Author: Mark Guest
Various tools and machines have been developed over the years to assist with control panel manufacturing. There are automated machines that will drill, tap mounting plates and cut out holes for cable glands. There are also Hydraulic punches to make the cut outs in enclosure doors.
These tools are part of Rittal’s Automation Systems (RAS) portfolio. But did you know our portfolio includes automated wire processing machines? These machines offer substantial efficiencies and savings over the traditional manual tools.
There are three RAS wire making machines, each with a specific action:
- The cutting machine
Information about the length and diameter of the wire is generated by means of connecting software and importing data into the cutting machine. Based on this data the machine will precisely cut the wires to that specific length. The operator only has to select which wires he needs, the length and the quantity.
- The stripping machine
The wire stripping machine processes both ends of the wire. Whilst many companies still do this by hand, which time consuming. The machine is programmed for a wire diameter and will automatically remove the wire insulation to a pre-described length. This is accurate and reliable for every operation
- The Crimping machine
The cripping machine is powered by compressed air or electrically driven. The machine automatically strips the insulation and compresses the wire end ferulle to the stripped wire. The operator can then simply screw the wire under a component connection.
Whilst manual wiring takes a lot of work, these three RAS wire making machines transform the work into one smooth process. This makes the whole job much simpler, faster and more efficient. In addition, it provides continuity due to the constant length of the wires that reduces residual waste.
All the semi automatic machines above can be incorporated in a fully automated Wire Terminal Machine. This machine greatly increases productivity and efficiencies of processing wires. In conjunction with EPLAN’s Smart wiring each processed wire can collated in sequence ready for wiring in the control panel. 36 different wire types can be processed automatically
Visit the Rittal website to explore the wire processing products: https://www.rittal.com/uk-en//product/list.action?categoryPath=/PG0001/PGRP18861RAS1/PGRP18864RAS1 or you can down load our latest wiring equipment brochure.
EPLAN Smart Wiring
After the manual wire assembly, the following process begins: panel wiring. We can also make this process easier for you with the browser-based wiring optimisation solution, EPLAN Smart Wiring. This solution saves you a lot of time by not indicating an abstract connection, but a realistic functional wiring sequence based on the actual cabinet layout.
Further information at www.rittal.co.uk and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com or on twitter @rittal_ltd
