High tech to the Dresden paper stores
A new paper roll clamping technology has announced itself. For the first time two forklifts for large and small paper rolls were equipped in Dresden with a new generation of paper roll clamps. The purpose is to prevent damage to the rolls resulting from excessive clamping force. This system, called AFC, introduces high tech to the Dresden paper stores.
The handling of paper rolls requires special heavy load forklifts and the associated paper roll clamps. The challenge was to transport different paper roll tonnages with one class of fork lift paper roll stacker. It also had to be considered that different types of paper (from cover to volume paper) made different demands on the clamping pressure.
Paper roll clamps still have a mechanical controller, which does not quite meet the demands (pressure peaks) these varied requirements are making. This often caused paper damage, which led to increased paper waste and printability problems (wobbly rolls).
To solve the problem the manufacturer, the CASCADE company, was approached and an adaptation of the AFC system to the abovementioned requirements, and especially the tonnages to be transported, was discussed, developed and implemented.
The end result was that the first two forklifts were equipped with automatic clamping force control (so-called AFC systems) for the extensive range of paper rolls for the first time at Prinovis Dresden. The AFC system is based on a computer-based control unit and hydraulic sensors to measure the load as the forklift lifts the paper roll. When the roll is first lifted, the system creates just enough pressure to clamp the roll. As the forklift lifts the roll, the AFC system linearly increases the clamping force in accordance with the weight. Each time the weight is lifted again, the clamping force is re-calculated. By this automatic weight-dependent control, the system prevents accidental crushing – thereby reducing the danger of damage.
But this new AFC system design can do more! It includes integrated data storage, enables weighing of the rolls and also includes a so-called rotate-stop controller. The driver would, for instance, pick up the paper roll on a truck and rotate it into a vertical position. To thereafter stack the roll in the stores, the AFC system automatically orientates the roll to prevent it being dropped in a tilted position. Amazing technology!
(29.02.2008)
Tight grip. New technology prevents damages.
