Networking Facilitates Internal And International Communication With CrimpCenters
When one is able to operate a crimping machine by merely touching a screen, its use becomes decidedly easier. Schleuniger CrimpCenters are equipped with touch screens that allow easy, concise and productive operation.
The machines also feature virtually unlimited networking capability to ensure internal and international production overview, a global service distribution network, and an integrated quality assurance system.
The predominant part of an automobile's circuitry consists of flexible synthetically insulated round wires. The wires are processed by fully automatic crimping machines. The processes are complex, so a simple user interface is a key component for high productivity.
The CrimpCenters' EASY software presents the information to the operator with a clear and simple graphical display so faulty operations are avoided and time is saved. During production the process is continuously monitored to ensure high quality results and to avoid faulty production.
Touch Screen With User-Friendly Software
Schleuniger's fully automatic CrimpCenter 60 and CrimpCenter 70 utilize touch screen monitors. Operation cannot be easier. Instead of having to use a keyboard and mouse, the user enters information into the software by touching simple icons on the screen with a finger. The display is clearly laid out in full color representation that is easily visible from different angles and from a distance.
Simple menu pages guide the user through different working processes. With the touch of a finger the user programs the cutting and stripping lengths and the correct processes for each wire - either crimping, seal application, tinning, twisting of conductor end strands, or double crimping. The application is always clearly depicted on the screen for easy confirmation of the desired results.
An essential advantage is that only the pertinent operator fields ("buttons") are shown for each menu page. Whenever possible, only international pictograms are used on the icons. Operators can currently choose from 15 languages. Furthermore, if required, graphical keyboards appear on the screen for data entry. The keyboard format and characters correspond to the chosen language and include any special characters or symbols that are usually available in the selected language.
Quality And Precision
When considering crimp machines, a crucial aspect in decision making is not only simple operation but also continuous and carefully controlled production flow. The feeding system pulls the wire into the machine while simultaneously measuring for accurate lengths. The swivel arm grab the wire ends and automatically guide them to the processing stations. After processing they are deposited in programmable batches for manual removal.
Quality criterial such as cable length and crimping force are carefully and continuously monitored to detect production outside the quality specifications. As soon as an error is registered, the manufacturing cycle is stopped and the faulty crimp connectors are cut off from the conductor.
Highest cutting quality is achieved by servomotor-control of the cutting head and blades. Precision design of the gripper unit ensures that the wire is not damaged during stripping and further processing. The special design of the grippers and the programmable gripper pressure allow the CrimpCenter models to accurately handle a wide range of wires.
Each individual processing station is tailored to the machine's general concept of high production rates at consistently high quality output. The transport mechanisms (i.e. wire feed and swivel arms) are designed with sophisticated, lightweight materials to minimize moving mass. Each processing station is precisely positioned and interfaces with the main controls to maximize efficiency and minimize error.
In the event of a power failure or current fluctuations, the machine stops automatically. A built-in uninterruptable power supply (UPS) and an automatic backup function ensure that data is not lost. When the machine is reset after a reboot procedure, production resumes just where it was stopped.
Globally Networked
The doors to the Internet are open for all CrimpCenter models. They all use internation IT standards such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol over Internet Protocol), HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) and XML (eXtensible Markup Language). The host system of the CrimpCenter models can be connected to the Internet or Intranet with standard network cards and software.
Any number of CrimpCenters may be linked with an internal network to optimize work scheduling. Worldwide communication with machines in different locations is possible. For example, data can be exchanged or problems diagnosed and solved online.
On Screen Service Catalogue
Besides easy handling, the touch screen offers further advantages. The complete service manual can be displayed on the monitor. Gone are the times when important documents were missing. Service & repair instructions, pneumatic and power blueprints, spare parts lists and photographs of the control system in the switch cabinet with information about the individual components, exploded view drawings, and instructions can all be viewed directly on the screen. When necessary, pictures can be enlarged for better view. Of course all information is also provided as standard hardcopy.
Accessories And Options
The CrimpCenter 60 and CrimpCenter 70 accept a variety of input voltages because of their primary multi-tap transformer. Amongst others, optional items include: double crimp module, tinning and twisting modules, programmable crimp height adjustment, integrated crimp height measuring, integrated pull force measuring and label printing.
With the user-friendly touch screen, continuous quality assurance and unlimited networking possibibilities, Schleuniger CrimpCenters open a new dimension in automatic crimping.
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