Schmersal safety systems for new mini cigar line

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Oct 15, 2003

Schmersal provided input on the specification of four different types of safety interlock switches, mountings, sizes and holding force requirements for a new mini cigar line for JR Freeman in Cardiff

Cardiff based JR Freeman is the cigar manufacturing division of Gallaher Tobacco Limited, producing such famous brands as Hamlet.

To facilitate the production of a new miniature tipped-cigar brand, a refurbished Molins Mk8 machine equipped with a Max Tip Inserter has been installed at the Cardiff plant.

Before production could begin, the machine, which has the capacity to produce cigars at the rate of 1000 per minute, required a new safety guarding system to restrict access to four risk areas.

Following a risk assessment that rated the machine as Category 3, JR Freeman engineer Dave Bonney and his team designed a complete safety system, with Schmersal providing input on the specification of four different types of safety interlock switches, mountings, sizes and various holding force requirements.

In all, seven switches are used on the machine, all monitored by Schmersal safety relays with self diagnostics.

Two control access to the main motors; two protect the set of drums in the Tip Inserter; one restricts access to the fast-moving disc that trims the level of tobacco required for each cigar 'rod'; and another is used to protect operators from the high-speed knife that cuts rods into individual cigar lengths.

In addition, a solenoid locking switch is used to control access to the tobacco hopper during routine maintenance.

Commenting on the selection of interlock switch for the safety system, electrical technician Peter Jefferies says: "Schmersal equipment is extremely well engineered and reliable and is used on other machines in the plant.

With their proven performance and on-site technical support they were the obvious choice for this project".

R and M Electrical Limited, the Schmersal authorised distributor for Wales and a supplier to JR Freeman, supplied all the safety components for the system.