries throughout the world, the global availability of Parker products and service is a bonus