expanded polystyrene foam:

compuline contour cutter

versatility

With three cutting frames mounted on a continuous moving conveyor providing automatic block detection, downcutting, slicing and trimming in a continuous sheeting process, the Compuline dramatically exceeds conventional manual or semi-automatic cutting systems. The machine can also be used individually in either the Hot-wire or Fastwire configurations for profiling.

fully automated operation

All cutting setup and control processes are input via the console computer. It can be configured automatically as a sheet cutting line or a profiling machine using either the Fastwire or the Hot-wire cutting frames.

Because the block is moving at a continuous speed with no need to stop for any individual process during the sheeting operation, the throughput is very high and requires minimal labour input. The conveyor speed can be set by the operator for different types of foams. Once programmed for the required final block dimensions, automatic block detection allows continuous feeding of blocks onto the Compuline without further operator involvement.

operation & multiple machines

The Compuline can also be used as a contour cutting machine using either the hot-wire or abrasive wire. In this mode the block is driven onto the cutting bed by the input conveyor where it is stopped, processed and then moved out to the exit conveyor.

Having both a hot-wire frame and an abrasive wire frame, the Compuline can be used to sheet and contour cut all manner of foams including EPS and other materials such as phenolic and Rockwool.

In sheeting mode, the first frame is the abrasive wire cutter that moves in synchronization with the block, cutting the block into the required lengths ‘‘on the fly’’. The block, which can be of any length, is fed onto the Compuline via an external customer supplied conveyor feeder system and when the block reaches the block detection sensor, the first cutting (downcutting) is activated.

This downcutting occurs whilst the conveyor is moving, resulting in no lost time. Once processed by the downcutter the block continues its uninterrupted travel to the next process, horizontal cutting. The horizontal cutting frame is an auto loading system capable of loading up to 40 cutting wires in less than two minutes.

Finally, as the block passes through the horizontal cutter, it moves on through the vertical trimmers, removing the outside skin and cutting the blocks to a preset width before transferring to an exit conveyor system. This process is continued with the next block entering the cutting area as soon as the first block has passed the block detection sensor, making the process continuous.

The hot-wire cutting frame, normally in the vertical position for contour cutting, is pneumatically controlled to allow 12 degrees tilt for accurate sheet cutting.

space saving

Being only 6.3m long, compared to old style conventional cutting lines the Compuline occupies a much smaller footprint allowing better utilization of factory floor space.

in summary

Wintech’s range of computer controlled Contour Machine Cutters are designed to help foam converters improve their productivity, efficiency and quality.

The benefits of using a Wintech Contour Cutter are summarized below:

compared to hand controlled contour cutting systems

  • Accuracy and repeatability with less reliance on operator skill.
  • No rejects due to operator fatigue or error.
  • Improved safety with remote operation.
  • Much higher production output.
  • Big Cost savings by eliminating the need to make, repair and store templates.
  • Higher material utilization resulting from computer aided nesting of shapes.
  • The capacity to change designs and prepare prototypes in minutes.

compared to other computer based machines

  • Simpler design for lower initial cost and better reliability.
  • Integrated design and cutting program. Just design then cut.
  • Faster drawing and loading of shapes.
  • Controlled by the easy to use Wintech Profiler software for minimum operator training time.
  • Wintech machines have built-in reliability, are easy to maintain, and are supplied with comprehensive operator and service manuals.