TAMBORTECH PTY LTD - OPTIMIZER CUT OFF SAW


DESCRIPTION
MPA Engineering as part of a joint venture – initiated by Darcy Glister Agencies and including PE & JA Webb – was given a brief to improve the production process of tambor doors (kitchen roller shutters) at Tambortech Pty Ltd. The three critical areas for consideration were: increasing productivity; improving quality; and simplifying and expediting their current production process. In the past, all of the aluminium and steel components that made up the roller shutter door mechanism were measured by hand and individually cut using a drop saw – a process that was very time consuming, labour intensive and costly.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Engineering staff from MPA worked with members of the joint venture to custom design and build a machine to meet the requirements outlined above. Known as an Optimizer Cut Off Saw, the machine has an automated in-feed table to the saw, and an out-feed table for the cut lengths. The control system for the machine was programmed and supplied by MPA, using a Siemens S7 226XM PLC, 2.5Amp Siements LOGO power supplies, a 1.1kW rated Siemens Micromaster 440 VSD, and a Siemens TP170B touch screen operator panel. The software program developed for the machine, not only positions the actual length to be cut, but also uses an otimisation algorithm that minimises wastage and maximises yield from the stock material. The operator NC panel affixed to the machine allows quick data entry, including item, length and quantity, which is then displayed on screen, and sorted in a matter of seconds. The length to be cut is loaded onto the in-feed table, and the start button is engaged. As the length travels towards the saw, an infrared “eye” sees the start of the length and quickly calculates the number of components to be cut – all before the length actually reaches the saw. After stopping for a trim cut, the machine then accurately and quickly cuts the required components into the exact size.

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