Manages entire feed line from single location
In booth #A5412 at FABTECH 2017, COE Press Equipment is demonstrating its SYNCMaster™ integrated controls package capability. Visitors will be able to experience the user interface and see how the system allows an operator to control many of the servo feed, straightener, and coil reel setups and functions from a single touchscreen, increasing efficiency and decreasing the errors.

​The SYNCMaster solution consists of features typically only seen in more expensive, fully-integrated PLC systems. It includes a coil reel, a power straightener with an AC drive and PLC that controls the straightener and reel, and communicates with the servo feed. The servo feed has a touchcreen HMI that controls the feed and communicates via Ethernet with the straightener and reel. The following functions are all controlled from the feeder HMI:

• Mode control and jogging of the straightener
• Laser loop monitoring and control configurable
• Thread table raise and lower control
• Automatic lubrication control and mandrel expansion configurable

Additional system capabilities include automatic drag brake setting for the coil reel that’s set-up by job recipe, tight loop sensing and interlock to the feeder to stop production, loop feed fault detection that stops straightener if feeder isn’t running, and system E-stop control from both feeder and straightener operating stations.

The SYNCMaster Controller features a user-friendly 5.7” VGA color touchscreen interface featuring a selectable scale for feed lengths, passline height, and edge guides. Additional capabilities include 400-job set memory, automatic speed compensation, fault display and history, and more. For additional information, visit cpec.com and download a SYNCMaster flyer.

COE Press Equipment hosted 18 students from Chippewa Valley High School (Utica, Mich.) on Manufacturing Day, Oct. 6, providing them insight into the types of careers available in manufacturing. The tour began with an overview of COE’s role in the manufacturing supply chain.  The students were then split into smaller groups that rotated through informative sessions from various departments. They toured the machining department, receiving an overview of various machining operations and equipment; the assembly department where they got a hands-on experience in assembling a roll feed; and received a presentation from the sales and engineering groups.

“In addition to getting these kids interested in a potential manufacturing career, we also wanted them to get a clearer picture of opportunities within a small to mid-sized company,” commented Steve Donnay, COE’s sales and marketing manager.  “Our R&D manager shared his 39-year COE career story, emphasizing how he has been able to experience a number of roles within the company, which has allowed him to constantly learn and expand his career.”
 
At the end of the tour, many of the students expressed excitement at the prospect of continuing their education in skilled trades and engineering.  All the attendees received a specially-printed COE T-shirt to commemorate the day.