The development of Optalex systems started approximately 12 years ago with the concept of using an IR camera to measure the extrusion temperature and then to control the ram speed/pressure so to keep that temperature constant throughout the push cycle, thus making a press ‘closed-loop’ system. The concept spawned the term "ISOTHERMAL" meaning that the output extrusion was a constant temperature from start to finish.
Continuous development has now led to the current multi-camera "eX-box" systems where state-of-the art hardware and software give the user greatly enhanced control and flexibility.
eX-box not only provides the ‘closed-loop’ regulation to deal with the day to day variations in furnace / press / billet quality but it now deals with the issues around consistency of production. Our ‘recipe’ system provides a ‘stored program’ for every individual die this program contains settings for furnace, press, pumps, exit temperature and puller etc.. Given the same die but different operators or shifts, the user produces the same profile as the last time and maintains CONSISTANCY.
- 20% to 30% reduction of push cycle.
- 2% to 5% reduction in scrap.
- Quality increased through isothermal extrusion.
- Consistency between operators and shifts.
- A window in which to view the complete process
eX-box records all parameters once a second + all changes to stored programs etc. This data is available in an ‘open’ SQL database. Anyone with an internet browser and the correct permission can access the information recorded over years. It removes the guesswork from the extrusion management process.
As the installed base approaches 100 systems, Optalex are the clear leaders in this area of process control.
Optalex, who hold the patents for the Optalex concept in all major markets are dedicated to the development of Process management Control Systems within the Aluminium Extrusion Industry.
