The Product Development Technology Station (PDTS) assisted a client from Durban cutting paper cores into different lengths. The station built a machine, called the Core Cutter, which solved the problem and addressed specific needs.
The idea was to eliminate manpower and also improve the efficiency of the cutting process. Therefore an adjustable machine was needed and it should be able to change according to different lengths.
An existing cutting machine was used by the client, but he couldn’t cut different sizes of core. A new machine was conceptualized after research was done on the existing product.
The biggest challenge involved programming of the machine as different lengths and diameters needed to be cut. Research was also done by the PDTS on the type of blades used to give a clean cut on the cores.
Programming and manufacturing happened in conjunction with each other. The last step was testing the Core Cutter to see if it fits the client’s needs, which were mainly to improve the productivity and variability of the cuts.
