For example, a set-up for four (4) 6.2510" wide x 22-gauge multi-blank strips requires only 55 spacers. A set-up to produce two (2) 29.880" wide 20-gauge multi-blank strips requires only 52 spacers. Those set-ups are easily completed in 15-minutes while the line is running. By comparison, a coil-to-coil slitter set-up for eleven 3.125" wide and eight 2.871" wide x 18-gauge strips requires 283 spacers and 45-minutes to set-up. The Turret Head™ Slitter equipped with the multi-blank tooling produces multi-blanks to a width tolerance of ±0.002".

Precision Electronic Servo Feed:

The Multi-Blanking Line is equipped with a Precision Servo Feed that feeds and measures strips for cut-off. The Servo Feed employs high-traction non-marking feed rolls driven by an electronic AC servo system to feed and precisely measure the strip. The microprocessor motion control system generates consistent sheet and blank length tolerances of ±0.005" at high-cyclic rates. The motion control system receives feed roll position data from an electronic encoder, and the information is instantly utilized for accelerate, decelerate, and full stop commands based upon the feed length. The motion control system automatically computes the ideal production speed based upon the part length entered into the operator data panel. An adjustable acceleration/deceleration control is provided to compensate for various material surface conditions.

The Mi-Tech line is equipped with a variable-speed bow-tie mechanical Shear, which complements the high-cyclic rate capability of the Servo Feed. The Shear can operate in a "single-cycle" mode when processing pattern length sheets, and a "continuous-cycle" mode when processing shorter blanks and multi-blanks. Synchronized with the Servo Feed, the DC Shear can operate at a rate of up to 100 cycles-per-minute in the continuous-cycle mode. A variable-speed DC motor drives the upper shear ram through a clutch-brake and crank shaft. The DC motor is run at a constant RPM and the clutch-brake is "single-cycled" when processing pattern length sheets. When processing short blanks, the clutch-brake is locked-up and the Shear ram cycles non-stop. The Servo Feed cycle and the DC Shear cycle are synchronized to produce the precise part lengths at high-cyclic rates.

The Mi-Tech Stacker is capable of automatically stacking pattern sheets and up to six (6) multi-blanks. The multi-blank strip dividers are automatically positioned by an AC servo drive. An "air float" system prevents the sheets from sliding sheet-on-sheet during stacking. Non-prime sheets and blanks are diverted from the Stacker and directed to a reject station located behind the Stacker.