Caterpillar infeeder/puller belts:

Vital for good cut length accuracy

Speed stability:

Any belt speed variations should be avoided as far as possible.  Do not adjust the speed unnecessarily during a production run.  Allow time for the caterpillar to accelerate from rest to normal production speed before checking cut length accuracy.

The more stable the belt speed the better the better the cut length accuracy.

Caterpillar belts:

Check that your caterpillar belts are in good condition.  Very worn belts or belts where the surface joint has come apart should not be used.

Even dirty belts can affect cut length accuracy.  Ensure that the belt is clean and free from grease or any other matter.

Keep your belts in good condition. Replace worm or damaged belts.

Belt nip pressure:

Check that the nip pressure between the belts is adequate to avoid extrudate slippage and snaking within the belts.  This is especially important if the infeeder is pulling material from a drum or coil, particularly so if the extrudate has a curved ‘memory’, which encourages it to attempt to turn within the belts.

However, do not use excessive nip pressure as this may damage the extrudate and place the caterpillar machine under unnecessary load.

Avoid changing the nip pressure during a production run.  This may affect the cut length being produced, causing apparent cut length variations.  If possible set the belt nip pressure to the same setting from run-to-run.

Set the belt pressure sufficiently to avoid extrudate slippage or snaking.

Download Belt Coverings and Types Datasheet

Please download an article on improving your cutting process here: Cutting Hints (PDF file).

For more advice please email: tech@gillardcutting.com