EuroWire May 2024

Technology News

Changing the pintle during operation Replacing pintles for holding and winding different spools is time consuming, increasing both downtime and scrap rate. German company Kurre Systems has explored the possibility of changing the pintle during operation, without any set up time or loss of material, resulting in a new development that is being used for the first time in the VA-P-800 double winder. This fully automatic machine offers two winding stations that automatically wind one after the other with an overlapping function. Kurre Systems utilises the time during which one of the winding stations is in the waiting position for the “changeover”. “We cooperated closely with our customer on this development,” said Robert Pinter, sales director CEE, explaining the development process. “The customer wanted to change the pintles during production to be able to accommodate different spool sizes. This resulted in a small revolution: the motorised adjustable step pintle.”

The motorised adjustable pintle gradually adjusts to the required spool diameter

the pintle in terms of ROI, Mr Pinter said, “Compared to a conventional pintle, the use of the step pintle significantly increases system availability. The lack of system downtime saves time and material.” The system is also user friendly: instead of changing pintles within a narrow machine, the operator can now easily perform this task on the HMI with touch panel. The winding data is saved in the particular product’s process data. Kurre Spezialmaschinenbau GmbH www.kurre-systems.de The company’s ST40 cold welder is designed specifically for copper/ aluminium strip. The precision engineered machine can weld material with a maximum width of 45mm and a minimum thickness of 0.25mm, depending on material properties. To suit different applications and production set-ups, the machine head can be used in either a horizontal position or a vertical position on the trolley. As with all PWM machines, the air/hydraulic-powered ST40 is robust, low maintenance and user-friendly. PWM’s range also includes small, handheld manual machines suitable for fine wire from 0.1mm diameter; robust manual and powered models that can be used on a workbench or a trolley; and large, free-standing rod welders capable of bonding rod up to 30mm diameter. PWM Ltd www.pwmltd.co.uk

The pintle gradually forms the spool diameter spectrum desired by the customer. In order to change over, the sleeve is moved axially by a motor until it fits into the appropriate hole. Universal friction discs provide the required clamping and a secure drive. The stepless clamping mechanism also enables the processing of pressure-sensitive spools, such as those made of plywood. “We were quite impressed by the result; above all, the resulting increase in effectiveness and cost efficiency,” said Mr Pinter. Referring to the OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) calculation, which also illustrates the efficiency of The new TR45 cold welder will weld trapezoidal material up to 45mm². The machine has a footprint of 750 x 610mm and is mounted on a trolley so it can be moved easily to the work area, saving effort and reducing downtime. The TR45 does not require electrical power: it is powered by an advanced air/ hydraulic system, and can be connected to a central air supply or a dedicated compressor. PWM states that welding trapezoidal profile is almost impossible on an electrical butt welder. With the TR45, however, no set-up is required and the machine is straightforward and safe to operate using the foot pedal. Little or no operator training is necessary to produce quality welds. The die, designed and made in house by PWM’s engineers, produces permanent welds that are stronger than the parent material in seconds, helping manufacturers minimise waste and improve efficiency.

New cold welder for trapezoidal wire Cold welding, established as a fast and easy method of bonding non-ferrous round wire and rod, can also be used to join complex profile and strip.

British company PWM, which designs, manufactures and supplies cold welding equipment, produces energy-efficient machines for welding these types of material quickly and effectively. The company’s latest innovation, a cold welding machine for trapezoidal wire used in the build-up of sub-sea cables, made its debut at wire 2024.

PWM’s new TR45 cold welder for trapezoidal wire

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May 2024