PTi’s uCAMS™ Plus—A “Triple-Play” in Sheet Extrusion Machinery Maintenance Program for Flat Dies, Chrome Rolls and Feed Screws

October 12, 2022— Processing Technologies International, LLC (PTi), Aurora, IL is pleased to announce the release of its next generation flat die servicing system - uCAMS^™ (Universal Cleaning Assembly and Maintenance System). Introduced in 2021 the original uCAMS™ was developed to be the foundation of any offline die maintenance program, serving as a single manifold flat die servicing system capable of accommodating a variety of die widths.  An enhanced design evolving from the original concept (patent pending) has brought even greater effectiveness to servicing flat dies with the upgrade for maintenance of chrome rolls and feed screws, called uCAMS™ Plus.  This enhanced design transforms the functionality of the flat die service system into a multi-purpose “triple-play” for sheet extrusion related critical component maintenance and service, unmatched throughout the industry.

Figure 1. Die secured into uCAMS™ trunnion uprights and opens fully via means of handwheel.

Mobility, ease of use by a single operator and safe accessibility continues to be a significant advantage of PTi’s uCAMS™.  All previous features included in the original uCAMS™ have evolved into the newest generation including a hand wheel mechanism for splitting flat dies and trunnion supports coupled with rollers that permit rotating die halves 180 degrees with ease (See figure 1).  

Available in three models—1500S, 2000S and 2500S, uCAMS™ accommodates servicing flat dies ranging from 710 to 2,500mm widths via its unique adjustable trunnion supports, eliminating the need for multiple, width-specific carts and/or trunnions (see Figure 3 for Component Parameters).

Figure2. uCAMS™ Plus for servicing chrome rolls and feed screws

This unique design feature allows uCAMS™ users to maximize application flexibilities by permitting effortless width adjustments to take place via the turn of an adjustment wheel, thereby allowing for precise placement and alignment of the die in the trunnion upright cradles that are integral to the unit.  Furthermore, digital width position indicators coupled with special threaded mechanisms prevent unwanted position changes from occurring and accommodates a variety of die

widths to be serviced with quick and easy set-ups.

Sold as an add-on upgrade to the base system, uCAMS™ Plus transforms into a servicing station for chrome rolls and feed screws, increasing the purpose of the system threefold.  With the addition of special uCAMS™ Plus components, the system is converted for the purpose of servicing chrome rolls and feed screws (See Figure 2).

uCAMS™ Plus upgrade is comprised of two (2) pairs of A-frame and feed screw roller support assemblies, each of which features stowage cradles that keep the components organized when not being used.  By mounting the A-frame supports via means of toolless quick-pins to the upright die trunnion support cradles of the uCAMS™ frame, the unit is now able to service chrome rolls.  Additionally, the A-frame supports feature recessed bronze rollers used to protect the chrome roll journals from damage when rotating in the supports during service activities.   Similarly, by mounting the feed screw roller assemblies onto the A-frame supports via toolless quick-pins, the unit is easily converted into a feed screw service station.  The maximum weight limits for uCAMS™ service components are 6000 lbs. for flat dies and chrome rolls and 2000 lbs for feed screws (see Figure 3 for Component Parameters).

PTi is pleased to now offer this next generation of both uCAMS™ and uCAMS™ Plus as part of its operating philosophy for providing a complete source for all sheet extrusion system needs.  Incorporating system elements that complement, expedite or improve the safety and efficiency of plastic processors and their applications are part of the value-added source PTi strives to provide its customers.

Figure 3. Max weight limits: uCAMS™ cart, A-frame 6,000lbs. (2,700kg.) and feed screw roller assembly 2,000lbs (900kg.). Examples: sheet die HM100 72" wide is 1,600lbs. (720 kg.), chrome roll 36" dia. x 72" wide is 5,000 lbs (2,230kg.) and feed screw 6" 32D 1,500lbs (675kg.). Larger chrome roll diameter and face width range combinations are limited by uCAMS™ max weight thresholds, not size capacities.