After the expanding process of polyethylene foam, the material needs further processing to convert it to a finished product. The expanded web of foam needs to be edge trimmed, center slit, and then wound to produce finished rolls of foam to suit different end product requirements. As an added challenge, this line needs the flexibility to run many different weights, densities and widths of foam, with minimal modification to equipment to accommodate these changes. The equipment needs to be open and accessible to accommodate frequent web threading, yet provide safety and control for users.
DESCRIPTION
In accomplishing the given requirements, Davron designed and created a line of equipment to operate downstream of our expanding oven to convert the raw expanded foam web into a finished product. This line is capable of processing up to a 96” wide web from 7ft/min. to 40ft/min.
The line features a guiding machine for accurate web positioning that also incorporates a pre-trim width measurement. A slitting machine features adjustable edge trimming, with digital readouts for positioning, accommodating approximately 36”-96” wide webs, the ability to slit up to 10 strands down to a 2” wide width, and an incorporated edge trim removal system. Full width gates offer open access to the machine from both entry and exit.
A pneumatic accumulator works in conjunction with a cross cutting machine and winder, to remove slack during roll changes. The belt-driven, motorized, cross cut machine measures total roll length, communicates with the winder, and cuts each roll to the set length.