The Gartech Glue System allows for customization and upgrades at any time! Customers can change their pattern width and machine mount as often as they’d like. But, what about tech upgrades? We offer options for our panels and user interfaces, too.
Sometimes it’s easy to feel that a vendor always has something to sell. The add-ons and plug-ins can cost a fortune! We encounter the same problems and realize the frustration. The purpose of this entry isn’t “to sell you something” but to explain why you might consider an update to your Gartech Glue System.
Why upgrade?
Since we put our first glue system into production 25 years ago, the technology and mechanics have changed. The mechanical changes have proven easier to implement, as many re-ordered parts are equipped to fit every system. The technological changes, however, are often overlooked at the plant level. Often times these panels run until they can’t run any longer, or are cobbled together with various components. While this keeps equipment running, the years take a toll and it becomes harder for that piece of equipment to function at its best.
The question then becomes one of upgrading or replacing. With the Gartech Glue System, it’s easy to upgrade a 25-year-old system into something current and modern.
Keeping Up with Technology
As technology has improved, performance and expectation of performance have also improved. In 2006, Gartech stopped selling its Glue System with DC-driven technology and made the switch to an AC-driven system. It wasn’t that the DC-driven system was low-end. In fact, many still perform today. However, components that created these systems’ controls are no longer available. In some cases, the companies that manufactured the components are no longer in business! This, of course, makes it difficult to support the earliest generations of equipment. Inventories we kept for many years are not refillable, and we’ve accommodated that circumstance by recommending alternative updates.
In 2012, we introduced a Glue System that monitors its speed and the speed of the flexo and responds to match. These AC-upgrades were two sizeable steps forward and away from the original design. As a well-respected engineer put it, the difference between the DC-system and the Speed Monitoring system is like comparing “a 2001 flip-phone versus today’s iPhone.”
Then we factor in the various user interfaces: The Gen-1 “Push Button” interface with DC-motor (ended in 2002), the Gen-2 Aromat interface with DC-motor (ended in 2004), the Gen-3 Panelview 300 interface with DC-motor (ended in 2006), the Gen-4 Panelview 300 interface with AC-motor (ended in 2014), the Gen-5 Touchscreen with AC-motor (today’s standard), and the Gen-6 Touchscreen with encoder-enhanced AC-motor (tomorrow’s standard?).
That’s a number of updates and improvements we’ve made, but it’s also a lot of variations with limited support options. We offer HMI-conversion upgrades for the Gen-2 through Gen-4 interfaces, which convert them over to touchscreen interface technology. But what about the panels themselves?
Every Gartech Glue System is easily upgradeable, rebuildable, and capable of competing with the “latest and greatest” system.
With that in mind, we’ve put together these brief explanations of what can be expected from each of our three motor & control combinations:
DC-driven Glue Systems
Capable of 5% speed regulation.
In its prime, this was a reliable system. With time, that reliability simply cannot compete with changing and improving technology.
AC-driven Glue Systems
Capable of 1% speed regulation.
This system is 5-times more reliable than the best DC-driven system due to its enhanced technology.
AC-driven Glue Systems with Dual Speed-Monitoring
This electronically-geared system relies on dual encoders to exactly match the glue wheel speed to the flexo speed.
Each encoder sends out 1,024 pulses per revolution for communication and coordination.
In most cases, a new control panel, motor, and timing belt are required to upgrade your Gartech Glue System. We’ll even throw-in a control stand to ease the upgrade and installation process. We do insist on redressing your system’s Glue Shoes and Glue Wheels before shipping these upgrades, though.
What’s required?
Gen-5 Upgrade (Touchscreen | AC) for Gen-1 Glue System (“Push Button” | DC)
These systems involve the most extensive upgrade. They require a new motor, control panel, pneumatic panel, glue pump, and proximity sensor.
Gen-5 Upgrade for Gen-2 Glue System (Aromat | DC)
These systems require a new motor, control panel, LOTT-adders for the pneumatic panel, and proximity sensor.
Gen-5 Upgrade for Gen-3 Glue System (Panelview 300 | DC)
These systems require an HMI-conversion kit (touchscreen upgrade), a new motor, LOTT-adders for the pneumatic panel, and proximity sensor.
Gen-5 Upgrade for Gen-4 Glue System (Panelview 300 | AC)
These systems require an HMI-conversion kit, LOTT-adders for the pneumatic panel (if necessary), and proximity sensor (if necessary).
Gen-6 Upgrade for Gen-5 Glue System
This upgrade requires a new control panel and motor, including the encoder-based tech.
If you’re considering an upgrade of earlier Glue Systems, this upgrade will be all-inclusive. You don’t have to build-up to the Gen-5 and then upgrade to the Gen-6.
It should be noted that there are always variables that add to misreadings. A worn timing belt produces a backlash, which is another reason why we make this a recommended spare for users to keep on-hand. Poorly maintained gearboxes also produce a backlash. If the follow-signal encoder is mounted improperly, it can slip and provide inaccurate information. Other factors, such as using parts not manufactured by Gartech, electrical noise, the refresh rate of the digital readout, and lacking overall maintenance should also be considered when reviewing performance. Note: Another major contributor stems from customers using a mounting bolt on the Gartech Glue Shoe that is too long, which creates a “brake-like” effect on the Gartech Glue Wheel, its subcomponents, and mating parts. If it wears down parts, it certainly affects speed and performance!
Still have questions? Feel free to contact us! We’re here to help you.