CARDANO combines manual operations and automated processes, thus ensuring effective and safe balancing even for frequently changing models.
CARDANO: ease of operation, fast processes, high process reliability
Darmstadt, November 2015 – The semi-automatic CARDANO machine by Schenck RoTec has been specially designed for the efficient balancing of one/two-piece cardan shafts used in commercial vehicles. The changeover from one cardan shaft size to the next is straightforward. This is particularly important for most small lot sizes in which these medium to heavy cardan shafts are produced. CARDANO offers a well-conceived mix of manual operations and automated processes.
The intuitive operating concept ensures that heavy cardan shafts can be balanced quickly and safely. The CARDANO machine is easy to load and unload manually. It has a sectional safety door with a large opening, which makes it also suitable for the use of lifting devices. Its low depth and storage shelves make it easier for operators to store the shaft.
The large sectional safety door allows convenient loading and unloading.
The measuring run for determining the unbalance of the cardan shaft is an automated process. The system then specifies the correction weights required for each position. To correct the unbalance, the operator places the specified weights into the welding unit and moves to the correction position. For ease of handling, the radial movement of the welding unit is pneumatically assisted. This combination of manual operations and fully automated processes improves the efficiency for small and medium volumes and increases process reliability in cardan shaft production.
CARDANO fully complies with the latest machinery directive. The sectional safety door meets the strict guidelines of ISO 7475 Class B – protection against ejected parts.
The integrated safety brackets enclosing the clamped cardan shaft ensure safety even if a shaft is damaged. The integrated vibration monitoring device prevents any damage to machine components, which can occur if the initial unbalance of a cardan shaft is too high.
Changeover – quick and simple
The production process for commercial vehicle cardan shafts is marked by a large variety of models and small lot sizes. To be competitive in this field, it is crucial to keep changeover times between shaft sizes to a minimum. The CARDANO design offers maximum flexibility – all components required for the changeover to another cardan shaft are easily accessible and very quick to replace.
When designing the new machine, Schenck RoTec ensured that all movable components were lightweight throughout. In addition, modern, economical drives feed energy back into the grid when braking – thus doing away with the need for ineffective hydraulics and cooling systems. The use of medium-frequency welding is an effective way to ensure high power density and better control of the welding process.
Space-saving and easy to integrate
Efficiency is also a question of space: CARDANO is a crane-hook machine and therefore requires around 25 percent less space than comparable solutions. It can thus be integrated into any production cell.
CARDANO is equipped with the current version 6 of the CAB 950 measuring and control unit and designed as a self explanatory man-machine-interface (MMI). This provides clear and easy access to all the features of the machine.
Apart from its precise mechanics, Schenck RoTec's CAB measuring technology guarantees maximum precision in correcting unbalance. Many standard features improve the accuracy of the process further, especially when balancing cardan shafts. The CAB 950 offers initial unbalance analysis statistics and a certified Q-DAS interface (AQDEF) for the customer's quality management.
