The ProCat range of caterpillar pullers from Boston Matthews Inc., Coral Springs, Fla, is designed to pull larger profiles and pipes requiring more power and product contact than standard-sized profiles and pipe pullers.
A robust, heavy-weight construction ensures stable, vibration free pulling even for products that require high levels of vacuum during the extrusion process. The larger construction incorporates longer conveyors to maximize the overall contact length with the product to provide greater pulling efficiency and overall consistency. The conveyors are driven and controlled by dual high performance AC brushless motors and precision gearboxes utilizing high-resolution encoder feedback. A high level of torque is generated while maintaining consistent pulling speeds which is essential for high quality production. AC technology is not only more accurate but is also more energy efficient than DC alternatives.
Each conveyor is fitted with grooved-rubber gripping pads to ensure maximum grip on the product without causing damage or distortion. A choice of conveyor coverings is available to exactly match the product characteristics or production environment. A floating air top track is said to greatly assist with line start-up and also provides protection against machine damage should any out-of-shape” pipe or profile be produced. The flexible top track enables the ProCat to absorb any inconsistencies in the product should they occur and thus reduce any negative impact it may have on the performance of the rest of the extrusion line. The pneumatic air top positioning also allows the operator to easily and repeatedly set the ProCat up ensuring consistent production performance.
Adjustable product in-let guides ensure the profile or pipe is correctly positioned in-line to enable the maximum contact is achieved. Tunnel in-let and out-let guides provide complete operator safety. The ProCat is fully guarded and CE marked.
