SML extrusion lines are constructed to perform for decades. Electronic retrofitting, customised to satisfy a manufacturer’s specific requirements, helps to keep the technical standards of older machines high and to adapt them to changing market demands. Thanks to the well thought-out replacement of electronic key components SML’s customers benefit from refitted plants with a reliable and predictive performance – at minimum costs of investment.

SML favours long-term relations with its customers. Apart from full service support for all phases of a plant’s life cycle, it is also electronic retrofitting, from which manufacturers take advantage in the long-term. Here the spectrum ranges from replacing only some key components, such as the PLC control, to a complete plant retrofit. In the latter case, all of the electrical parts are renewed, including all of the DC motors, cables and control cabinets. For any plant, SML maps out tailor-made solutions in close cooperation with the customer.The major determining factors here are the condition of the extrusion line, the age of the line, the product manufactured, and, last but not least, economic considerations.
 

New components to avoid downtimes
One main reason for retrofitting extrusion lines is the gradual discontinuation of older electronic components. SML keeps a limited stock of components discontinued in the past. Additionally, SML’s suppliers offer a repair service for defective electronic components, which are hard to replace. However, in cases where components have to be repaired rather than exchanged, this results in longer downtimes. Finally, there is no guarantee that a damaged part can be repaired at all.
 

Feasible solutions
SML is constantly retrofitting extrusion lines for its long-term customers. The central motives for retrofitting are to maintain production stability when faced with the discontinuance of electronic components as well as financial considerations. As a customer from Germany comments: ”The main reasons for the decision to upgrade the control system were operational reliability and the uncertain situation with regard to the availability of spare parts. All of this was also with a view to helping save resources.”

Redlham, 07.06.2021