MAXX CUTTER®, cutting edge steel cord cutting

Many of today’s steel cord cutting systems are evolved from cutters initially designed for steel plate cutting. Until recently VMI’s steel cord cutting systems were based on that same principle. The quest for a different concept driven by innovations in the production of tires has however led to a new approach that literally turns cutting as we know it “up-side-down”. Traditional guillotine cutters need a heavy steel construction to reach the stiffness required for cutting of calandered steel cord material. Any deviation in knife-adjustment is either leading to a cutting failure or undefined high forces that quickly result in blunted knives. 

Patented cutting system

Making use of the latest control technologies and knife-materials available, VMI designed a patented cutting system featuring flexible blade mounting and servo controlled cutting force. This system allows for a multiple extended knife life and adjustment-free mounting of knife-blades. The upstream and downstream equipment has been completely redesigned to match the high accuracy, high quality and high productivity of the revolutionary core of the system. 

Pull-through type feeding

The pull-through type feeding system is in full control of the material and keeps it accurately positioned during the cutting action. As the material is kept in place, the material does not have to be repositioned for splicing. Camera controlled servo systems allow further enhancing of the feeding and splicing accuracy. 

In-line gum extrusion system

The let-off and wind-up of the machine are designed for maximum machine up-time and feature for example automatic roll change and easy access. For gum edging VMI offers also an in-line gum extrusion system instead of traditional gum-strip on rolls. The machine’s control system and integrated quality monitoring is prepared for integration into production management systems.

For more information see:  MAXX Cutter