This series of pictures chronicles the rebuilding of 1980’s vintage slitting machine. Due to the original clutches becoming a major maintenance problem, a solution was required that allowed removing these devices. The decision to invest the time and money to accomplish this was made due to the relative economy to buying a new machine, or a used machine that might then require similar investment to make viable for the intended purpose.

Because this machine is crucial to a large majority of the downstream processes, down time had to be kept to a minimum. All the mechanical engineering and design issues were completed prior to de-commissioning the machine. New parts were fabricated ahead of time, and all commercial items were purchased and on hand prior to starting the job.

The delivery of the system and all required mechanical sub-assemblies was accelerated at the customers’ request, due to the critical role the machine plays in the production capabilities of the plant.

The project commenced on April 6, 2009, and was handed over to production on April 21, 2009. There were a total of ten (10) days on site, starting on the first day with an intact machine, two days of de-construction, five days of re-construction, two days of start-up services, an one day of acceptance testing.

The original two motor DC system was replaced with a three motor AC system, using common bus design Parker SSD Drives model 890 drives and a color touch screen Operator interface to provide all indication and set point inputs, as well as system health, status, and production information.