Servo drives, motors, and PLCs from Inovance have enabled packaging machinery OEM Spiraltech to automate a machine capable of cutting cardboard cores from 60 mm up to 1,250 mm in diameter. The brand-new Edge 1250 has been developed by Spiraltech using Inovance technology from CAPSS, a UK-based distributor of industrial automation products. Thanks to the consistent, high-level of support from CAPSS and the high-performance products from Inovance, Spiraltech was able to provide an automated version of its cutting machine.
Cost-competitive, flexible and compact solution
Spiraltech wanted to replace its mechanical cardboard core cutting machine with a safer, more user-friendly automated version. The company was determined to retain a ‘good square cut’ even on large-scale jobs, while also seeking repeatability, ease of operation, and more efficient changeovers. In order to achieve those goals, it needed robust products for industrial settings and harsh environments, with high levels of accuracy and repeatability. The Edge 1250 was developed quickly and efficiently with technical support from CAPSS, and the new machine is able to utilise a hybrid system. It allows end-users to select either a saw blade or a knife blade, depending on the type of cut required.
Inovance products used in the Edge 1250 include a range of products including the AM500 PLC, GL 20 I/O modules, IS810N single and dual axis servo drives, the MD810 multidrive system and MS1 servo motors.
Key considerations when Spiraltech was selecting servo drives, motors and PLCs for the Edge 1250 included component size, strength, and cost competitiveness. The Inovance products are robust and compact without compromising performance, enabling more servo motors and servo drives to be used, delivering greater machine flexibility and automation.
Safer, faster, repeatable results
The Edge 1250 can cut cardboard cores of 60 mm up to 1,250 mm in diameter, making it suitable for a wide range of industries and applications; from theatrical set dressing and storing
fabric for designer chairs, to construction and steel processing. The Edge 1250 also has enhanced safety features, with operators protected from the blades, and changeovers made quicker, safer and easier through automation.
Spiraltech differentiates itself through innovative machine design, and its focus is on machines that can be changed over two to three times per day to enable small batch work. To achieve this, the machines have double the number of servos compared with leading competitors.
Steven Belwood, Managing Director of Spiraltech, says: “We have a really good existing relationship with CAPSS and excellent experiences with Inovance products, as they are compact, accurate, perform well, and are cost-competitive. We plan on working with Inovance and CAPSS again moving forward. This is the second big machine we have worked on with them, and it is performing well. It has been a pleasure to work with CAPSS and we look forward to using Inovance servos and motion products for more automation in the future.”
Paul Seale, Director of CAPSS, adds: “It was great to work with the Spiraltech team again, and we hope to build on the positive relationship and joint commitment to innovation moving forward. To be involved with a project that delivers above and beyond the brief is always a pleasure and the Edge 1250 is testament to what is achievable with industrial automation solutions.”
