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MATTMAN OFFERS HOLISTIC SERVICE
SA company has abilities to install hi-tech features, improve productivity on machines internationally
MATTMAN offers a holistic approach to the plastics converting industry, from machine maintenance support to new machinery sales and rebuilding and upgrading of older machines. Its approach is to work with companies involved in, especially, blow moulding as well injection moulding with a focus on what’s best for the particular application and client – and the goal is always to increase productivity and profits.
Mattman has been working closing with Sika of Taiwan, one of the best blow moulding machine manufacturers in the Far East. It sells and installs Sika machines in South Africa and internationally. The latter experience, particularly in Australia, has presented a major opportunity for Mattman’s personnel to expand knowhow and capabilities.
In the case of rebuilds, Johannesburg-based Mattman identifies the problem and replaces obsolete control systems with the latest technological advancements that the automation and drives industry has to offer. The rebuild solution incorporates:
- project management of the rebuild, ensuring all aspects of the solution are completed in scope and on time;
- incorporating parison, motion and temperature controls into the new PLC system;
- from an hydraulic movements point, the costly and obsolete Bosch or Rexroth Systems are replaced with the MOOG valve solution; and
- using mostly Siemens products, Mattman specializes in replacing older control systems on Bekum, Battenfeld, B&W, Mauser and Uniloy systems.
All electrical panels are built at the Mattman offices in Midrand, before commissioning them on site to commence the rebuild/repair/testing in real time.
Local refurbishment and installation
Mattman has recently completely rebuilt a 25-year-old Mauser blow moulding machine to the latest certified standard at Megapark in Pine Town. The machine produces 250-litre drums. This engineering feat was completed by Charles Glieman and his team of boffins, using Siemens PLC (programme logic controller) and switchgear system.
The Mattman team rebuilt the electrical panels, cylinders, motor and hydraulic tanks. The tanks were supplied with all new valves and built by Moog RSA.
Obviously this saved the client a considerable amount as they had considered replacing the machine.
Overseas Installations
Mattman has become increasingly involved internationally, which says a lot for its technological abilities. Sometimes it’s easier to gain acceptance in a foreign market, which is possibly the experience of many international equipment suppliers!
Brisbane, Australia
Three Sika PVC blow moulding machine where successfully installed in Brisbane, Australia. The double-headed machines produce 2 x 2-litre Cordial bottles with handles at a cycle time of 6.80 seconds. The blow moulder has two extruders with two individual blow pins. All safety gates are made in stainless steel.
The biggest added value feature for the client is the online access installed by Mattman. This enables Mattman personnel – or other designated technicians – to monitor and maintain the machines remotely. Access is enabled via a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
Any problems or changes to the machines can be sorted out by Mattman on a laptop or even on the smart phone!
Sydney, Australia
Another very successful international installation by Mattman in Australia was for the Jalco Group, in Sydney. This particular machine is a 6-station double-headed blow moulder which produces 2 x 200ml containers in 14,5 seconds and the 2 x 1-litre containers in just 16 seconds.
The machine is fitted with an internal leak tester, OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency) as well as an IML (In Mould Labelling) system.
Its features include the ability to operate each station separately, with different colours and moulds and even do a mould change on one station while the other five are producing.
This is a highly efficient, high-speed production system which can also be controlled remotely by VPN.
Injection moulding
Mattman’s capabilities are not confined to the blow moulding market. This was really inevitable, since so many blow moulding companies also run injection moulding machines for the production of closures – and often become increasingly involved in technical injection work besides. Mattman refurbished an old injection moulder and installed control systems to certified standards.
All electrical panels were rebuilt with new pressure transducers which convert one type of energy to another. The machine has unique features with PLC Siemens PC 477C. The software for the PLC has access movement interpolators with over 200 points for speed and pressure of all axises (including ejector, carriage and injection).
Mattman’s international work is increasing: over the next few months it is due to install Sika machines in the USA and Malaysia. Well done Team Mattman!
- Mattman, phone 011 807 3417
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