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Free part retrieval system and method

Free part retrieval system and method description/claims

The present invention relates to a stamping system.

Stamping system are known and used in the automotive industry to stamp and form various substrates or blanks into body panels for motor vehicles. In this regard, there are different-sized stamping systems that are used to form different-sized body panels. Some stamping systems, however, are not as efficient (i.e., produce to much blank material) as other stamping systems. This waste in material is not cost effective.

That is, known stamping systems generally produce a large amount of scrap metal. Although this scrap metal may be recycled, the re-sale value of the scrap metal is well below the initial retail cost of the metal blanks. Accordingly, there is a need to improve the efficiency of stamping systems by either reducing or utilizing the amount of scrap metal produced during a stamping operation, as well as increasing productivity of under-utilized stamping systems.

The present teachings provide a stamping system comprising a press system including a plurality of bolsters, and a chute system disposed below the press system. The chute system communicates with the press system via a plurality of through-holes formed in the bolsters. In this manner, parts manufactured using the press system may pass through the bolsters into the chute system.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a stamping system according to the present teachings;

FIG. 2 is a top-perspective view of another stamping system according to the present teachings;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bolster and die that may be used in conjunction with the present invention;

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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