UNIST Apex Lubrication System for Beverage Can Manufacturing
PRECISION COIL LUBRICATION FOR BEVERAGE CAN MANUFACTURING
Designed specifically for can makers, the UNIST Apex™ system provides precise and consistent lubricant delivery and application while offering advanced process control, lubrication tracking, and active monitoring.
Using an electronically controlled positive-displacement pump, the Apex™ delivers precise, repeatable volumes of lubricant. Its PLC-based controls simplify setup, troubleshooting, and system monitoring, both at the press and remotely through Ethernet connectivity.
A Specialized Lubrication Solution for Beverage Can Manufacturing
The Apex™ takes coil stock lubrication for beverage can manufacturing to a higher level of precision and convenience.
The system builds on Unist's proven Uni-Roller® technology and uses an electronically controlled positive-displacement pump to deliver precise and repeatable volumes of lubricant to the coil.
Because the positive-displacement pump is not affected by changes in fluid viscosity, the Apex™ maintains consistent lubricant application despite variations in ambient temperature.
CONSISTENT APPLICATION
Precise lubrication despite changes in fluid viscosity
The positive-displacement pump provides precise and repeatable volumes of lubricant. Because its operation is not affected by changes in fluid viscosity, the Apex™ maintains consistent lubricant application despite variations in ambient temperature.
PLC-BASED CONTROL
Simplified setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting
PLC-based controls simplify setup, troubleshooting, and monitoring of the Apex™ system. The system can be monitored directly at the press or remotely through Ethernet connectivity.
LUBRICATION ON BOTH SIDES OF THE COIL
Accurate and consistent application
The Apex™ applies lubricant accurately and consistently to both sides of the coil stock. Fluid is delivered to the coil using Unist's patented, proven, internally fed Uni-Roller® system.
Benefits of the Apex
- Consistent application regardless of fluid viscosity or temperature
- Helps improve cup weight consistency
- Helps minimize tear-offs and maximize production
- Lubricant application down to 15 mg/ft² [160 mg/m²]
- Active monitoring of critical operating parameters
- Detection of potential issues before they interrupt production
- Alarm history to assist with troubleshooting
- Tracking of total lubricant dispensed
- Remote monitoring through Ethernet connectivity
- Color touchscreen interface for system setup and monitoring
Precise Lubrication Control
The Apex™ combines precise lubricant dispensing with active system monitoring. Its color touchscreen provides access to critical operating information and makes it easy to adjust the amount of lubricant applied to the coil. The system also tracks the total amount of lubricant dispensed and can be reset to monitor lubricant consumption over a selected period.
PRECISE LUBRICANT METERING
Accurate and repeatable fluid delivery
The Apex™ dispenses lubricant using a precisely controlled positive-displacement pump. Its fixed displacement allows the system to consistently deliver the desired fluid volume across a wide range of operating conditions.
UP TO 16 FLUID OUTPUTS
Accurate and repeatable fluid delivery
Lubricant can be directed to up to 16 fluid outputs, providing the distribution capacity specified for the Apex™ system.
LINE-SPEED RESPONSIVE OPERATION
Maintains lubricant delivery as line speed changes
The Apex™ receives a pulsed input proportional to the speed of the material moving through the line. The system uses this signal to help ensure that the correct amount of lubricant continues to be applied as the press speeds up or slows down.
ACTIVE PROCESS MONITORING
Monitor critical operating parameters
During operation, the Apex™ monitors critical parameters including reservoir level, output pressure, fluid flow, and input signals. This monitoring helps identify potential problems and simplifies troubleshooting.
Apex Features
CRITICAL INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
Monitor the system from one central location
The Apex™ displays critical runtime information in one central location. The home screen can be used to monitor system operation and assist with troubleshooting.
ACTIVE MONITORING
Detect potential problems
The Apex™ monitors critical runtime parameters and alerts the user to potential problems. When critical issues occur, the system can stop the press.
ALARM HISTORY
Support troubleshooting and downtime diagnosis
The Apex™ displays a history of the previous 20 alarms, providing useful information for troubleshooting and downtime diagnosis.
MANUAL SETUP
Simplify maintenance and troubleshooting
Manual control allows the user to perform regular maintenance and troubleshooting procedures directly through the Apex™ system.
EASY ROLLER SETUP
Adjust lubricant application
The roller setup screen makes it easy to change the amount of lubricant applied to the coil stock. Fluid settings can also be adjusted individually for each roller of the connected Uni-Roller® lubricator, including the top and bottom fluid settings. Values can be entered in either mg/ft² or mg/m².
FLUID TOTALIZER
Track lubricant consumption
The Apex™ tracks the total amount of lubricant dispensed. The totalizer can be reset to monitor lubricant consumption over a selected period.
Apex Application
BEVERAGE CAN MANUFACTURING
The Apex™ is designed specifically for beverage can manufacturing. The system accurately and consistently applies lubricant to both sides of the coil stock using Unist's patented, proven, internally fed Uni-Roller® technology.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Apex |
|---|---|
| Interface | Allen Bradley 7" color touchscreen |
| Fluid output range | 10 to 60 mg/ft2 (161-645 mg/m2) typical |
| Fluid outputs | Up to 16 |
| Operating Environment | 32 to 122 °F (0 to 50 °C) 5 – 95% relative humidity, non-condensing |
| Fluid Capacity | 6 US gal (22.7 L) |
Requirements
| Requirements | Apex |
|---|---|
| Fluid type(s) | Neat cupping lubricants for aluminum containers |
| Fluid supply options | Pressurized central fluid supply: 10-50 psi (0.7 0 3.4 bar) Day tank, drum, or tote: storage vessel placed next to unit to pump from Manual refill: Internal tank with filler cap |
| Air supply | Clean, dry, compressed air: 80-90 psi (5.5 - 6.2 bar). 25 SCFM (708 SLPM) minimum |
| Power Requirement | 120 VAC, 1A, 50/60 Hz, Single phase, TN supply system, OR 240 VAC, 0.5A, 50/60 Hz, Single phase, TN supply system, OR 24 VDC, 5A max |
| Control Input | Cycle Input: 10-30VDC PNP or Dry Contact (switch closure) Line Running: Dry contact switch from the press; Open circuit when running. Closed circuit when stopped |
| Alarm Output | One N/C alarm (output NC), one N/O alarm (output NO) Isolated, non-fused, single pole, double throw 2 amp maximum load |
Find the Right Apex Configuration for Your Application
The appropriate Apex™ configuration depends on the requirements of your beverage can production line, including lubricant application requirements, the number of fluid outputs, and the fluid supply method.
Contact Montfort to discuss your application, determine the appropriate Apex™ configuration, or request a quote.
Montfort International
G1P 3T3, Canada