Latest version of 4 Slide-NC available

Bihler 4 Slide-NC, Inc. – the machine-building division of Bihler of America, Inc. that specializes in servo-controlled four-slide machines – will showcase its advanced Rapid Prototyping capabilities to the metal forming industry at the SMI Metal Engineering Expo in Pittsburgh, Penn., on October 1-3.
As an innovator in four-slide manufacturing equipment, Bihler 4 Slide-NC combines the latest technology in additive manufacturing with complete motion control of servo-driven slides for enhanced manufacturing outcomes.
The servos in Bihler 4 Slide-NC machine enables precise tooling positioning and adjustment, as well as improved set-up times. Along with advanced engineering capabilities, the Bihler 4 Slide-NC machine supports 3D-printed tools that boost production efficiency, and that enhance the prototyping process and tool precision.
In addition, the exhibition of the latest version of the Bihler 4 Slide-NC machine will feature the following improvements, which were developed based on studies and customer feedback:

• Enhanced ergonomic features
• Advanced design support
• Video Training Library
• Set-up times of as little as 5 to 30 minutes

For many decades, tooling development in the slide forming industry has been based on 2D/3D design, and on CNC machining of tool components. Precisely designing and building the perfect tool using these dated methods could easily take several months.
Now with the implementation of 3D-printed tools using Bihler 4 Slide-NC technology, tooling development is only a week-long process. Depending on material strength, these tools can even be used for early-stage prototypes and for proof of concept, which reduces the development period for hard tooling.
“Imagine having the ability to try out early-stage concepts on a live machine,” says Max Linder, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bihler of America. “That capability is changing how we train our new employees, and how we transfer our know-how to the next generation of tool designers.  Instead of feeding abstract FEMA models, we now can prove strategies on a live production machine within hours.”
By combining the latest features of the Bihler 4 Slide-NC machine with the power of additive manufacturing, Bihler 4 Slide-NC redefines the terms of rapid prototyping in the metal forming industry.
Bihler 4 Slide-NC will conduct a demo of the latest version of the Bihler 4 Slide-NC machine at SMI, and will showcase the latest 3D-printed tooling on a live machine set-up.
www.bihler.com