FAIRLAWN, Ohio—Karg Corp. is marketing a new vertical braider that is faster than its previous model and easier for operators to access.
The firm unveiled the Karg 36VS high speed braiding machine during the Hose Manufacturers Conference, held recently in Fairlawn. According to Tallmadge, Ohio-based Karg, the new machine:
• has a maximum speed of 80 rpm, 25 percent faster than the 26V model;
• has a compact design that uses less floor space than horizontal braiders;
• offers easy access to the braiding deck for re-spooling and maintenance;
• allows the speed and pitch to be changed within seconds on the touch screen;
• has improved oil containment to reduce/eliminate oil spills on the work floor; and
• has a movable pendent station with a 270-degree radius that gives the operator the ability to control it from the front or back.
Karg was able to increase the speed of the hose braider because it uses servo motors, while the product's predecessor was shaft-driven with a single 5HP motor, according to Mike Karg, company president and owner. This allows customers to have increased production of their hose lines.
Technical Director Jim Wallbrown said development of the 36VS line started with the housing of the braid mechanism. The next step was to get the size of the motors and drives from its supplier so Karg could then distinguish how fast it would be able to turn the braid mechanism based on the weight of the motor.
Mike Karg said the new braider was under development for several years and was first field-tested in a customer factory. Besides putting in the servo motors, the firm also put in new safety features that ensure customers will be able to meet all requirements of both the Occupational Safety Health Administration here in the U.S., along with similar standards in Europe.
“There is full access to this machine,” he said. “The previous model was like a clam shell; you could only access a small amount of the braider. Now you can load and unload the bobbins on either side, depending on the setup.”
Karg already has sold two of the new braiders to separate customers—receiving positive feedback from both—and is looking to get word of its availability out to more potential buyers, the firm's owner said. One was sold for an industrial application and the other for automotive. He said he expects the machine to be a big hit in automotive for air conditioning hose applications.
Prospective buyers normally will buy a horizontal braider when they need to meet certain processing concerns and opt for a vertical machine when floor space is at a premium, according to Mike Karg. He said there are places for both in the hose production industry.