Automatic High Speed
Propshaft Balancers
Universal Balancing manufactures both manually operated and fully automatic propshaft balancers in 2, 3 or 4 planes. Our recently designed KISS 234 automatic system incorporates the latest in technology that is very flexible. Changing from 2, 3 or 4 planes takes only a matter of 5 to 10 minutes so that one machine can do it all. We take this technology and apply it to our manual balancers giving the aftermarket sector some of the same advantages as OEM. Both manual and automatic propshaft balancers come standard with our UNI-44 measuring system.
The name KISS-234 stands for ‘Keeping It Simple’. Quick and easy to change between 2, 3, 4 pla
nes, the whole machine concept is based on flexibility, enabling the user to do whatever is required at the touch of a button. Fine-tuning a new shaft process is only practical nearing the end of a project when it is too late to add features and implement changes. The KISS-234 can to be configured to meet all application requirements.
Changing from 2, 3 or 4-plane balancing only takes 5-10 minutes (DVD available). KISS-234 was designed with this flexibility because we recognized that customers purchase new machines because their current equipment cannot balance in 3 or 4 planes and that production volumes for a particular shaft often mean the capacity of a whole machine is not utilized. Very fast changeover between different products allows the full capacity of the balancer to be utilized, saving money both now and in the future. The KISS-234 is not only flexible but has unrivalled accuracy and cycle times.
SERVO SETUP
All 4 bearers and 4 weld guns are servo driven, allowing automated changeover between different jobs.
DUAL FRAMELESS SPINDLE MOTOR
The benefit of using a spindle motor rather than a conventional spindle and driveline is that you are taking a lot of machine components and removing any issues with driveline interference. Dual spindle motors provide a low cost applied torque feature, helping to simulate actual vehicle conditions.
LINEAR RAIL SLIDES
These are used to allow extremely accurate alignment between each
bearer – very important for today’s repeatability requirements. Conventional T slots require clearance to move, resulting in misalignment and reduced repeatability.
AUTO UNLOAD
This feature is simple because the machine’s design means that the only additional hardware is an air gripper for each safety shackle. This feature can be switched on and off in the Winbal software.
VECTOR SPLITTING
This feature allows the measured unbalance to be vectorily calculated, so that two weights can be automatically welded at the correct vector spacing to provide the exact imbalance correction. Another benefit is that the balancing process is not
interrupted mid cycle by the operator loading specific weights.
HANDLING AND AUTOMATED TRANSFER OF SHAFTS
From the previous operation to the balancer and then onward after balancing, is an important process. We can provide tailored solutions to streamline productivity.
REFURBISHED AND UPGRADED
There is a growing trend in upgrading old or obsolete propshaft balancers. This photograph shows a 2-plane propshaft balancer, which is more than 30 years old. With our ability to transform old equipment into virtually new, the machine can now perform under today’s demanding production criteria of 80gmm.
MEASUREMENT SYSTEM
The UNI-44 measuring system consists of a 4-channel single board demodulator using surface mounted technology for the highest accuracy and reliability. The demod is connected to a PC running Windows XP or Vista and communication via RS232, Ethernet and USB. The Winbal software is the ‘brain’ of the machine, storing all data and allowing configuration at one interface.
WINBAL SOFTWARE
High capability software employs industry-standard Microsoft Windows point- and-click commands and is backed by an intuitive, touchscreen display with pop-up menus and step-by-step screen prompts to ensure simple operation. The display consists of layered folders, each focused on a specific task. Folders are accessed by clicking on tabs along the bottom of the display. Each may be further subdivided into a series of pages, which are accessed by clicking on tabs along the top of the display. Job specific data is stored in a job file, providing information such as: part calibration matrix (meaning no cross over), trim position calibration, tooling compensation, balance speed/acceleration rates/cycles, stabilising time, applied torque amount, vector weight addition parameters, run out/bar coding/paint marking pre run information, data logging and analysis criteria.
MACHINE FEATURES
- Automatic part changeover
- Ceramic bearing dual frameless spindle motors
- Failsafe automatic tooling
- Applied torque
- SIL 3 (CAT4) safety
- UNI-44 measuring system
- Ethernet communication
- Vector splitting of weld weight
- Auto unload
- Ergonomic guarding ‘bread bin’
- Extra acceleration/deceleration ramp stabilisation
- Analysis and poke yoke features Industry standard components
STANDARD EXTRAS
- Laser run out
-
Bar coding Paint marking
- KISS-234 machine specifications Max-min shaft length: 400 – 3000mm
- Maximum tube diameter: 120mm Speed range: 3000-6000 rpm
- Maximum weight: 80Kg Reduction ratio: 95%
- Measurement uncertainty: <6gmm Measuring system:
- UNI-44 with 17” touchscreen Machine weight approx: 7000Kg
- Machine footprint: 5610 x 2760mm Spindle motor drive: 22KW
- Welder: medium frequency
- Air pressure: 5.5bar
- Power supply: 100 KVA
- Floor to floor time 4 plane 22 parts/hour
- Floor to floor time 2 plane 50 parts/hour
