Mosca Introduces UATRI-2 XT, MCB-2 XT for Corrugated Industry
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EAM-Mosca Corp., Hazle Township, Pa., USA, has introduced its new, fully automated inline strapping machines UATRI-2 XT (right ) and MCB-2 XT (left) , which meet the specific needs of the corrugated cardboard industry. Improvements to the motor systems and a simplified user interface ensure extremely gentle, fast, and reliable strapping of corrugated cardboard with the UATRI-2 XT. The MCB-2 XT is Mosca's high-performance successor of the MCB-2. The auto set-up function ensures that the machine is automatically aligned after the first bundle. To avoid damage to the structure of the corrugated cardboard, both machines apply the strap "inline," that is along the corrugations.
 Using the auto set-up function, the MCB-2 XT checks the dimensions of the first infed bundle and then automatically creates the required settings. Once the machine has been set up, an integrated five-sided bundle monitor feeds perfectly aligned, uniform bundles ready for strapping. The advantage of this automatic set-up function is that it enables customers to process batches of different sizes without any major machine set-up time or manual adjustment. The bundles are securely guided through the strapping process by directly driven conveyor systems with frequency control. Non-wearing, direct-drive DC motors power the bundle alignment. A pusher system pushes the bundles into the pre-tensioned strap, which is applied at three points on the bundle. A swing arm then positions and tensions the strap at the fourth point and activates the heat welding system.
If required, the model can be equipped with two sealing units, allowing two parallel straps to be applied simultaneously along the corrugations with a strapping output up to 27 bundles per minute. The parallel strapping ensures optimum product protection over long transport distances without slowing the strapping process. This option is particularly attractive for export, especially to destinations outside of Europe. In addition to saving on material costs (because the corrugated cardboard stacks are generally shorter than they are wide), the "inline" strapping also protects the product from damage to the structure of the corrugated cardboard.
 Like the MCB-2 XT strapping machine, the new UATRI-2 XT also straps "inline" and facilitates work for the user with automated processes. The high-performance machine runs on a completely upgraded motor management technology and can be easily integrated in automated high-speed corrugated cardboard production lines. Along with its automatic set-up, the machine also automatically configures torque and other motor parameters to match the need of the products. It calculates the time it will take from detection of the load by the photoelectric barrier to operation of the required strapping functions. The UATRI-2 XT adjusts motor parameters to provide a slower, more powerful feed for large bundles and a lower-power, faster feed for small bundles.
While controls were integrated into the motors of the earlier types, the new UATRI-2 XT relies on centralized motor control. This prevents machine failure and ensures absolute reliability of the strapping system in the automatic production line. The roller drive on the UATRI-2 XT is equipped with a split belt system. Power is transmitted through two drive belts with the main belt guided on an innovative roller bed, simplifying maintenance, increasing the power/performance ratio, and extending service life.
A touch panel with a revised user interface simplifies control of the UATRI-2 XT to prevent work interruptions and damage to the machine by incorrect operation. Different safety levels can be activated according to the operator's skill and experience. There is no need to interrupt production to manually change strap coils. The machine is equipped with two coil dispensers. When one coil runs out of strap, the other strap is automatically joined. With 1,000 coil changes annually, this automatic strap coil change avoids around 50 hours machine downtime. That is equal to 75,000 bundles that could have been strapped in this time at a rate of 25 bundles per minute.
With an optional quality assurance system integrated in the machine, the UATRI-2 XT automatically detects bundles that do not meet specified criteria. Control software in the upstream production stage monitors bundles to ensure they meet the required quality standards. Non-compliant bundles are rejected and moved from the line by the downstream roller chain conveyor.
The special configuration of the machine enables up to 30 bundles per minute to be strapped individually or in parallel in perfectly aligned stacks. The bundles are perfectly aligned on all sides by the plates of an integrated squaring station and held securely in place, which makes sure the machine delivers the stacks neatly strapped.
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