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February 2010

The picture shows the Netstal Synergy 2400 at our premises in Beccles with the Rapier TE Robot being integrated.  The mould is due in the next few weeks.

January 2010

PCE Automation Ltd is proud to be chosen by a leading UK medical devices moulder to supply our first Rapier TE Robot cell.  The Rapier Robot utilises all our latest technologies to give high-speed part removal.  Incorporating Festo electric axis with Rockwell Automation servo drives and control. 

As part of the agreement, PCE is taking delivery of a Netstal Synergy 2400 moulding machine in January, along with a precision 24-cavity mould from CACO Pacific Corporation of the USA.  The whole cell will be integrated and run-up at our factory in Beccles before shipping to the customer.

November 2009

PCE Automation Ltd is nearing the completion of the installation of a large pallet conveyor project for a major metal container & can manufacturer.  The customer has 6 existing lines equipped with palletisers.  The old layout had individual out feeds and pallet wrappers with manual print and application of pallet labels.

The new system involves bar coded pallets for traceability; Chain driven roller conveyors; Shuttle carts to bring the pallets to two central wrappers; The ability to download the production data off the existing MRP, sort by line; Provide the correct wrapping programme and label via a single automated print & apply labeller.  The finished pallets presented to the fork truck driver from a single collection point.

One of the Shuttle Carts used to transport the pallets of tin cans to the central wrappers.

Please contact PCE for more details - info@pce-automation.co.uk 

November 2009

PCE Automation Ltd has received a further order for its highly accurate AirFlow Leak Tester.  The application is the testing of the seals within a 'Sports' style drink bottle cap.  The level of accuracy of the test found by our customer can predict scratches on the mould cores or even the build up of deposits on the mould components causing surface defects of the plastic components.   

Please contact PCE for more details - info@pce-automation.co.uk 

June 2009

PCE Automation Ltd has formalised the Rapier Robot range of high speed injection moulding robots.  The range now consists of:

• Standard Side Entry.
• Optional Top Entry for a smaller footprint.
• Servo motor & twin Festo EGC axis.
• Rockwell Automation CompactLogix plc, SERCOS communication.
• For more demanding applications the Rockwell Linear Motor replaces the servo and belt drive.

Sub 2-second moulding cycles are possible with multi-cavity moulds.  The linear motor giving longer life, faster speeds and higher precision.  Please contact PCE for more details - info@pce-automation.co.uk 

E-drawing Simulation - Rapier TE Simulation

March 2009

PCE Automation Ltd has added a further model to our product range for robotic take-out systems for single stage PET blow moulding machines.  The new MB Robot model has been designed specifically for the Nissei ASB-50MB PET moulding machine.  For this compact model, our customers required a smaller footprint plus all the benefits of the larger MK4 Robot.

• Welded steel frame for rigidity.
• Mounted on lockable castors to allow for ease of movement for mould changes.
• Use of Festo Electric drive for the vertical axis giving accurate & reliable operation.
• Fully guarded with interlocks.
• Pro-Face touch screen HMI giving a user friendly interface.
• 2m out feed conveyor.
• Optional in-built leak tester for small or unstable bottles.
• Designed to be capable of handling the complete bottle size and cavitation range of the ASB-50MB machine.
• ~900mm robot width from side of the moulding machine.

The MB Robot is easily configured for a wide range of bottles with easy to change tooling.  The key advantages of using a robot over free-drop ejection are:

• Eliminates damage to bottle surfaces.
• Allows the out feed conveyor to remain at a fixed height regardless of bottle height.
• Increases the stability of bottles on transferring to the conveyor.
• Increases OEE for the machine.

PCE has already received the first order with options for four more in the coming months. 

February 2009

Rapier Robot Cell Sets New Records

PCE Automation Ltd working in partnership with Netstal Ltd, injection moulding machine supplier and Micro Systems (UK) Ltd, mould maker, have integrated the second cell at our factory in Beccles.  To every ones amazement, the total cycle time (including moulding machine movement, mould process time and the Rapier Robot) was less than 2 seconds.

