What is a realistic setup time that can be expected with a new 6 head Weinig Powermat with the HSK spindles and NC positioning of the spindles?

Any users care to comment?

Thanks

Bill

Are you asking the question on time based on the machine positioning itself. I have a 6 head unimat with positioning on the last top and left head. I could set up my P-23 much faster but it often took several test pieces for set up. The new moulder takes a few minutes longer measuring the tools optically and clicking on computer but that time is quickly made up with the first piece out being near perfect. Some setups naturally take more time changing the width of feed rollers or repositioning fences.

Bill
I was a Weinig Tech for eight years, this is the most common question I would get from management on every install.
My answer was always this.
Be more concerned about the operator learning the machinery and being safe at the same time producing a great product.
There is a learning kerf for everyone in everything we do. This attitude approach will keep everyone safe, produce an outstanding product, and keep the machinery in good working condition.
Now, in time you see the operator is just taking way too long to set up the machine, it might be time to look for a new operator.
During Weinig demos, the set ups are performed by professionals with many years experience, it's not realistic to expect everyone to set up the machinery in the same amount of time.
So kickback, relax, and concentrate on operator safety and awesome looking mouldings. The set up time will slowly decrease as the operator is more comfortable with the machinery.
All the best
Russ @ MR

Let me ask the question a different way. Not second guessing an operator but deciding if the added expense of the NC positioned axis's, measuring equipment, HSK heads.... is worth it. Would it enable more change overs and thereby allow you to make shorter runs more profitably?

I happen to be old school moulder operator.
I can set up a moulder in almost the same time as a fancy moulder with all the bells and whistles, let's say maybe a five minute difference realistically.
Now the question is this, how many setups will it take to pay the difference in price from a plain Jane machine, versa a moulder with all the bell and whistles.
Don't forget you will now have more moving parts and more things that could potentially go wrong over time. Technology is always changing, what we buy today is out of date tomorrow, so computers on moulders today will be rapidly outdated in the life of the machinery.
It's a tough choice and needs some serious consideration. I have clients with the machinery you're describing and they love them. Weinig has always been a leader in moulder operations, the best thing to do is talk to the operators of the machinery, they know the most about how the machine performs.
I hope that helps
Russ @ MR

Bill This is just my opinion, and we all know what they say about opinions. I would buy higher RPM machine, like 8,000 or 10,000 and increase my feed rate to quicken the smaller lineal foot runs, 40-45 feet per minute for 8000 rpm and 45 -50 feet per minute for 10000 rpm. I posted an article that explains it better Have a good weekend Russ

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