Efficient Automation and Improved Quality Control Allow Increased Pipe Marking Production
This automated system required plastic pre-printed pipe labels of four various sizes and two thicknesses to form a tube, at a rate of 1 label per 8 seconds.
It was crucial to the customer that changeover time between products be under 5 minutes. Aladdin Engineers designed a single station machine that allows a singular label sheet to be positioned and fed from a universal tray that accommodates the various sizes.
Proper positioning is maintained during the heating process and the stock is formed on a mandrel to the correct dimension during the cooling process. Retaining product orientation and alignment throughout the entire process allows for less error and overall product quality. Understanding the quick changeover needs and incorporating precision process control contributed to a significant increase in production.
Specifications
- Gantry style loader acquires one label at a time via vacuum
- Squaring fingers gather the label for final positioning before the heating process
- Heat source is a 15” diameter servo driven drum that consistently heats to 230° F
- Label stays in contact with drum circumference for 150 degree wrap
- A unique web path maintains the pre-established label squareness and position
- The forming section consists of a quick changeover mandrel that is water cooled
- Four mandrel sizes are included: .625”, 1”, 2.25” and 2.75”
- Extended pneumatic strippers remove the wound labels
- Speed and temperature in both the heat source and mandrel can be adjusted automatically or manually
Our Commitment:
We Provide What You Need
Aladdin is committed to working through the challenges and thinking outside of the box while keeping safety the top priority.