THE ART OF FOURSLIDE
So What is a Fourslide Machine?
Typical Fourslide Machine
A fourslide is a machine used to form small stamped components out of wire stock or coils of steel. Essentially, the machine is a horizontally arranged stamping press. This horizontal design is really the key to how the machine operates. Moving slides, that have specially designed tools attached, strike the material being fed through the machine to form the part. The slides are driven by four shafts that form the perimenter of the machine. The shafts are connected together with gears, so that one motor will drive all four shafts. Each shaft is also equipped with special cams that drive the slides. This arrangement of shafts and cams allows the material to be worked on four sides, making the machine very versatile.
Advantages of Fourslide vs Presses
The main advantages of fourslide machines are the ability to complete all the operations required to form a particular part in one operation. In addition, the tooling cost is normally under $20,000. Fourslides are also capable of making select parts that progressive dies simple cannot. Fourslide machines are also very efficient. They use less energy than a stamping press, generate less material waste and produce a tremendous number of parts per shift. Combined, these advantages may result in a reduced piece price for the customer. Typical parts would be small clips, fasteners, wrap clamps, small brackets. Set up time can also be time consuming, so it is best suited for higher volume applications.
PTM Operates 16 Fourslide Machines
Materials
Commonly used materials include cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, stainless steels, and various aluminum alloys.