Caliper disc brakes for overwrapping machines

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 4, 2002

Marden Edwards is extending its use of a pneumatic brake from its top of the range overwrapping machines to all of its models, thanks to the reliability of the units

Marden Edwards, a supplier of machinery to packaging markets, has been fitting a pneumatic brake from Robert Cupitt to its top of the range overwrapping machines for the last twenty or so years.

The application is now set to be extended to the company's full range of overwrapping systems.

The pneumatic brake is part of the large and versatile Tol-O-Matic range of caliper disc brakes supplied in the UK by Robert Cupitt of Milton Keynes.

"The design of the brake has hardly changed at all over the last twenty years," says Graham Smith, director at Robert Cupitt, "testimony to the strength of the original design.

The housing is now a lighter weight extruded aluminium, but everything else is pretty much as it was when we first began supplying the brake to Marden Edwards in the late 70's." The component is used on Marden Edwards' overwrapping machines to prevent overrunning of the film wrap, which is pulled out from a reel up to 100 times a minute producing substantial inertia.

The particular model used by Marden Edwards also has retractable pistons which ensure that the brake is fully released to obtain correct tension at all times with zero drag.

Although replacement friction pads are available for the brake they are rarely needed.

"The reliability of these brake units is second to none," says Pierre Daniel, Purchasing Manager at Marden Edwards "and the requirement for spares has been negligible.

ME machines are well known for their reliability and longevity, one of the principle reasons for our success in the market.

The quality and performance of machine components and the quality of service from suppliers are of course vital to this reputation.

Robert Cupitt have, for several years, been assessed as A1 in our vendor rating process." Marden Edwards supplies machines to the tobacco, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, healthcare, food, media and stationery markets with approximately 85% going for export.

Each machine is built to order for the specific requirements of the customer - part of the company's rigorous customer service philosophy, with assembly now undertaken at the company's recently opened ?3 million factory employing over 200 people at Ferndown in Dorset.

Up to now the Tol-O-Matic brake has been fitted to around half the total machines built.

To further enhance the cost-effectiveness and performance of the machines, this is set to be extended through the full range of overwrapping systems.

The unique Tol-O-Matic 'Float-A-Shaft' right angle gear drive is also used by Marden Edwards on conveying systems optionally supplied as part of the overwrapping installation.

The Float-A-Shaft maintains perfect alignment when the distances between take ups are varied during machine operation.

The 'float' enables the shafts to slide axially whilst maintaining drive, or provide for adjustment with minimal downtime.

Tol-O-Matic manufacture a fully comprehensive range of brakes, clutches and gear drives described with detailed performance and specification information in a new catalogue available from UK distributors Robert Cupitt.