Davis-Standard’s fully automated crosshead for hose applications

Extrusion machinery maker Davis-Standard has introduced the Model 4000AG fully automated crosshead for elastomer hose applications.

Based on its successful fleet of manual Model 2000, 3000, and auto 3000A designs, this crosshead delivers closed loop, stepper-driven automatic control of tube concentricity and wall thickness in a hands-free, low maintenance package.

“The Model 4000AG is a practical next step in Davis-Standard’s efforts to support processing efficiency and scrap reduction,” explained Joe Wnuk, Vice President of Davis-Standard Elastomer Systems. “Hose producers can improve product dimensional qualities while increasing material savings during start-up and product size changeovers. More consistent hose, minimised scrap, and ease of operation all equate to considerable cost savings and more consistent manufacturing practices.”

Wnuk said the Model 4000AG is also beneficial from the perspective of workplace safety and user-friendliness. The design is engineered to minimise operator involvement and use of hand tools.

The crosshead’s fixed die eliminates the need to loosen or tighten bolts for fine-tuning. For concentricity adjustment, operators use a joystick instead of manual wrenches. Wall thickness modifications are stepper-driven, eliminating the requirement of hand tools and intrusive thickness measuring devices.

For ease of operation, the crosshead’s HMI touchscreen interface streamlines functionality. Initial tooling set-up and maintaining operator-to-operator consistency is simplified. Immediate in-line product feedback helps identify and correct off-spec issues, reducing errors and promoting reliable on-spec results.

Programmable features provide seamless integration of existing or new X-ray gauge controls. In terms of retrofits, many existing Model 2000 and 3000 heads can be retrofitted to take advantage of the Model 4000AG automated design features. These retrofits require the current Model 2000/3000 standard tooling.

The use of an existing X-ray gauge and controller to provide a signal is integrated into the Davis-Standard PLC Controller.

(PRA)

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