Atlas 40

Automatic strip cross-cutting and banding system

With the development and introduction of the Atlas 40, a very powerful and precise alternative to traditional cutting systems is available for cut and stack products.  This production level system processes paper and plastic materials for the label and commercial printing markets and wherever large volume runs are the standard. Although the Atlas 40 was initially introduced into the food and beverage label markets, its versatility and speed have generated applications throughout the print industry.

The Atlas 40 is designed to accept and process pre-cut strip stacks automatically.  Whether production is from the roll or from the sheet, inline or offline configurations are possible. Depending on the product format, the Atlas 40 is able to process up to four strip stacks simultaneously.  Like all current Atlas cross cutting systems, the Atlas 40 is fully programmable and able to store a significant number of cutting programs.  Therefore, first cut, intermediate cut, and all remaining cuts are quickly and efficiently set up in an easy yet very precise manner and also easily retrieved.

Operational ease, from quick setup and change over to intuitive controls, is a defining characteristic of the latest Atlas generation. Paired with output from up to 15 production cycles per minute and in many cases with two to a maximum of four strip stacks processed simultaneously, it is clear why the Atlas 40 is setting the standard for efficient production.

Characteristics

·       fully automatic production line

·       simple integration into different production procedures (roll/sheet)

·       high degree of cutting accuracy and high output

·       reliable ultrasonic banding with paper and/or plastic bands

·       single or multi-strip processing

·       up to four banded stacks per cycle

The LS loading table accepts the pre-cut strip stacks. These are accepted either manually from the pallet or automatically by means of a gripper system from a guillotine or a web strip-cutting machine. This table provides a generous material buffer for strip stacks insuring continuous loading and operation of the system.

Strip stack cross-cutting machine ST

The strip stacks buffered on the LS loading table are guided into the strip stack cross-cutting machine. The hydraulic cutting unit is able to process from one to a maximum of four strip stacks with different cutting lengths in a precise manner, at a maximum overall width of 426mm. A state-of-the-art touch screen allows saveable programs with initial, intermediate, and remaining cuts to be set up in a simple and clear manner. Adjustable hold down clamp pressure and back gauge angle provide the necessary degree of flexibility for adjusting the machine to the wide variety of products faced in everyday production situations.

Stack transfer

Once the stacks have been cut to the final dimensions, they are clamped and transferred in an upright position to the multiple-head banding machine. 

Banding machine

The bander consists of four banding heads that ultrasonically weld both PE-coated paper band and plastic film for a secure bundle ready for further downstream automation or manual packing. A combination of paper and plastic materials is possible.