Schleunigers Cut-&-Strip family impresses with modern software and user-friendly design
A wide range of customer requirements were included in the development of the new models from the Schleuniger Cut-&-Strip family. The E300 and E400 cutting and stripping machines are equipped with a cutting-edge software and work according to the Poka-Yoke principle. They ensure to the greatest possible extent that operators cannot make any errors when setting up the machine and in production. Product manager Rajeevan Kumaran outlines the benefits for customers and why it's worth switching to the new models.
With the E300 and E400 cutting and stripping machines, Schleuniger has raised the previous models, the EcoStrip 9380 and the MultiStrip 9480 S, to a completely new level and incorporated numerous new features. Both machines stand for top performance, optimized operation and outstanding process safety and are characterized by their versatility. They offer high-precision processing of single strands, tubes , ribbon cables and multi-conductor cables, as well as insulation such as PVC, PUR or Teflon in outstanding quality. Whether for industrial applications, wire sets in the automotive and aviation industry, control cabinets, household appliances, telecommunication or end products in the field of entertainment electronics.
The E300 and E400 are equipped with a programmable clamping axis for increased precision and enable tool-free replacement of guides. Different feed belts and coatings on the belt rollers ensure optimal transport of the wires – individually adapted to the properties of the material. The contact pressure on the feed unit can also be programmed, enabling extremely precise and targeted settings.
The requirements of customers was the main focus in the development of the new generation of the Schleuniger Cut-&-Strip family. Product manager Rajeevan Kumaran outlines the benefits for customers and why it's worth switching to the new models.
Rajeevan Kumaran, Product Manager at Schleuniger in Thun.
With the E300 and E400 cutting and stripping machines, Schleuniger has responded to the demands of the market and integrated customer requirements in the new machine generation. What challenges are our customers facing at the moment?
The main challenges are in production. There is currently a shortage of skilled workers and various companies have relocated their production sites to low-wage countries, some with lower levels of education, where it is difficult to find qualified personnel. Our customers must still guarantee the required quality of their products and can not allow shortfalls in this area, because the quality requirements on the end product are becoming ever stricter. That's why it's important that the operating personnel can rely more and more on the machine. This means that it must be possible to set up the machines easily and without a high degree of training and the human error quota must be kept as low as possible. The machine must also support the operator during production so that our customers can produce with the lowest possible reject rate.
The babyboomer generation is starting to enter retirement and generation Z is taking over the work in many companies. They have grown up with a wide range of devices and gadgets and they are extremely familiar with touchscreens. The interaction between the machine and the operator has changed over the past few years and must be taken into account in the development of new machines.
What was the main focus during the development of the new Schleuniger Cut-&-Strip family generation?
We want to offer our customers a generation of modern machines that work according to the Poka-Yoke principle and thus ensure that the machine operator cannot make any errors when setting up the machine and in production. The E300 and E400 have numerous sensors that guarantee high production quality. If a wire strand jam occurs and blocks the motor, for example, the machine stops automatically and alerts to operator that there is a potential problem.
We also focused on the interaction between the machine and the operator, i.e. the user interface (UI). The UI-concept of the E-machines is based on tablets and smartphones. During the development phase, we discussed the everyday workflow with our customers and incorporated this in the software. For example, the operator can't carry out any further steps when programming the machine if individual factors have not been taken into account or the required conditions have not been met.
The machine operator is accompanied through the entire work process. If defects are identified on a processed wire the operator no longer has to know the source of the problem.
What other requirements became apparent during the close cooperation with customers?
A major requirement of our customers was to minimize machine downtimes, which is why we integrated new functions into the new software. The machine operator is accompanied through the entire work process. If defects are identified on a processed wire, for example, the operator no longer has to know the source of the problem. The machine merely has to be told what problem has been identified and it narrows down the error sources itself and shows the operator suggestions for estimation to eliminate the problem as quickly as possible. This not only has a positive impact on machine downtimes, but also reduces the knowledge and expertise required on the part of the operator significantly. Together with our customers, we will work to continuously expand and optimize the error database. If necessary, error messages can be exported and sent to the Schleuniger service, which also has a positive impact on machine downtimes and minimizes the workload for service technicians.
There was also a desire to reduce the complexity in relation to spare parts and to reduce storage and warehousing costs. To this end, we revised and optimized the electronics platform already be found in the predecessor models. The electronic components and sensors have been standardized so they can be used in all machines of the new generation. All machines of the new generation have the same operator panel, for example. Less variety with regard to spare parts enables problems to be resolved quickly and requires fewer spare parts in the warehouse on the customer side.
Tell us more about the new software environment.
During the development of the new software platform S.Drive E-series, the latest development tools were used to offer our customers a modern operating experience and create a flexible and expandable basis. The modular software architecture offers the option of addressing customer-specific requirements with minimal effort in the future. S.Drive E-series runs on all Schleuniger Cut-&Strip machines of the latest generation and minimizes the requirements during commissioning and with regard to operator training. Based on a comprehensive library, it suggests standard values for common wire types, for example, focuses on key parameters and includes functions clearly on a 10-inch color touchscreen.
What else can customers expect from Schleuniger in the Cut-&-Strip area in the near future?
We have now launched the entry-level machines from the new generation on the market, but we're currently working hard on innovative projects that will make everyday production tasks of our customers much easier. Our goal is to set new standards in the Cut-&-Strip area in terms of user guidance, processing and application options, as well as ensuring production quality. The focus here will be on process monitoring. With the new electronic platform, even more sensors can be used, enabling the entire production process to be monitored and a product to be tested as it is created. In this way, we will be able to guarantee customers that they will not have to dispose of a finished product due to defects or failure to meet the required quality. This saves time and costs.
We are also working on a new PC software, which enables easier wire management. For example with regard to the raw material database, the articles library and job management. It will be possible to send individual jobs to multiple machines on the production site and thus optimize the machine usage.
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The software has a large database with various tested standard values that enable a wire to be programmed in just a few clicks. This saves a lot of time with wire sampling.
Setting up the machine couldn't be simpler with the new software: It guides the operator through the steps and suggests any required actions. The setup process is shown at the very bottom of the screen. The operator can't carry out any further steps until all required conditions have been met.
Troubleshooting is also intuitive for the machine operator. In this case, no pull-off could be carried out on the right application. Once the relevant fault is selected, the UI suggests possible optimization measures in the correct priority. The new approach to the problem means that faults can be rectified faster.
The troubleshooting includes a diagnosis, error causes are suggested and the operator is instructed step by step.
Contact
Rajeevan Kumaran joined the Schleuniger Group in 1998 and completed an apprenticeship as polymechanic. He then worked in the assembly department, passed through several divisions in Market Support and has been Product Manager since 2013. In his role, he is involved in the development and support of Schleuniger Cut & Strip products.