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Sig-cure 1page_Layout 1 02/10/2012 13:33 Page 1
FAILSAFE
SECURITY
Signode has launched the SIG-CURE
Safety System, a new fail safe
device for its GCU
compression/strapper/palletiser.
The system consists of an
additional locking mechanism
assembly integrated between the
press platen and the rack of the
GCU press drive, ensuring the
compression bar can never drop
down inadvertently.
While problems of this kind are
very rare on Signode equipment,
this additional safety feature was
developed to give customers
complete peace of mind when
specifying end of line compression
strapping equipment. The system
has also been designed to enable it
to be retro fitted to existing GCU
presses and the first one was
recently installed at a major UK
customer’s facility. The unit was
‘fast track’ designed and developed
Press platen unlocked
Press platen locked
SIG-CURE LAUNCHED
by ITW-Signode’s R&D Manager,
Torsten Oehm, and was installed
and fully tested over a single
weekend.
SIG-CURE features a locking
assembly with two separate
toothed gears that move with the
press platen and act as a failsafe
that prevents the platen from
moving down in the unlikely event of
any problems with the drive
mechanism. The activation of the
safety mechanism is immediately
recognised by the PLC programme
and a message is flagged on the
machine display. Only an authorised
and trained service engineer can
clear the safety system using a key
locked switch in the electrical panel
of the press. The locking system
then has to be released by two
operators. Worldwide patents have
been applied for by the company
for this new development.
Commenting on the new safety
feature, Greg Williams the
Corrugated Industry Manager in the
UK for Signode said, “Our presses
have an extremely good safety
record, but SIG-CURE adds an extra
level of security in a working
environment rightly focused on
personal safety and where there is
a real possibility of prosecution for
managers when corporate failures
occur. It’s also another example of
Signode's forward thinking that has
seen us take significant orders
recently due to our 'listening'
approach to customers and our
ability to develop novel solutions to
their requirements.” ■
(www.signode-europe.com)
INTERNATIONAL PAPER BOARD INDUSTRY

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