Integrated material handling options for SP ULTRAFLEX Slitter rewinders

SP ULTRAFLEX produces Slitter rewinders ranging from speeds between 400 m/ min and 600 m/min with prime focus on reducing the time and effort expended on changeovers at the unwind section, rewind section, slit widths and slit modes, which altogether account for well over half the run time of a typical duplex Slitter rewinder. Mechanization in these areas also minimizes operator fatigue and ensures constant output levels throughout the shift.

High production speeds and reduced acceleration / de- acceleration times reduce the cycle time for reel changeovers, particularly in the case of rewind changeovers since the diameters are relatively small. The multiple reels produced at the rewind section further increase the time and effort required to conduct rewind changeovers.

The frequency of rewind changeovers in case of thicker substrates and small rewind diameters can sometimes exceed ten changeovers per hour, tiring the operator physically and mentally and reducing his efficiency, alertness and judgment. All of which result in less than forecasted output levels.

The role of integrated material handling solutions are indispensable to reduce the time and effort required to effect reel changeovers and get the most out of man and machine. SP ULTRAFLEX integrates optimised solutions for unwind, rewind and cutting section changeovers which are a tremendous productivity booster.

Electro mechanical unwind floor lift

On its versions DSR RL, ULTRASLIT^® OHP and ROBOSLIT^®, SP ULTRAFLEX provides as standard electro- mechanical floor lifting unwind arms which move in the vertical plane to receive the new unwind reel pre- positioned by the operator. The vertical movement of this unit affords much better positioning convenience that the angular motion of most contemporary floor lifting mechanisms. The use of a motor for this activity also does away with the last bit of hydraulics on the machine and ensures compliance with the food and drug safety standards specified for secondary packaging.

Splice table

Splice table at the unwind to make secure, in register joints

Off loading system

While swivel off loading arms for the displacement of rewind reels are standard with all versions, a one touch fully mechanized rewind reel off loading sequence can be achieved by opting for the combination of a motorised finished reel ejector and a multi axis off loading system consisting of horizontal arms mounted on an upright pillar. These arms, after receiving the finished reels, swivel away from the machine, index by 180° indexing to rotate the reels from vertical to horizontal condition and finally lower them to the floor or pallet level.

Top & Bottom shaft

In the cutting section, a cantilevered construction of the bottom shaft and a swivel arrangement of the top shaft reduce drastically the time and effort required to change between slit modes, as also for replacing worn cutters.

Robotic cutter positioning

For a far greater degree of precision and automation, the machine can be equipped with Robotic cutter positioning which brings down the cutter set up time to under 5 minutes.

Core positioning

While laser positioners are provided as standard on all versions, a robotic core positioning system can be incorporated for precise and repeatable location of rewind cores on the differential rewind shafts.