Laurie Harbour

    

Partner 
Wipfli LLP
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Keynote: The Manufacturing Renaissance: Driving Continuous Improvement

Manufacturing is in the midst of a marketplace evolution. From new automated and intelligent technology to growing consumer demands, the industry faces many challenges. During her presentation, Laurie will provide a look at the current state of manufacturing and what the future holds for different sectors in 2025 and beyond. She also will share what businesses should be focused on to achieve success and better prepare for the future.

    

    

Will Healy III

    

Global Industry Segment Leader – Welding  
Universal Robots
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Exploring Real Impacts of Automation and Artificial Intelligence in Metal Fabrication

Metal fabricators from stampers to welders to assemblers are all challenged with workforce woes, the need to boost productivity and the endless quest for quality. Knowing automation is the answer is one thing, but actually finding real success with technology investments can feel challenging and risky. How do you know what will truly bring value to the organization? How do you determine the return? And now with the hype of Artificial Intelligence (AI) seemingly on every product, how do press shop leaders determine the right places to invest limited time and capital?

In this session, we will delve into the ever-evolving landscape of automation and AI in metal stamping and take a look at technologies that are having a real impact today across the shop floor. Then we will stare into the crystal ball to look forward at technologies that are on the near horizon that fabricators should be keeping an eye on. Covering important topics like automated press tending, collaborative automation, data-driven insights, predictive maintenance, robot-guided vision, bin picking, quality inspections, demand forecasting and much more, attendees should leave this session ready to make value-creating technology investments in their business. Join us as we explore how AI is reshaping the press shop—one algorithm at a time.

    

    

David Diaz, PhD.

Servo Press Scientist 
Nidec Press & Automation
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Optimizing Production Efficiency: Unlocking Potential with Servo Press Technology

A large number of servo presses in the industry are underutilized. This talk identifies common bottlenecks and explores new strategies to maximize servo press efficiency. Learn practical ways to leverage servo press flexibility and precision, optimizing production and improving overall performance. Whether aiming to increase throughput, reduce setup times or enhance product quality, this presentation offers actionable insights tailored to boost manufacturing capabilities.

    

    

Manny Resendes

Engineering/Toolroom Manager 
Larson Tool & Stamping Company
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Optimizing Servo Press Technology to Deep Draw 17-7 PH Stainless Steel

This presentation is a case study that explores the advantages of utilizing servo press technology for deep drawing components from 17-7 PH stainless steel. Attendees will gain real-world insight into the precise control and programmable motion profiles offered by servo presses, which enhance process flexibility, reduce quality burden and improve overall run quality at high volumes.

    

    

Bob Gunst

President 
Jacar Systems LLC
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Servo Press and In-Die Transfer Technology

Servo presses and in-die transfer are new and exciting technologies that are emerging in the sheet metal-stamping industry. In this session attendees will learn how to combine these two technologies to maximize project outcomes. Participants also will see examples of different servo applications using in-die transfer tools, learn valuable press stroke and transfer motion tips and tricks, and take away several case study illustrations.

    

    

John Panozzo

    

Senior Advanced Engineer 
GE Appliances, a Haier company
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Keynote: GE Appliances New Zero-Distance Formability/Feasibility Process

GE Appliances (GEA), a Haier company, has undergone sweeping internal transformation since 2016, driven by a “zero distance” strategy: zero distance between what the company makes and what its customers want; between ideas and innovation; and between where products are developed and made. Toward that end, GEA has transformed its business model toward a seamless and digital supply chain—internally and externally.

    

    

Jim Finnerty

    

Product Manager 
Wintriss Controls Group LLC
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50 Tips for Better Die Protection

There is a lot more to die protection than installing a few sensors into the die and programming the control. There are press and ancillary-equipment considerations, environmental issues and even personnel concerns that must be addressed to ensure success. It was thought that many of these factors had to be "caught, not taught." That's about to change.

This program provides useful insights into the intricacies of ALL areas of die protection. It will prepare the die protection user to deal with many important yet difficult-to-foresee application challenges that will arise both during implementation and in day-to-day operations.

This program is useful for both beginners and experienced die-protection users.

    

    

Art Hedrick

    

Owner 
Dieology LLC
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Training Your Metal Stamping Workforce

It is no secret that there has been a loss of very talented individuals working in the sheet metal stamping industry. Unfortunately trying to replace years and years of experience is difficult. For this reason, we need to quickly expedite the training and education of the newer younger workforce.

Far too often, poor or incorrect decisions are made regarding the troubleshooting or maintenance methods utilized to keep or solve die or part failures. These decisions are often made because of a few reasons including: “That’s the way we were taught to do it,” or “Because it worked last time,” or “That’s how we have always done it here.” Many of the decisions made are the result of tribal knowledge rather than a clear understating of the physics supporting the decision.

This session will show you potential solutions for turning “Greenhorns” into “Seasoned Veterans” in the shortest time possible.

    

    

Dean Phillips

    

Director of Technical Training 
Precision Metalforming Association
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Secret S.A.U.C.E. to Stamping Optimization

In this presentation, you’ll gain concrete executable ideas to improve your production in your press shop using Dean Phillips’ S.A.U.C.E method. Minding the categories of Safety, Automation, Utilization, Comparison and Education will deliver instant results in any plant, regardless of size or stamping operation. These tangible, proven concepts will bring your team ideas on how to fully optimize your facility’s operation. This presentation is valuable to leaders, die setters, tool and die personnel, operators and engineers.