Piloting capability for compact stamping lines where floor space, flexibility and cost matter.
COE Press Equipment is expanding its compact feed line offering with the new 350 Piloting Feeder Straightener, designed for medium-duty stamping applications that require piloting capability without the footprint and complexity of a larger conventional feed line.
The new feeder/straightener combines servo-driven feeding, straightening and air-actuated piloting in a compact, configurable platform. It is designed primarily for stamping companies that use pilot pins in their dies and need the material to realign during the stamping cycle.
COE will feature the new 350 Piloting Feeder Straightener at FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas.
Why Piloting Matters
In progressive die stamping, pilot pins are used to accurately position material within the die before the next operation takes place. When the material is held rigidly by the feed equipment, the feeder and die can work against one another as the pilot pins attempt to establish final material position.
Piloting allows the feeder/straightener to release the material during the appropriate point in the stamping cycle so it can realign with the die’s pilot pins. Once alignment is established, the feed system resumes control and advances the material for the next cycle.
The 350 Piloting Feeder Straightener brings this functionality into COE’s compact feeder/straightener platform.
A Compact Alternative for Stamping Applications
The system is intended for manufacturers that require piloting capability but may not need the size or additional equipment associated with a conventional feed line.
By combining feeding and straightening functions into a single machine, the 350 Piloting Feeder Straightener helps reduce the overall equipment footprint. This can be particularly valuable for manufacturers adding equipment to an existing press line or working within plants where available floor space is limited.
The more compact configuration also provides a more economical path to adding piloting capability when a larger conventional line is not required for the application.
Configured Around the Application
Rather than requiring the same equipment configuration for every application, the 350 Piloting Feeder Straightener can be configured based on the material, operating requirements and production needs of the customer.
Available configurations can include:
- Piloting capability for work rolls and pinch rolls
- Configurable entrance pinch rolls
- Optional driven lower work rolls
- No backup rolls, single-row backups or double-row backups
- Multiple reducer options based on required operating speed
- Adjustable passline
This configurable approach allows COE to provide the components needed for the application without adding unnecessary equipment or complexity.
Servo-Driven Feeding and Straightening
The 350 Piloting Feeder Straightener incorporates a 15 kW servo-driven feed system to control material movement through the machine while the straightening section removes coil set before material enters the press.
The system provides 10,000 lbs. of jack force and up to 0.85 in. of roll plunge, with an adjustable passline that allows the feeder/straightener to be matched to the press configuration.
Depending on the application, the machine can be configured to process a variety of coiled stamping materials, including:
- Steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Brass
- Other materials suitable for coil-fed stamping applications
Final material capacity and operating performance are determined based on the specific application.
Expanding COE’s Compact Feed Line Options
The 350 Piloting Feeder Straightener expands the range of applications that can be supported with COE’s compact feed line technology.
For stampers using pilot pins, the new configuration provides the material realignment capability required by the die while maintaining a compact equipment layout and allowing the machine to be tailored to the needs of the application.
“The 350 Piloting Feeder Straightener fills an important gap in COE’s compact feed line offering by adding piloting capability in a more affordable, space-conscious package. It provides customers with greater flexibility where floor space is limited, without requiring the footprint of a larger conventional feed line.”
Hayden DeConinck, R&D/Applications Engineering Manager, COE Press Equipment
See It at FABTECH 2026
COE Press Equipment will feature the 350 Piloting Feeder Straightener at FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas in booth S21026.
Visitors can meet with the COE team to learn more about the new piloting configuration and discuss how a compact feeder/straightener can be configured around their stamping application.
Interested in the 350 Piloting Feeder Straightener? Contact COE Press Equipment to discuss your application or meet with our team at FABTECH 2026.
