Maximize your investment: Quick tips for rotary assembly machines and tools care and handling

Rotary assembly machines and tools are a major investment for converters, and despite their rugged appearance, the sharp cutting edges and other surfaces of your tools can be easily damaged if not handled properly. Something as simple as wearing a ring during handling or packing can cause nicks in the cutting blades.

Damage caused during handling can be costly and ultimately reduce tool life. Paying close attention to care and handling, as well as maintenance, will ensure that you maximize your investment.

Careful handling

Converters can do many simple things to avoid the risk of damaging tools. An easy first step is to ensure that jewelry is not worn while handling a tool. If jewelry comes in contact with the die, it can damage the sharp edge of the cutting blades. On a larger scale, using straps instead of eyebolts to lift tools can eliminate the risk of the metal lifting pin contacting the tool and damaging the blades; it is very common to damage the blades closest to the eyebolt holes. 

During setup, use V-blocks to raise the tool above the surface so that no foreign objects or debris come in contact with the tool or are transferred to the die station. Careful alignment of the tool when loading into the die station will also reduce the risk of the auxiliary roller contacting the blades, another common but avoidable cause of damage to a tool.

Avoid unnecessary wear and damage

Once your tool is loaded in the rotary assembly machines, there are many additional ways to optimize die life and avoid unnecessary wear or damage. First, make sure the tool is running with the least amount of pressure necessary to produce the perfect cut. Excessive pressure can wear a die prematurely. 

As the machine and its components heat up, the roll diameters will naturally expand and exert more pressure. To avoid this unnecessary additional pressure, release the pressure once the machine has warmed up and reset it to the minimum necessary for cutting. Release the die pressure when stopping the rotary assembly machines for a break or to make adjustments or changes, and restart when ready to run again.

For easy control and consistent pressure application, invest in hydraulic pressure gauges to get an accurate reading of the pressure being applied. WILSON PRESSURE GAUGES are designed with large, easy-to-read gauges and can be easily installed on the existing station. 

This small addition has big benefits: applying a constant minimum pressure to the tool will ensure maximum tool life. Any change in the required pressure will alert you to upcoming regrinding or replacement needs.

Safe and effective tool care

Damage to tooling is often caused by accidental contact with a foreign object. It is critical to avoid leaving loose objects, such as razor blades and other tools, near the die station. Debris in the die or holders is another common cause of tooling damage. 

Using BEARING CLEANERS and keeping them lubricated will help prevent dust and debris buildup on bearings, as well as minimize the effects of friction and heat. Non-stick coating solutions, such as Wilson’s Die Slide, can help you avoid excessive adhesive buildup on the die and reduce downtime for cleaning and additional risk of damage.