Cut-to-length line solutions are a great way for processors to switch to coiled materials and save money and increase efficiency.
At a minimum, these multifunction machines feature a feed and shear station. The feed moves the material forward to predetermined lengths and then cuts it.
The entire process sounds simple, but a quality cut-to-length machine is actually complex. Let’s take a closer look.
Main Uses for Cut-to-Length Line Solutions
Since addingcut-to-length line solutionsto our portfolio, EnSight Industrial has worked with processors to cleanly shear a variety of materials. The typical client is looking to cut coiled metal, such as mild steel, aluminum andgalvanizedsteel. But, we’ve also designed and built solutions to cut wire, plastic and even sandpaper. Most of our experience is with material ranging from 03 to .200 in thickness.
Design
The main component of a cut-to-length line is the shear. While cutting something sounds and looks fairly simple, the shear is actually very complex and requires a lot of consideration. A poor quality shear, or one that isn’t designed for the right task/material, can result in bad parts, wasted materials and, ultimately, lost revenue.
Shears come in a variety of shapes and sizes. At EnSight, the most common style is a shear that operates much like the scissors you’ll have at home. This style is great for a variety of flat-stock materials. When properly paired to the processor’s needs, it can create clean cuts with little debris. Shear blades are available in a variety of materials as well, including hardened steel or carbide.
Another style is a saw. Saws make very clean cuts, but they are much slower and spit out a lot of shavings. EnSight has also used a rotary cutoff for wire applications.
Some parts will require a custom shear option, such as a slug dye. These create very clean cuts, but they also remove a chunk of the material. This results in quite a bit of scrap if you’re cutting a lot of material.
The material specs will determine which shear style is best. Processors should also consider the quality they want in their cut, as some will leave more burs than others.
In addition to a feed and shear station, a cut-to-length solution can include a straightener and punch station. If desired, the end of the station can also include a conveyor or stacker.
EnSight解决方案定长剪切站也壮举ure easy-to-use controls. All the processor has to do is punch in and save the recipes for their parts. Then, the process is virtually automatic-a user just has to tell the machine to go.
Considerations
How does a processor know if cut-to-length line solutions are right for them?
First, consider your volume. If you’re running a lot of material and are purchasing blanks, it might be a lot more efficient and cost-effective to switch to coil and cut the materials yourself.
An EnSight Industrial cut-to-length line can help you automate your process and cut your own quality parts for less. Because they’re so easy to control, they can be programmed to work for a variety of materials and parts sizes. Again, this can help you cut down on waste and stop having to pay a 3rdparty to cut and deliver your blanks.
EnSight Industrial, formerly Press Room Equipment, has decades of experience helping industrial processors kick off their industrial processing lines right. Our team consists of trained and extremely knowledgeable industry experts who are eager to hear your challenges and help you overcome them.
If you’re interested in learning more,click here to locate and contact a sales specialist.
