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What is a realistic production rate that I can expect from my new cut and strip machine?
When comparing datasheets for several different cut and strip machines, you’ll sometimes see a speci cation listed for maximum transport speed. However, a high maximum transport speed doesn’t necessarily correlate to a high production rate unless you’re primarily to exclusively running longer lengths. The cutting axis and other machine speci cations also contribute to a machine’s cycle time, so it’s better to focus on the maximum production rate listed for each wire length and application. Ultimately, the best way to realistically estimate production rates for your speci c application is to send wire or cable samples to the machine manufacturer before purchasing.
What pre- and post-processing accessories are available for my new cut and strip machine?
Typical entry-level cut and strip machines cannot be integrated with a full range of pre- and post-processing accessories. So, it’s important to determine which additional operations you’ll need and whether the manufacturer of the cut and strip machine you’re considering offers fully integrated accessories for those operations. Typical operations include hotstamp or inkjet marking, coiling, and stacking, just to name a few.
Another of the most basic accessories is a prefeeder. These are available in many different sizes and styles, and the most basic models feed wire and cable directly by pulling it through motorized belts or rollers. More advanced prefeeders drive the cable reel directly, which is gentler on the wire or cable being fed, and the most advanced models also feature a motorized reel lift and full enclosure for maximum safety. Make sure to specify a prefeeder that matches or exceeds the maximum acceleration and feed rates of your new cut and strip machine.
Figure 2: The EcoStrip 9380 from Schleuniger is an entry-level cut and strip machine that combines an economical price point with high-quality performance and expanded capabilities including a three-in-one feeding unit.
Will my new cut and strip machine be able to integrate with my enterprise resource planning (ERP) system or my Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software?
The factory of the future will require that all production equipment be connected to a network. So, when shopping for your next cut and strip machine, it’s important to ensure that it has the connectivity required for integrating it into your network. Networking your cutting and stripping equipment opens up a whole new range of bene ts. By sending jobs directly to the cut and strip machine, you’ll eliminate operator keystrokes (and possible errors) and save a lot of programming time. Networked cut and strip machines will let you know exactly when each job is started and completed and allow you to monitor average production rates. They will also allow you to automatically optimize work orders in the best sequence — taking changeover times, due dates, available machines, and personnel into consideration — as well as allow you to keep track of how many cycles each machine has completed and when maintenance should be scheduled. Another added bene t is that every job completed on networked equipment will have full traceability.
Choosing the right cut and strip machine for your factory is an easy task if you know what to look for. While purchase price is always a consideration, the main focus should be on procuring the most exible machine that will offer the shortest ROI and result in the lowest cost per lead.
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