Gillard: Extrusion Cutter
Gillard, UK, has launched its new Servo-Torq Ultra extrusion cutter, the most accurate machine the company has built. This machine uses the latest AC brushless servo motors with a fully digital control system. Gillard claims that this system can hold length accuracies to within ± 0.1 mm, even at very high linespeeds. A key feature is that both caterpillar infeeder belts have their own AV servo drive. These are synchronised to within one encoder pulse per motor revolution. This represents a speed holding accuracy of better than 0.0005%, according to Gillard. Another important feature is that the caterpillar has been moved much closer to the knife blade. This is of particular importance when handling ultra-small diameter tubing. The company has tested the machine on tube diametres down to 0.3 mm outer diametre. The latest Siemens touch-screen control panel is included as standard, which includes screens for machine operation, parts storage, cascading, calibration and diagnostics. In total there are 20 screens available that can be customised if required.