A pressworking technique that is the result of years of research and development in the USA is now available worldwide. Gripflow®, as the process is called, is a combination of press and tooling which produces a straight-edged, tight toleranced stamping, not previously thought possible unless utilizing the fineblanking process. Although other companies tried to develop a solution, it was EBway Corporation that provided the first commercially successful alternative.

Success of the Gripflow® process lies in a novel combination of press and tooling, which includes:

The foundation of a Gripflow® tool is the single action compound die. Punch and die elements have almost zero clearances. The technology can also be easily adapted to progressive dies. Unlike that of fineblanking, the scrap slugs pass through the die and the part is mechanically ejected off the tool face. Piercing, slotting, coining, countersinking, semi-piercing, extruding and bending operations can be undertaken with GRIPflow tooling.

Holes with diameters and web sections as small as 40% of the material thickness are possible (and sometimes less than 40% with softer, more homogenous materials). Material thickness can be up to 0.500" thick. Forming angles up to 75 degrees is possible in a single station compound die. Full sheared, straight-sides are obtained with 100% bearing surface for longer product life and enhanced quality. Typical flatness is 0.001" per linear inch up to five inches in length and 0.015" to 0.002" per linear inch over five inches.

Many secondary machining operations can be eliminated, such as: drilling, reaming, countersinking, milling, broaching and straightening.

Gripflow® presses require approximately 40% less tonnage than fineblanking to produce a stamping because the impingement ring ---as required in fineblanking --- has been eliminated. This, in turn, reduces the size and cost of the press. Gripflow® stampings are able to nest closer together than Fineblank stampings due to no impingement ring being required by Gripflow® and thus, resulting in better material utilization and lower production costs. The standard ram is four-post, gib-guided or post-guided and the machines incorporate a break-through noise reducer which makes the stamping process extremely quiet and vibration free in relation to the work being undertaken. The press can be installed on standard concrete floors and does not require costly foundations or a pit. Large bed areas on the press enable production of two-out, three-out and four-out dies which proportionately increase production rates per press stroke.

The machines are among the most modern available and allow the press to be "fine tuned" to suit the die. A Gripflow® press demonstrates its versatility by not being dedicated solely to Gripflow® tooling. Investment in existing tools is safeguarded because when the Gripflow® tooling is not being used then, conventional press blanking dies can be operated in the same machine.

Presses up to 800 tons are standard and larger machines are possible. Coil feeding and straightening equipment are made to stringent specifications and are distributed through the Gripflow® network ---
making turn-key production lines possible.