Mastering the Crimp: A Guide to Fine-Tuning Your Semi-Automatic Ribbon Cable Crimping Machine
Mastering the Crimp: A Guide to Fine-Tuning Your Semi-Automatic Ribbon Cable Crimping Machine
Achieving flawless and efficient crimping of ribbon cables requires a well-adjusted semi-automatic crimping machine. This guide delves into the key technical aspects of adjusting your machine for optimal performance.
Getting Started:
Power Up: Activate both the power switch and the air valve switch.
Terminal Placement: Load the terminals into the designated holder, ensuring proper positioning.
Touchscreen Settings: Power on the touchscreen and confirm the wire’s part number (P number). Select the wire type, spacing, and crimping times based on the machine’s recommendations or the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific terminals being used.
Fine-Tuning the Wire Width:
Jog Mode: Set the jog/continuous switch to the “jog” position for precise control.
Initial Adjustment: Loosen the wire width adjustment screw slightly to create a gap slightly wider than the wire itself. The machine’s schematic should depict the screw’s location.
Wire Placement: Insert the wire into the aligning clip, ensuring a 90-degree angle against the baffle.
Precise Adjustment: Gently press the footswitch and observe the wire’s fit within the aligning clip. Adjust the wire width adjustment screw meticulously until the gap precisely matches the wire’s width. Tighten the screw securely to maintain the setting.
Optimizing the Feeding Distance:
Jog Operation: Press and hold the footswitch in jog mode, steadily advancing the wire until it reaches the crimping position. Ensure the machine is set to manual crimping mode for this step.
Visual Inspection: Verify that the wire’s designated starting point (P position) is centered precisely between the splitting claws.
Fine-Tuning: If the wire leans towards the left, incrementally increase the feeding distance; if it leans right, decrease it. Adjust the relevant data on the touchscreen until the position is perfectly centered.
Manual Crimp Check: Perform a manual crimp using the machine. Inspect the wire for any scratches or damage. If damage is present, utilize the wire diameter settings on the touchscreen for minor adjustments. Remember, these settings are intended for fine-tuning, not major deviations.
Ensuring Crimp Quality and Baffle Alignment:
Core and Insulation Distance: Verify the correct distance between the terminal’s core and the insulation layer. If adjustments are necessary, utilize the baffle adjustment screw to meticulously adjust the front and rear positions (refer to the machine’s schematic for screw location). Tighten the screw securely after making adjustments.
Compatibility Check: Ensure compatibility between the splitting claws and the wire diameter. The ideal fork length of the wire should fall within the 26mm to 30mm range.
Continuous Operation:
Once all adjustments are complete and satisfactory results are achieved, set the jog/continuous switch to the “continuous” position for uninterrupted crimping of your ribbon cables.
By following these guidelines and consulting your machine’s schematic for specific screw locations, you can effectively optimize your semi-automatic ribbon cable crimping machine. This ensures consistent and high-quality crimps that meet your production needs.
