Product category:
Pneumatic Actuators, Motors, Accessories
News Release from: SMC Pneumatics (UK) | Subject: Customised components
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 01 February 2001
Custom pneumatics for food processing
machinery
SMC Pneumatics has provided AEW Thurne, high speed slicing, sawing and shaping machines manufacturer, with cost savings and enhancements by revising and streamlining the pneumatic circuitry
Producing regular and irregularly shaped meat or fish portions at the rate of 180 per minute is no mean feat This is a prime example of just one of the characteristics of the range of automatic portion control machines and systems, designed and built by AEW Thurne, a Pelcombe Food Systems Company
Whether it's for Slicing, Sawing, Block Processing, Shaping or Bag Sealing, AEW Thurne have a machine that can fulfil virtually any requirement.
By purchasing AEW and Thurne Engineering, the Pelcombe Group has combined two of the most knowledgeable engineering design teams in the food industry and, thanks to increased research and engineering development, their range of machines has improved considerably.
AEW Thurne like to develop strategic partnerships with key component and system suppliers.
By constantly reviewing and identifying customers' needs, they can, in partnership with their suppliers, focus on the most appropriate development and manufacturing priorities.
SMC Pneumatics (UK) Ltd, boasts the largest pneumatic product range in the world, with more than 1/2 million products and extensive R and D facilities in Japan, USA and UK, so they were able to meet the challenge laid down by AEW Thurne.
Working closely with Jonathan Allcorn, Engineering Manager at AEW Thurne, SMC offered free development and design support, allowing Jonathan to work on the bigger picture.
Jonathan said "We need suppliers who can help us meet the considerable demands placed on us by our customers.
SMC have demonstrated their commitment to evolving their own product range and adapting it to our requirements." SMC have provided AEW Thurne with almost instant cost savings and machine enhancements, by revising and streamlining the pneumatic circuitry.
"Introducing new technology and the cost savings, attributed to these developments, were paramount from day one," insisted Des Cunningham, SMC Account Manager for AEW Thurne.
The first developments revolved around the introduction of new valve technology and methods of supply, in converting to the SX series (part of the "Z" range of valves).
Valve life was increased from 20 to 50 million cycles, with a greater actuation speed.
The valves were supplied pre-wired and mounted on a stainless steel back plate together with panel mounted flow controllers and a pressure gauge.
The control system allows faster build times, as they are all pre-tested and have CE marking accreditation.
Another major improvement came with the development and introduction of SMC standard stainless steel cylinders - the CM2 and CG range, which benefit from SMC's unique single seal technology, giving long life combined with low friction properties.
At their European Technical Centre, in Milton Keynes, SMC developed a twin rod CP95 cylinder, giving greater force and higher non-rotation properties than the standard product.
Jonathan Allcorn is convinced that his company's policy of developing close supplier relationships has helped them to meet, and exceed customers' requirements and concluded, "thanks to people like SMC, we can continue to provide the world's food processing industry with the very best high speed slicing, sawing and shaping machines.".
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