The Gauntlet Forming machine is designed to allow for the accurate and consistent forming of gauntlets (tubular bags) from sewn non-woven polyester fabric. The basic principle of the machine is as follows:

Fabric is heated on special forming rods and the fabric is allowed tocool and form on these rods. A slip forming process is then implemented where the fabric and forming rods are drawn through the machine via pneumatic cylinders and clamping blocks.

Forming rods are then pushed back within the fabric via push rods and odd/even clamping techniques.

The now cured formed product is then extended past the forming rods where it can be cut to length using a hot wire cutting system.

The Gauntlet Forming machine consists of the following elements:                  

            Free let-off system Pre-heat oven - thyristor controlled

            Main oven - thyristor controlled

            Mechanical forming section - pneumatically actuated

            Out-feed conveyor

            Control unit - PLC and HMI control 

Machine requirements

Air:0.028Cubic metre per second at 6 bar minimum

Electrical supply: 415 volts 3 phase 50 Hz 50 Amps per phase

Control 24 volt DC, (can be altered to suit local supply)

 Production Capabilities

The machine is capable of producing a full range of gauntlets providing the correct tooling is installed.

Typical tooling sizes:

Tube ID                  Pitch                       No. of Tubes

7.1                         8.6                                  16

8.0                         9.6                                  19

8.35                       9.6                                  18

Gauntlets can be 125mm to 700mm long

Tooling is designed to be quickly interchangeable and to be exceptionally hard wearing giving long service life.

Production rates vary on product being formed. Length has the largest impact on production rates;

if products are 300mm or shorter, 4 off products can be processed in one cycle.

If longer, then 2 products are processed per cycle.