Tempel's Newly Patented Linear Lamination Fabrication Method

8/22/2007

Tempel Innovation Eliminates Drawbacks of Progressive Stamping with Newly Patented Linear Lamination Fabrication Method.

Most linear motor laminations manufactured today are made progressively stamping the laminations or single hit compound dies. This method limits the size of the laminations that can be economically produced. As the dies get larger they become more costly and require larger presses to stamp them out. These large presses generally run slower and ultimately still impose limits on the size of the part that can be produced. This unfortunate state of affairs in linear motor lamination production, however, is about to radically change thanks to the innovation of the Tempel Steel Company.

In the company's never-ending pursuit for industry improvements, Tempel Steel announced today the approval of its patent application for the fabrication of linear motor laminations using a linear notching method. Linear motor laminations using Tempel's new "in-line" notching process can be produced on dies and presses, which would be significantly smaller, thus reducing the die cost and capital costs associated with large presses.

The "in-line" notching process uses a programmable servo feed to vary the length of the progression dependent on the feature being stamped at any given time. This capability allows for a varying progression between the slots. The tool can also produce slots that are of a constant progression and while holding the slot spacing constant can vary other features...including holes, cleating notches, t-slots, over molding interlocks or snap fit interlocks...on a progression that is different from the slots.

Because of this patented process design, the lamination is no longer limited in length by the coil width, die or press size, which provides significant advantages. The finished product can be cut to a specific length or recoiled and delivered in coil form. Depending on the volume requirements and the width of the lamination, either two or four laminations can be produced at one time, thus reducing the cost of manufacturing.

The patented "in-line" notching process by Tempel is an excellent choice for all types of iron core linear motors, especially longer applications or applications where it is desirable to incorporate features that may not be on the same progression. Linear motor applications such as amusement rides, elevators, Maglev trains, and linear actuators could also make excellent use of the process.

If you you want a copy of the US Patent 7,086,317 see FAQ for a PDF copy.

Background

Tempel Steel Company is the world's largest independent manufacturer of magnetic laminations for the motor and transformer industry. It was founded by Tempel Smith who started the global company from a garage on the north side of Chicago in 1945. Tempel is a company with over 1,700 employees and manufacturing facilities in Chicago, Libertyville, IL; Canada, Mexico, China and India.

In addition to producing magnetic steel laminations, the company sells electrical and cold-rolled motor lamination steel to manufacturers, subcontractors and other customers to produce their own laminations. Tempel also provides added value products such as powder coating, die-casting, welding, slot paper insertion and electrical steels.

Contact

To read more about our capabilities or our Added Value operations go to http://www.tempel.com/ or contact us at 773-250-8604 or Marketing@tempel.com.

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