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| Zumbach UMAC® R Wall Thickness Visualization. Pictures: Zumbach Electronic |
SWM International, based in Richland, Philadelphia, USA, is a specialist in the manufacturing of polypropylene and HDPE tubes and pipes. The company relies on the UMAC® R ultrasonic measuring system from Zumbach Electronic to maximize their manufacturing efficiencies, whilst providing significant cost savings through reduced waste materials.
The UMAC® ultrasonic measuring system is a state-of-the-art solution which measures wall thickness, eccentricity, and concentricity of tubes and pipes with unparalleled precision, with the ability to handle product diameters ranging from 0.2mm up to 400mm. The solution has been developed with a range of different transducer holders that make the UMAC® exceptionally versatile. Integrated into the UMAC® is the System on a Chip (SoC) unit called UMAC® CI. This expands capabilities with recipe-based operation (without requirement of manual setting manipulations based on the echo signal display), provides a 1kHz sample rate and an integrated webserver. The UMAC® R system provides fixed transducer holders, available in configurations for 4, 6 or 8 measuring points. The ring-shaped transducer mounting fixture is configured for installation into an existing vacuum tank and integrates seamlessly into existing production lines.
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| Vacuum Tank at SWM International’s Richland, PA production facility |
SWM embarked upon a transformative journey with Zumbach Electronic to address a critical challenge in their polypropylene and HDPE tube and pipe production facility in Richland, Philadelphia. The traditional method of measuring products off-line with calipers was not only time-consuming but also resulted in significant material waste and production down-time, driving up production costs, and the implementation of the UMAC® R marked a turning point for SWM. The solution, provided by Jorge Lage at Zumbach Electronic Corp. offered fast eccentricity testing capabilities which significantly reduced start-up times and facilitated quicker changeovers. Real-time feedback enabled immediate adjustments, ensuring consistent product quality and drastically reduced material waste.
In its first year alone, the UMAC® R system delivered an impressive $40,000 in scrap savings. SWM International’s collaboration with Zumbach Electronic exemplifies how innovative technology can drive significant improvements in manufacturing processes. By embracing the UMAC® R measuring solution, SWM has not only enhanced its production efficiency, but also reinforced its dedication to quality and sustainability as well as customer satisfaction across the diverse industries it serves. The results were nothing short of remarkable.
