Clear cut efficiency gains window frame makers

Productivity of bead cutting for uPVC window frames can now be increased.

The productivity of bead cutting for uPVC window frames can now be increased by an order of magnitude, following the development of an automated length stop by Jade Engineering for use with its JS 250P CNC Bead Saw.

Accuracy of both the bead length and angle of mitre is critical if the finished frame is to meet the stringent appearance standards demanded by today's householders.

The core component in Jade's system is a belt-driven electric linear actuator which moves the end stop into position for each cut.

This was made by Hoerbiger-Origa and at 3.2m is by conventional standards a long actuator.

However, Hoerbiger-Origa has established a reputation and regularly produces single extrusion actuators up to 10m long.

Until now manufacturers of window frames have found it very labour intensive to measure the bead stock to the precise length required and to cut it exactly.

Now with Jade's new development, the process has been completely redefined.

A surveyor visits the final customers' home and measures the window opening using an electronic tape or laser measure.

The dimensions are stored in memory so that they can be transferred directly to the length stop's controller, along with those for several other frames.

The machine operator then has to simply load the bead stock, as the controller automatically works out the position for the end stop, accurate to 0.15mm, and the angle (to 0.1 deg) of the saw blade for each cut.

The actuator is a standard 32mm bore unit from Hoerbiger-Origa's OSPE range.

This is based on an aluminium extrusion that can act as a structural element within a machine frame.

It can be configured for use with a toothed belt or ballscrew drive (Jade uses a belt drive).

Equally it can be used as a rodless pneumatic cylinder.

Normally available in length of 2m as standard, Hoerbiger-Origa is also able to provide special of virtually any length and has provided many of the long-stroke actuators used in various industries.

The Jade actuator is used in conjunction with a 400 step/rev Astrosyn stepper motor and a PLC and touchscreen from NAIS.

Another PLC is used to control the bead saw, which is supplied as a separate unit.

This modular approach to machine design was used so that the length stop can be sold as an add-on to frame manufacturers already using the JS 250P saw.

Phil James, who developed the new system for Jade at its main site in Coventry, says: "The touchscreen is very user friendly and fully programmable, contributing to a cycle time of only 4-6 seconds".

"It's a revelation for framemakers, who are now able to drive some real efficiencies into their processes.".

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