PRODUCTION

Designed in-house by our own engineers, PIERRET’s patented guillotine cutting system provides superior technology in terms of practicability and efficiency. The distinguished features of the system are described below :

• The to-and-fro movement of the mobile knife is generated by a rotary movement combined with an oscillating movement which describes a pattern comprising a rectilinear section at the point of cut, with the knives lifting off on the return travel. This balanced system guarantees smooth operation and very high speeds;
• The arms, which are subject to traction stresses only, keep the blade holder in an extremely rigid position and therefore ensure that the position of the mobile knife remains perfectly accurate in relation to that of the fixed knife. The cutting system is mounted on bearings to avoid any risk of jamming. No slide rail which involves a certain amount of play. No harmful friction of the mobile knife against the fixed knife nor against the material on the knife’s return movement;
• The force required to make the cut generates a thrust which helps to hold the mobile knife against the blade holder. The angle formed by the mobile knife and the fixed knife produces a scissor effect;
• Only one mobile knife in operation eliminates difficult adjustments which are always a disadvantage on multiple blade machines;
• Simple, precise and quick adjustment.

The operator has direct visual control of the cut and can make immediate adjustments when required.

Quick and accurate adjustment of the cutting length.

A special feed table design totally eliminates penetration of foreign material between the conveyor belt and the sides.

Compression and traction rolls which draw the material into the cutting machine are mobile in order to ensure constant pressure on the material, whatever the thickness. Roll pressure and gap adjustment only takes seconds, ensuring perfect infeed regardless of the type or shape of the material. The small diameter (120 mm – +/- 5”) grooved roll nearest the knives ensures that the materials are held very close to the knives, facilitating the cutting of short material.

A special system totally eliminates the possibility of material jamming the cutting machine infeed. All components are covered by international patents.

The frames are fabricated from welded steel. No part is subject to wear. Their dimensions have been carefully calculated to give an extremely sturdy frame and to eliminate unnecessary weight. All parts can be stripped easily and quickly without dismantling the frame.

The grooved feed rolls are made of hardened steel to avoid scratches.

All turning movements are ball or roll bearing mounted for long life, smooth operation without excessive wear on the shafts, and minimum maintenance.

All parts are designed for maximum standardisation, to guarantee reliability and interchangeability. Machined on the most up-to-date equipment, our products are competitively priced.

In addition :

• Most wear parts have been surface- or heat-treated;
• High precision parts are machined from special steels and carefully precision ground;
• After a final sand blasting, the components are ready for painting;
• Electrical controls by contactor switches with thermal relays and fuses are housed in a closed unit immovably attached to the machine. Automated control on the automatic loader-feeder R52 as well as on the cutting machines CT60N and P26;
• Push-buttons and emergency stops are within easy reach;
• Special adaptations are available on request.

Knives manufactured by Pierret are made from the best quality high-chrome steel and machined from the block. Average hardness 63 Rockwell C.

The knives will cut for very long periods without the need for sharpening.

The exceptionally high quality of the knives is due to very careful machining, heat treatment and finishing.

Some machines may be fitted with a tungsten carbide mobile knife for abrasive materials such as glass, carbon and aramid fibers.

Pierret equipment is delivered ready for use and is designed for :

• Quick and accurate adjustment;
• Easy and minimum maintenance;
• Safe operation;
• High production with relatively low power levels.

The dismantling, assembly and adjustment of the knives can be carried out in a few minutes by unskilled operators. The cutting machines do not stand idle when the knives have to be sharpened.

The fact that the knives are sharpened on a separate grinding machine, ideally one manufactured by Pierret, means the work can be done quickly and without projecting any abrasive particles into the cutting machine. There is no need for an expensive sharpening system for each cutting machine in service.

Because of their thickness, the fixed knives can be used up to a maximum wear point. Mobile knives are double-sided.

Protected by doors and removable covers with mechanical and electrical locking, the mechanical components are easily accessible.

Infeed table can be quickly dismantled without the use of tools. The cutting machines are supplied with a large infeed table for easy loading.

The cutting machines are equipped with retractable wheels.

The cutting machines may be fitted with a metal detector.

All the mechanical components of our machines are protected by doors and covers equipped with electrical and mechanical locking devices.

The infeed system is protected by securities which prevent overloading in order to extend the life of the components.

All mechanisms, belts and chains are protected against material fragments.

A locking system holds the mobile knife upright during knife replacement operations.

Warning lamps light up when any safety device is triggered.

Production varies according to the cutting length, the specific gravity of the material, the feeding and type of cutting machine and may reach over 10 tons/hour (20,000 Lbs/hour).

Pierret cutting machines can be adapted to suit the user’s specific requirements by adding a range of accessories and complementary machines, such as :

• Cable traction systems and suction outlets for precision cutting;
• Conveyors for transporting materials between the different stages or at the production line exit;
• Automatic knife grinding machines;
• Metal detectors;
• Programmed variable cutting equipment;
• Drawing system which enhances the parallelism of carded cables;
• Etc., …

In addition, our services are at your disposal to help you find a satisfactory solution to your particular cutting needs.

Our machines will easily and accurately cut most types of plastic or textile materials without danger of melting, such as :

• Vegetable fibers : flax, cotton, jute, ramie, sisal, hamp, …
• Animal fibers : wool, leather, …
• Synthetic fibers : nylon, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, teflon, …
• Paper, cardboard, …
• Plastic materials, rubber, …
• Glass, carbon, aramid fibers, …
• Aluminium, copper, stainless steel, …

All users will find the most suitable Pierret cutting machine for their needs. It can be integrated into a production line consisting of a Pierret robot loader and conveyors. Pierret also offers automatic grinding machines and metal detectors. The following description of the system’s general design, construction and operating features will provide the user with an overview of the Pierret technology, its reliability, ease of operation and compliance with the most stringent requirements applicable to sophisticated production techniques.