EuroWire November 2024

Corporate News

An out-dated rewinding system after its arrival at Kurre Systems

The system after the retrofit

Retrofit investment – production through sustainable conversion

a new control system with HMI enables more intuitive operation of the system. Further interfaces for data management and remote maintenance were also implemented. After this complete overhaul, the system can be used effectively in production for many more years. “It is important to know that retrofitted systems continue to operate within their previously defined parameters, concluded Mr Lukassen. “Extensive improvements (eg higher speeds) must be evaluated separately, as the mechanics are specifically designed for the original configuration.” Refurbishing a system can be more cost-efficient than a completely new acquisition. With new electronic components, the system can operate more energy-efficiently and time effectively, as new control technology can significantly reduce set-up times, for example. Kurre Spezialmaschinenbau GmbH www.kurre-systems.de

“That’s why a retrofit often pays off when a machine or system becomes an economic risk,” said Mr Lukassen. “The key factor here is usually the ratio of electronic to mechanical components. For a fair assessment, it is therefore essential to take a close look at the system in advance.” During an on-site inspection, Kurre employees critically examine the potential retrofit machine and provide an evaluation. If a retrofit is feasible, the system is modified either at Kurre’s facilities or directly on-site. “Then the real work begins,” said Mr Lukassen. “All parts, especially the mechanical ones, are thoroughly inspected once again. Wear parts such as bearings and dimensional accuracy are especially checked – if in doubt, they are either adjusted or replaced. The majority of electronic components are replaced.” In the example of one particular rewind- ing machine, the motors and the entire mechanical system were retained with a few exceptions. In addition to a com- prehensive new electrical installation,

The topic of sustainability is prevalent: conserving resources, sustainable production and environmental pro- tection. To make a contribution in this direction, Kurre Systems has increasingly specialised in the area of retrofitting in recent years, to bring out-dated machines up to current standards. “For example, our customer purchased a rewinding system with a measuring sec tion (diameter and length measurement, knot control and insulation fault detec tion) from us in 2002,” explained Kurre retrofit expert Joachim Lukassen. “The system has run almost continuously and reliably for the past 22 years. However, like all systems, after numerous operat ing hours it is no longer up to date, and the risk of permanent failures and costly repairs increases.” In particular, electronic components such as drive units, control systems and electronics become out-dated because development progresses quickly. Mechanical components, on the other hand, can remain in good condition for decades.

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November 2024