Machinecraft has developed an innovative Universal Sheet Size Setting System for the PF1-X series, allowing operators to quickly adjust the machine for different sheet sizes without manual clamp repositioning — a feature that saves significant setup time in production environments running multiple sheet sizes.
The Problem
Traditional vacuum forming machines require manual adjustment of the sheet clamp frame when switching between different sheet sizes. This involves loosening bolts, repositioning clamp bars, and re-tightening — a process that can take 20-30 minutes and requires skilled operators. For facilities running multiple products with different sheet sizes, this adds up to significant lost production time.
The Machinecraft Solution
The Universal Sheet Size Setting System uses a motorized clamp frame with servo-driven adjustment on all four sides. The operator simply enters the new sheet dimensions on the HMI touchscreen, and the machine automatically repositions the clamps to the correct positions. The entire adjustment takes less than 2 minutes and requires no tools.
Additional Benefits
Beyond time savings, the system improves consistency by eliminating human error in clamp positioning. It also enables recipe-based operation — sheet size settings are stored as part of the product recipe in the PLC, so switching between products automatically sets the correct sheet size along with all other process parameters.