Company chooses aluminium profile supplier

Sibert Instruments chose Applied Automation (UK) and MayTec as its aluminium profile system supplier.

Sibert Instruments chose Applied Automation (UK) and MayTec as its aluminium profile system supplier.

Sibert, which supplies the world market with punching and finishing machines for the optical disc industry, has recently launched two new machines to form the next generation of production machinery.

Their SPS system consists of separate modules that can be used stand-alone or as part of an automated system.

The SPS Punching module uses software that is capable of optically measuring the data edge of data to generate a calculated offset for automatic stamper centring, to allow the hole to be punched within two microns of concentricity to information.

The SPS Finishing module uses accurate and totally controllable finishing head positioning technology within a wet finishing process to complete the back finishing process of the optical disk production.

The previous Sibert machines were based around a cast machine frame, this was due to the need for a heavy-duty machine bed to support the tooling operation and finishing processes.

The management at Sibert, recognising that the cast machine frame was not efficient due to long lead time and the time consuming task of machining once the casting was made, together with its lack of flexibility due to it being a fixed purpose casting, started the process of machine evolution.

Driven by the growing demands made by their existing customers and Sibert's own desire for a more flexible "state of the art" machine solution, which would allow them to enter new markets, the key parameters for the new machines were defined.

It was recognised that the new system had to meet the following parameters: a reduction in production cost; more flexibility to ensure its manufacturing technology and expertise can be used to access new markets; and an aesthetically pleasing machine.

The team of RandD engineers from Sibert identified no less than six potential suppliers of profile systems, selecting three of these to forward a proposal and tender for the contract.

Interestingly, the first prototype of this next generation machine was manufactured using a competitor product to the MayTec aluminium profile system, but due to assembly problems and strength of the final assembled frame, this was rejected and subsequently more extensive trials were carried out with the remaining two potential suppliers.

A torsion test, the harshest and final test, was carried out to an assembled MayTec machine frame.

The test was made by applying a 400kg weight diagonally across the frame and, whilst the frame did have an element of flexure, there was no permanent damage to the frame.

The Sibert engineers were very impressed with the result of the torsion test and by the rigidity of the MayTec product.

This result and the ease and speed of fastening the MayTec aluminium profile, during assembly, was key to their decision in choosing MayTec over the competitors.

Applied Automation (UK) , experts in the application of profile systems, has executed numerous projects using the MayTec solution in a variety of industries.

Applied Automation worked with Sibert to identify the total requirement.

Once the requirements had been decided the final machine design was created with the Sibert engineers making use of the product's 3D CAD drawing library.

The new Sibert system offers flexible assembly - allowing upgrades to be made to the basic machine by setting a series of "standard options" which can be added to the basic machine either ex works or at a later date as an on-site upgrade.

Target turn around from order to shipping in five days is now a realistic target, leading to less work in progress.

Sibert unveiled the new SPS system modules during a launch event in May 2006 at the MediaTech exhibition in Frankfurt.

Since that date its production has met the demands made on it and has since lead to the development of new additions to the range.

With the Sibert SPS punching module and SPS finishing module now in the market, the next step is to introduce the SPS handling module.

This new handling module will "fit" in between the punching and finishing modules completing optical disk manufacturing process by providing a fully automatic feed and unload system it ensures the production system will be capable of running unmanned for hours.

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