German assembly line manufacturer and automation specialist KUKA Systems has agreed to cooperate with Spanish press manufacturer Fagor Arrasate on a continuous-mode press technology project. The project aims to achieve full synchronisation of the presses in continuous mode. The KS PressTec.CM software package and components for press automation offered by KUKA Systems enable a press line to be synchronised, thereby eliminating pauses at any time and ensuring true continuous operation. The two partners will be presenting the project through 3D simulation and presentations at the KUKA Systems stand, number 6103 in hall 6, at this year’s BlechExpo, to be held in Stuttgart from 1 to 4 December.The continuous movement of the press delivers a reduction in energy consumption of up to 30 per cent compared with start/stop operation. Wear and tear – start/stop operation generates forces for acceleration and braking in the clutch and brake discs, which cause considerable abrasion – is also cut significantly. In addition, output can be boosted further compared with start/stop operation, while the speed of the press in the forming process is reduced. This ensures not only better component quality but also a longer service life for the press and tool kinematics.