Adaptsys, a component carrier tape manufacturer, has introduced the Re-flex II compact pocketed tape forming system, an affordable way to produce protective packaging on demand for engineering components such as small springs, stampings, and moulded or machined parts.
James Cawkell, technical director of Adaptsys explains: “Pocketed tape, also known as carrier tape, is a proven and efficient packaging solution. With Re-flex II, companies can produce their own tape as and when needed, becoming more flexible and responsive. Compared to buying pre-formed tape, Re-flex II can deliver a return on investment in under 12 months.”
Re-flex II owners can avoid the supply chain issues encountered when sourcing pre-formed tape, as well as saving the space needed to store empty tapes and simplifying inventory. Tape speed of up to 4m/min. ensures high throughput, while the Crosswinder option makes the most of each reel’s capacity. The system handles tape up to 88mm wide and can create standard or custom sized pockets. Quickchange tooling allows the set-up to be adapted for producing different sizes within minutes. The finished tape can be wound onto reels for storage or fed directly to a component packaging process.
When feeding tape directly, Re-flex II reduces the number of times the supply carrier tape needs to be changed, especially with deeper pocket parts. A conventional 560mm reel can hold 40m of tape pre-formed with 6mm deep pockets. At a component taping speed of 2m per minute, the reel must be changed every 20 minutes. The Re-flex II supply reel contains up to 1,000 metres of unformed tape, extending the changeover interval to eight hours. Hence the reel can be changed once per shift, minimising operator intervention, reducing equipment downtime, as well as increasing productivity.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
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