Aidlin Eco-e20, an Eco-friendly and ergonomic cap feeder

Sidel launches the range Aidlin Eco, the new generation of Sidel cap feeders which takes aim at energy consumption and is definitively abandoning the use of air, not only for cap propulsion but also for ejection of off-spec caps. In contrast with the Aidlin Premier, which is intended for speeds lower than 25,000 caps per hour, the new range can be used at all production speeds even the highest ones. It can process flat caps at more than 120,000 caps per hour. Based on the same general principle as previous versions, the Aidlin Eco retains the qualities that have made the Aidlin range a success: process reliability, respect for the caps and lower dust emissions.

To meet their eco-design goal, the Cap Feeder R&D team kept what was best from the original Aidlin version. This includes the cap orientation principle, which has proven its effectiveness over time. Cleats linked together by an articulated chain carry the caps gently from a large storage hopper towards an adjustable speed bump, which inclines the cleats and causes poorly oriented caps to fall by simple gravity.

Redesigned for reliability at high speeds

Around this unchanged principle, the rest of the cap feeder was significantly redesigned andoptimized in order to operate without air, while still guaranteeing optimal reliability at high speeds.The main new development is the innovative design of the cleat kinematics. The chain now has alateral curvature, so that the properly oriented caps slide simply and naturally along the verticallypositioned cleats (patent pending). They then enter a corridor that guides them to a wheel for sortingand elevation (patent pending). Caps that are poorly oriented or missing their tamper-proof ring areautomatically ejected via a magnetic finger system. Caps that are on-spec and properly oriented arecontinuously conveyed by the wheel, which is equipped with a brushless motor, and then elevatedin a vertical column to the required height and direction in order to feed the capper.

Tenfold drop in energy consumption

In terms of new features, eco-design is keeping its promises. The new range offers a significantdecrease in energy bills. Its consumption, including the off-spec cap ejection system, was cut by afactor of more than 10, compared to the standard compressed-air cap feeder, and by a factor of 5,compared to the ventilated-air cap feeder. With an installed power of 0.7 kW, the Aidlin Eco offersunmatched TCO (total cost of ownership).

Hygiene and ergonomics guaranteed

This new operating principle, simple and air-free, is beneficial more than just electricity. Another direct consequence is to make it easier to preserve cap hygiene by eliminating the possibility of air contamination. The advances in terms of ergonomics are also notable. The novel design of the models Aidlin Eco-e5, -e20 or -e40 following hopper size, has the advantage of putting all of the cap feeder’s essential components at chest height, making them easily and immediately accessible for maintenance and upkeep. The noise level is also kept below 80 dB (A). Finally, the absence of air simplifies maintenance, which now only involves the mechanical parts.

This revolution on the flat cap feeder market will be available in the sport cap version in early 2011.

Sylvie RAK
Tel.: +33 2 32 85 82 46
sylvie.rak@sidel.com

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