The END-O-MAT for single-row tooling is equipped with one zig-zag sheet feeding system at the infeed side of the stamping press. The version with double zig-zag feeding system allows the machine to run without idle stroke (optional). The linear motors selected to drive the infeed mechanism are extremely dynamic and still practically wear and maintenance-free. Together with a direct digital position detection system they guarantee extrem accurate positioning of the sheets. The drives are controlled by an intelligent, fully digital servo-control which allows acceleration-optimised feed profiles to be set. The relatively thin sheets can thus be accelerated, decelerated and positioned smoothly and without jerks.
Each of the x-axes carries a gripper arm with pneumatically actuated grippers. The grippers are dened to form a slight impression on the sheet. This mixture of interlocking and frictional clamping of the sheets ensures its smooth passage through the tooling. The clamping procedure of the grippers is monitored by sensors. The double feeding version for production without idle stroke has an integrated lifting system so that the gripper arm can pass each other.
A roller feed mechanism ejects the scrap skeleton at the outfeed side of the stamping press. The draw-out rollers rotate at constant speed and are pneumatically closed to grip and eject the scrap skeleton. The slide itself actuates the end ejection kickers mechanically by means of cams. The kickers can thus be set easily and damage to the tooling is avoided. To ensure optimum dynamic behaviour, the material selected is ultra-light high-strength carbon fibre.

Some advantages and specific features of the process are best described by describing the flow of material through the END-O-MAT.
A conventional sheet feeder lifts the uppermost sheet at the front end from the stack by suction units and transfers it to the transport rollers of a motor-driven roller mechanism. As an option this roller mechanism can be replaced by a lubricating system. The roller mechanism or the lubricating system transports the sheets onto an alignment table with conveying belts where they are aligned with a three point system. Sensors are monitoring the alignment. In case of misalignment, the machine automatically carries out two more alignment attempts. If correct alignment of the sheet is still not possible, the machine is stopped and displays a fault alarm.
A double sheet detector and a sheet lacquering monitor system are part of the scope of supply. Detection of double sheets or any faulty lacquering on the top or bottom side of the sheets causes the controller to stop the machine to avoid scrap or damage to the tooling.
To compensate for sheet length variations the machine is supplied with a sheet length compensation system. Sensors measure each sheet. The measured dimensions are compared with those of a reference sheet and provide the data required for correction of the clockcontrolled infeed steps. The maximum permissible deviation in sheet length is 1 mm, approximately. In case of larger deviations, the controller stops the machine and displays a fault message.
As soon as the sheet is aligned correctly, pneumatically actuated grippers grip the outer corners of its trailing edge. Coordinated traverse movements along the x- and y-axes of the zig-zag feeding system during the opening strokes of the stamping press then move the sheet through the tooling. A typical feature of the END-O-MAT feeding system is the fact that the sheet is clamped only once and is not released until the whole stamping process has been completed.
The second x-/y-axis infeed system of the double zig-zag feeding system has by now returned to the alignment table and has taken over the next sheet after it was aligned. To ensure that both gripper systems can pass each other without colliding the returning gripper arm is raising by a lifting system.
The ejection roller mechanism at the discharge closes after the last stamping stroke and takes over the ejection of the scrap skeleton. As soon as the tooling closes for the last stamping stroke, the clamping grippers are opened and the gripper arms return to take up a new sheet.
The ends leave the sheet conveying level when the slide performs its downward stroke and are ejected by mechanical kickers. For optimum accessiblity from each side of the tool, the kickers are centrally mounted on a common shaft. Each individual kicker can be displaced lengthwise and can easily be adjusted in height and position in relation to the tool.
Having been ejected from the tooling, the ends are taken over by magnetic conveyors which reach directly into the tooling. These cross conveyors remove the ends from the tooling area and deposit them on joint magnetic conveyors, one each arranged in front of and behind the tooling area. These magnetic conveyors are positioned below sheet level. To avoid problems caused by ends which have not been ejected from the tooling, each end is monitored by a discharge monitoring system with light sensors. If an end is missing, the controller stops the machine and indicates which tool failed to eject its end.