Our customer has kindly allowed PCE to let potential customers to view the cell.  To book your visit, please e-mail Julian Tarratt, PCE Sales Manager with your company details and availability: info@pce-automation.co.uk

February 2009

'The Big Bang' According to Bosch Rexroth

Rexroth is at the forefront of automation innovation, leading the development of automation equipment and open controls. From mechanical systems to the latest electro-pneumatic and mechanical drives, we have the products, systems, applications knowledge and experience to help you achieve your goals.

As a complete solutions provider, Rexroth's mind set is that quality and reliability depend largely on the expertise of those working on the development of the components and the design of the system. Our aim is to make your machines and production lines more efficient; reducing your time, risk and cost by supplying all drive, control and motion components from a single source.

Click here for more information

PCE can help as Sales Partner with Bosch Rexroth.

January 2009

New Ultra-High Speed Rapier Take-out Robot

PCE Automation Ltd working in partnership with Netstal Ltd, injection moulding machine supplier and Micro Systems (UK) Ltd, mould maker, were challenged by the end customer to develop the next generation medical product with a total cycle time of 3 seconds.

The PCE Racer Robot was developed with high speed moulding processes in mind.  With many existing systems running at sub 5 second moulding cycle times including the part de-moulding and handling common.  The 3 second challenge took this to the next level. 

In 3 seconds, the moulding machine needs to complete the open and closing movements, the plastic needs to be processed and injected into the mould and cooled and finally the robot needs to de-mould the parts and exit the mould area.

All parties worked on their respective technologies to the common aim of the 3 second cycle.  After bringing the moulding machine, mould and PCE supplied robot together at our factory in Beccles, the team worked on the process with the customer overseeing the quality.  Within 2-days of processing the total cycle was reduced to 2.58 seconds.  The PCE Racer Robot hitting a 0.4 second contribution to the cycle.

August 2008
PCE Launches new Website
As part of the need to communicate to a wider audience PCE took the decision that the old website no longer reflected the company and its products.  Working with Leapfrog Marketing and Firebox Create the concept was gradually turned into reality.  Said Julian Tarratt, PCE Sales Manager, “PCE needed to communicate both its standard products as well as the company’s skills in bespoke automation.  Working with both Leapfrog and Firebox Create we believe we have designed a simple to navigate but informative website to help lead customers to the required solution.”

Please feel free to browse the whole site to find the products required.  For further information on any of the products, or indeed comments on the new site please contact PCE via info@pce-automation.co.uk or phone 01502 713287.

July 2008
PCE Appointed Festo System Integrator
PCE Automation Ltd, providers of world class automation solutions, has been appointed a ‘System Integrator’ by Festo. The appointment marks the latest move by Festo to expand its presence in the electrical drives and controls market. Under the terms of the agreement, Festo will provide PCE with marketing and pre-sales support, as well as technical training, for the company’s growing range of electrical automation products.

PCE is a leading supplier of motion control components and systems.  According to Nigel Dawson, Festo’s Drives Manager, “PCE is renowned for its expertise in a wide range of automation solutions for rigid plastics packaging and other markets.  It has an impeccable track record in automation for over 30 years, and has acquired a considerable reputation for providing its customers with unbiased technical advice, quality automation solutions and highly trained support. These attributes make the company an ideal fit for our System Integrators Programme.”

Click here to read the full release.

June 2008
PCE & Bosch Rexroth – 2 Years of Partnership.
In June 2008 PCE celebrated 2 years as one of the sales partners for the Bosch Rexroth Linear Assembly Technology product range with increased orders across the range. 

The frame and parts business based on the MGE Aluminium profile range is increasing steadily.  The VarioFlow modular conveyor range is gaining acceptance across many markets.  PCE received its first order for an 8 station Manual Production System.  More on this later.

Please contact PCE for any of the products in this range either via info@pce-automation.co.uk or for more information please look under the Products category on this site.