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Rodless cylinder boosts productivity
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March 2008
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When Adpak had a component failure on one of its shrink-wrapping lines it specified a top quality replacement from Hoerbiger Origa confident that it would run and run no matter what the condition.
Adpak Machinery Systems manufacture packaging machinery & materials, shrinkwrapping, and palletisation systems. The speciality of the company is in applying the latest technology and innovations to unusual and sometimes difficult packaging problems that arise due to the changing nature of today’s consumer market.
“We had installed a fully automated shrink-wrapping line into a customer's plant in February of 2006 which incorporated a double guided rodless pneumatic cylinder, controlled by a 5/3 open-centre solenoid-operated spool valve”, recalls John Ellison, a project manager with Adpak.
“Initially, this worked well, but we found that if the machine was idle for any length of time (for example, during product type changeovers) the cylinder would "creep" and lose its default start position.”
Eventually, due to the rigours of a three-shift working system, the cylinder gave up the ghost (a maladjusted seal-strip and wear proved to be the weakest link).
Adpak therefore took the decision that a more robust, reliable and controllable rodless pneumatic cylinder solution was required for the job, a 40mm bore Hoerbiger Origa OSP-P rodless cylinder, fitted with Slideline guide and integrated VOE 3/2 poppet valves fitted the requirements perfectly.
“Having used a similar (although much smaller 25mm bore) unit on an earlier project, we were impressed with the build quality, value and controllability of the cylinder,” explains Ellison.
“The integrated 3/2 valves allow us to leave the cylinder standing without it creeping. We can also allow the cylinder to be pressurised and de-pressurised without risk of any sudden violent movement.”
The integration of control valves directly in the cylinder end caps ensures the fastest possible response, faster cycle times and reduced air consumption – all of which benefit machine productivity.
"Our field engineers fitted the cylinder to the customer's machine and it worked as intended almost immediately the machine was switched on. The customer also commented that the operation of the whole system now seems far smoother. This is a direct result of the low friction, low wear and maintenance free sealing system of the Origa cylinder, which similarly contributes to greatly extended service life.”
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Author
Chris Rowlands
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