Method of making a dimple compensated laminar stack

Abstract

An apparatus and method for manufacturing laminated parts from a plurality of laminas, in which the laminas for forming the laminated parts are blanked from strip stock material. The laminas and are then cut and stacked to form the laminated part. The apparatus includes a measuring device, such as a linear variable differential transducer, for measuring the thickness of successive sections of the strip stock at a first location of each section. The measuring device also measures the thickness of the strip stock sections at a second location of each section. A controller, such as a computer or a programmable logic controller, receives the thickness values at the first location and second location of the strip stock sections from the measuring device and computes a value of a difference therebetween. The controller also computes a running sum of the difference values for the strip stock sections and compares the difference values sum to a predetermined value. A punching device, such as one or more front and rear slide operated punches, is also included which is activated by the controller to provide a protuberance at selected locations upon the strip stock sections when the sum of the difference values determined by the controller equals or exceeds the predetermined value. Respective air valves and cylinders may operatively connect to each punch to cause the punch to impart a protuberance upon receipt of an appropriate signal from the controller. The protuberance has a depth approximately equal to the predetermined value.