Getting started with automated busbar machining is often a significant hurdle for smaller switchgear manufacturers. The new Punching Terminal PT S4 from Rittal Automation Systems makes it easy to get started. It already becomes attractive when machining smaller quantities of copper every year. Despite its compact design, the new machine offers three interchangeable tools and another for cutting busbars to length, as well as a connection to the RiPanel Processing Center for digitised order processing. Another advantage for the user is the coordinated, consistent interaction Eplan planning and design tools across the value chain of plant engineering, from planning to the operation of machinery.
Busbars are a major growth market, and multiple factors ensure a constantly growing demand: The increasing importance of electrical energy in every area, from directly generated electrical energy in solar and wind power plants to e-mobility. Digitisation itself also consumes a significant amount of energy because of the increasing number of data centres, including larger ones. Moreover, significant economies such as the USA have altered their technical regulations, which means a changeover from cables to busbars in all types of enclosures.
The ever-increasing energy flows that must be distributed means that more busbars are needed. The new Punching Terminal PT S4 now also offers smaller switchgear manufacturers the chance to enter this future market, become independent of suppliers and increase their customer base.
Machining of copper and aluminium
The basic version of the Punching Terminal PT S4 processes flat copper, but the system can also be designed to process aluminium if needed. The PT S4 processes bars with a thickness of 3 to 16 millimetres and a width of 15 to 127 millimetres.
Four tool stations are installed to fit standard tools with a quick-change system, including a separation unit. Thanks to the strong tool springs and the resulting high retraction forces, even thick copper bars can be punched extremely cleanly so that no reworking is needed.
Digitisation for efficient punching
The interaction of Eplan engineering tools across the value chain, from planning to machine operation, is particularly beneficial. The Punching Terminal PT S4 is supplied with data from the digital software solutions from Eplan, such as the Eplan Pro Panel with the Eplan Copper module or other applications. The machining centre reads the geometry and then independently punches the holes and recesses desired into the blanks supplied. The system can also be integrated into the Rittal RiPanel Processing Center software. Then, orders and processes can be automatically distributed and digitally monitored. Furthermore, the networking of punching and bending machines with a shared database enables work on multiple machines. Programming can be performed directly on the machine and from the office workstation.
With the Punching Terminal PT S4, Rittal Automation Systems also offers smaller companies working with just a few tonnes of copper busbars a year the chance to get involved in automated busbar processing. In such applications, the new, compact machine will pay for itself in two to three years.