Seal-bending machine for half the cost

January 2001 Motion Control & Drives

The recent custom design and manufacture by SAM (Systems Automation and Management) of a seal bending machine for pallet strapping applications, has enabled the customer to save up to 50% of the cost of an imported unit. "We have been able to custom-build a seal bender using state-of-the-art servo technology, resulting in a machine that is more flexible with increased production capacity than the imported units," states Claudio Agostinetto of SAM.

The imported machines are totally mechanical and hydraulic, making changes between jobs slow and laborious. In contrast, the SAM machine can be fitted with a variety of tooling to produce the required seals, whilst set-up and optimisation is made easy through the use of servo and PLC technology. Five Siemens variable speed drives were utilised with a highly accurate motion control system. In addition, a recipe management feature has been included to facilitate quick and trouble-free job changes.

According to Agostinetto, this new design is easier to adjust; it reduces power consumption and facilitates a much faster throughput with a maximum speed of 120 cycles per minute. Material ranging from 10-50 mm widths can be accommodated, enabling a single machine to produce a wide range of seals for pallet strapping.

SAM has diverse experience in automation and process control technology and has recently expanded this capability with a division dedicated to the custom-design and manufacture of specialised machinery requiring precise motion control know-how. This division, known as SAMech, is based in Durban.

SAM

(011) 803 0570

[email protected]

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