Pawcatuck, Conn. — Davis-Standard LLC introduced a fully automated crosshead for elastomer hose applications that it says delivers closed loop, stepper-driven automatic control of tube concentricity and wall thickness in a hands-free, low-maintenance package.
Called Model 4000AG, the crosshead is based on the company's fleet of manual Model 2000, 3000, and auto 3000A designs.
"The Model 4000AG is a practical next step in Davis-Standard's efforts to support processing efficiency and scrap reduction," Joe Wnuk, vice president of Davis-Standard Elastomer Systems, said in a news release.
Hose producers can improve dimensional qualities of the product while increasing material savings during start-up and product size changeovers, Wnuk added.
"More consistent hose, minimized scrap, and ease of operation all equate to considerable cost savings and more consistent manufacturing practices," he said.
The Model 4000AG also offers benefits in terms of workplace safety and user friendliness, according to Wnuk. He said the design is engineered to minimize operator involvement and use of hand tools.
The crosshead's fixed die eliminates the need to loosen or tighten bolts for fine-tuning, according to the release. 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.
The crosshead's HMI touchscreen interface streamlines functionality, according to the company, which says initial tooling setup is simplified as well as maintaining operator-to-operator consistency. Immediate in-line product feedback also is given to identify and correct off-spec issues and programmable features integrate existing or new X-ray gauge controls.
Davis-Standard says many existing Model 2000 and 3000 heads can be retrofitted to take advantage of the Model 4000AG automated design features. The retrofits require the current Model 2000/3000 standard tooling.
The company offers 11 product lines to support manufacturers in major industries, including agriculture, automotive, construction, health care, energy, electronics, food and beverage packaging.
For more information about the Model 4000AG or Davis-Standard's elastomer capabilities, go to www.davis-standard.com/extrusion_system/elastomer.