From the simplest Start/Stop Rewinder, to the high throughput continuous lines, all Maflex machines stand out in the market of high-level machinery for their modularity. The application of this concept consists of equipping each section of the machine as a standalone unit. Each has its own onboard electric cabinet (PLC, air conditioner, transformer, etc.), hydraulic & pneumatic controls, touch screen control panel and all the safety barriers. The electrical lay-out is carefully designed and the wires are properly placed in order to avoid any interferences.
Thus, each individual section (Unwinders, Printers, Embossers/Laminators, Rewinders, Tail sealers, Accumulators and Log Saws) are completely independent and can be easily integrated for the most diverse requirements.
When it comes to production, being flexible means being able to quickly execute product changeovers. The Maflex R & D Office has paid special attention to make the changing from one product to the next a simple and fast process. All product-related parameter (such as diameter, length, density) can be modified from the operator panel and verified in real time.
The modular system appears to be an important tool for the budget-minded companies who want to follow a path of growth and evolution. The advantages can be summarized in five key points:
1. Easy installation: during the assembly and testing of the line, Maflex set up the product characteristics the customer needs and save them in the recipe database in the HMI. These setting are validated during the customer check in Maflex facility. After the checkout is complete, the line is simply disassembled in the various sections and packed for shipment. Once the machinery arrives at the customer site, it needs to be placed in position and have the power and air connected. After any interconnecting guards are installed, the line is ready for production.
2. Minor production stops: with a conventional non-modular line, both scheduled or unexpected maintenance tasks require entire line be stopped. On Maflex Modular Lines, the sections can be safely disabled and locked out to allow the required tasks to be executed on while the rest of the line continues to run.