TPT November 2020

T E CHNOLOG Y

Rapid asset repurposing provides productivity leap for tube processing

THE incorporation of electronic controls into machine tools surged in the 1980s and 1990s leading to decades of tremendous productivity growth in the industrial world. Haven Manufacturing was a participant in that growth with the introduction of multiple new tube processing systems that incorporated the then ‘state-of-the-art’ in production machine controls. However, repurposing long productive mechanical assets with outdated control systems is a significant challenge in manufacturing facilities. Replacing these assets with new machines is not only costly but may lead to a significant interruption of production as old equipment is removed and new machines installed. Haven has focused its resources on the development of a 2020 state-of- the-art controls and hydraulic package suitable for retrofitting into existing

machines with decades of successful production history. The key goals of this development were: to be backward and forward compatible. Through direct customer input we learned that they wanted a system upgrade that was a straightforward installation on their existing mechanical platform and forward compatible with their new machine purchases. In the words of one user “I want my existing machine to have all of the control features you offer in your newest products.” Secondly, the complete field retrofit could take no more than one week. Machine tool assets make no money if they are not up and running. Taking a key piece of capital off-line for even a short period of time is a big investment. The upgrade had to executable in the shortest possible length of time. Finally, “Make it easier.”

Gaining operator acceptance of any new technology is always important but especially critical in a machine upgrade. Nothing sets back acceptance of new technology more than hearing an operator say. “This is a lot harder than the old machine.” To meet these challenges, Haven developed the new Haven 2020 SecureCut control system. The new control system utilises the latest available hardware to ensure ready availability of replacement components should the need arise. Its full suite of features includes the ability to optimise operations, collect and analyse data, troubleshoot faults and communicate with remote support resources all from a single user- friendly touch screen HMI. Haven Manufacturing www.havencut.com

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NOVEMBER 2020

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