Servo actuators with on-board axis control to boost productivity and improve rubber quality.

Hydraulic force control improves the productivity of Banbury Mixers. 

The core machine in processing rubber compounds for tyre production is the mixer, also called the Banbury Mixer. This machine has a pair of rotors with a specific shape, which mixes polymer materials under precise temperature and pressure conditions. The pressing arm is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder, more commonly called RAM, acting directly in the mixing chamber to control compound volume and compression force.

The rubber mixing cycle needs exact force control to produce a compound that has the correct physical characteristics to meet the performance requirements of the latest generation of tyres. Process repeatability is essential to obtain a homogenous compound with specific characteristics, particularly during transitions between hydraulic force control and axis control of the ram cylinders. These smart algorithms’ dynamics and accuracy lead to reduced mixing times and better management of different compounds, thus resulting in a general improvement of the rubber process quality.

Electrohydraulic solutions for Banbury Mixer Application: the Atos way

ATOS has a long and successful track record of developing complete electrohydraulic system solutions for mixer control. The ATOS solution has been developed to minimise downtime through advanced diagnostics combined with the proven reliability of the Atos valves, which are the results of years of research and long field experience.

The commitment of Atos R&D engineers is to meet the increasingly stringent demands of rubber technologists by optimising the dynamics of the unique alternating hydraulic force control and axis control logic that govern the ram cylinders. Digital driver technology enables customised settings for hydraulic force control and axis control, alarm history, and oscilloscope acquisition. Since all these functions can be managed remotely, ATOS technicians have successfully performed fine-tuning and remote startup of complex mixing systems to significantly reduce commissioning time and costs.

Atos is the preferred partner for tailored electrohydraulic solutions for Banbury Mixer by providing a full range of servo proportional valves, safety valves, and proven system monitoring logic that satisfy the needs of tyre manufacturers worldwide.