Getting Closer

Well, the trim presses are almost complete, and the work on the SX-44 thermoformer has begun in earnest. Kurt had one of the trim presses running at 140 CPM last week, that was easily achieved even without any tuning of the servo drive. Pretty impressive. I can't believe how smooth and quiet it ran, but maybe I should not be surprised, as this machine is extremely well built, maybe even over-built!

Here's how things looked in the assembly building last week:


On the thermoformer side, we have completed the form station headers and platens. Frame work is under way, hydraulics will be delivered within a week, and the chain rail extrusion is on order. The electrical panels are coming along nicely, and will be completed with time to spare before we are ready to wire the machine. Here's the platens and headers:


That's all for now. Stay tuned for more updates.

Fritz

SX-44 Thermoformer Specifications

As promised, here are the preliminary specifications on the new SX-44 thermoformer. Although most of this is finalized, it is possible that some of these specs will vary by the time we are done with the first machine. I will revise the spec sheet once the machine has been built and fully tested, and re-post here.

Dimensions	H: 125” (317 cm) L: 277” (704 cm) W: 100” (254 cm)
Weight	8500 lbs (3855 Kg)
Power requirement	225A @ 460-308V 50/60hz
Total power consumption	150-175A Continuous
Control Panel	NEMA 12 / IP55
Air consumption	> 1 CFM @ 80 psi
Cooling requirements	7 Tons
Sheet Width	Maximum: 46” (1168 mm) Minimum: 34” (864 mm)
Mold Width	Maximum: 42” (1067 mm) Minimum: 30” (762 mm)
Mold Length	Maximum: 56” (1422 mm) Minimum: 32” (813 mm)
Mold Height	10” (254 mm)
Forming Depth	Maximum: 3.0” (762 mm)
Speed	Maximum Dry Cycle: 40 CPM
Oven length	Minimum: 136” (345 cm) Maximum: 168” (427 cm)
Oven zones	8 top 8 bottom
Heater type	Top: Quartz Bottom: Ceramic Coated Quartz
Oven index	4 shots w/32” mold 3 shots w/56” mold
Cylinder Size	Bore: 8” (204 mm) Stroke: 4” (102 mm)
Platen Size (Depth)	32” (813 mm)
Hydraulic motor	25 HP
Press capacity	38 Tons
Vacuum pump	5 HP Vane Pump
Temperature Control	On board water cooling. Optional mold temperature control unit.
Chain Drive	15 HP Servo Motor
Transport	#50 Sticker Chain
Width Control	Manual Adjustment

TP-46 Progress

The TP-46 trim press is coming along nicely. We are in the process of making three of these right now, and they look great so far. Here are some photos:







More updates to come...

Fritz

First Post

Welcome to the Commodore Technology blog! We will be using this forum to keep you up to date on the latest happenings here at Commodore.

It has been a busy start for us here in 2009. So busy, in fact, that it is hard to believe that it is already March. We're anxiously awaiting the return of warmer weather here in New York, but it looks like it might be a while. This morning it was 9°F (-13°C) outside, which sure does not feel like spring!

Our current focus is the development of the latest additions to our product line, the SX-44 thermoformer, and the TP-46 trim press. These products represent our entry in to the arena of wide-web thermoforming. This new equipment will be designed and built using the same philosophy that Commodore has always embraced - simple, reliable, well built equipment that provides you with the best return on investment in the industry. Keep an eye out for more information and photos as this new equipment is being built over the next few months.

Speaking of simple, reliable equipment, the first member of the SX family, the SX-16, was delivered to one of our valued customers earlier in 2008. This thermoformer and trim press combination has already proven to be an exceptional performer, so much so that our customer has already ordered another one for delivery this spring.

I will post some specifications of the SX formers soon, but in the meantime, take a look at the video footage of the SX-16 below.



Thanks for reading!

Fritz Seager
Operations Manager
Commodore Technology