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	AST-10 Operation Specifications Options	AST Series AST-E AST-II

Description

The model Auto Skin-Trim (AST-10), is the newest and fastest member of the Zed series of fully automatic skin packaging systems. The AST-10 can operate at speeds of up to 10 cycles per minute, and was specifically designed for applications utilizing 18" x 24" mastercards where operators can realistically load certain products at this accelerated pace (The standard Zed model Auto Skin-Trim is available for most standard applications). Complete skin packaging and die cutting is accomplished on this automatic inline machine, which is based on our field tested, customer proven series of automatic systems (over 200 systems in dependable operation worldwide!).

A variety of options are available to increase productivity and provide flexibility to meet application requirements, i.e. product template load systems, additional product load stations, parts which protrude through the card, magnetic infeed for parts which have a tendency to shift, blister forming cycle, etc. State-of-the-art control system makes learning how to set-up and run the machine fast and easy. Includes: computer processor running a Windows based program, machine functions, timer and process settings are controlled and adjusted via a color touch screen operator interface panel. Job memory provided for and can be saved to the hard drive or diskette. Self-diagnostics, PLC fault indicators and troubleshooting guides simplify machine operation and maintenance. Quick-change tooling systems available.

Operation

The operator places the master card onto the infeed conveyor, which automatically indexes through the product loading stations and into the automatic skin packaging station. The card is then indexed through a hydraulic trim press which utilizes steel rule dies to trim the mastercard into individual packages complete with hanger holes if required. Speed is adjustable to pace the operators, and to insure that the product loaders can keep up with machine cycle times, generally 4 -10 per minute, depending upon card layout, product to be packaged, card and skin material, etc.

Specifications

Available Options

• Higher tonnage trim press (110 ton instead of std. 50 ton); Allows for more inches of die knife to be used for increased #-upper mastercard.
• Trim die locator system; Allows for fine tuning and X & Y axis adjustment of the trim die while the machine is in operation.
• Trim die sensor system; Detects if parts are out of position in trim press and stops press, so as not to ruin steel rule trim die.
• Electrical high/low vacuum system; Provides precision control of vacuum for better skin packaging and difficult parts.
• Extra load stations; allows for additional product loaders, template systems, card feeder, etc.
• Template load system; allows for a template to be located over the card for ease of product placement and alignment; requires the purchase of at least 1 extra load station.
• External manual trim press indexer; allows adjustment ofpress in stroke direction.
• Extra roll holder, bar & end bells; makes film roll changeovers faster.
• Auxiliary card feeder; self standing, automatic mastercard feeder, requires the purchase of at least one extra load station.
• Alternate voltage: 208, 415, 440, 460, 480 volt; instead ofstandard 220 volt.
• Conveyor index speed control; provides control of infeed conveyor to help prevent parts from shifting.
• Automatic lubrication system; electronically synchronized to machine cycles.

• Blister Forming Options:

  • Blister forming cycle, turbine system.
  • Blister forming cycle, positive displacement type system.
  • Water cooled platen.

• Tooling:

  • Templates for template load system.
  • Trim Dies; (laser cut steel rule dies, etc.)
  • Quick-change tooling system: different systems available depending upon customers particular application. Provides faster set-up and die change-over times.

» AST-Series: Fastest model available, reaches speed up to 10 cycles per minute.

» AST-E: Entry level automatic, in-line packaging machine.

» AST-II: High volume automatic, more options available to meet application requirements.