Application: Rebar bending machine winch for automated loading
Customer: KRB Machinery Company
Location: Wrightsville, PA
Winch Model: Columbia WD2000-1A34-F-01 AC Electric Winch
Performance:
- Line Pull: 2,000 pounds on the first layer
- Line Speed: 11.8 feet per minute on the first layer
- Wire Rope Capacity: 84 feet x 5/16″ wire rope with latching hook
- Power Source: 115 VAC / Single Phase / 60 Hz
Special Features:
- Cable tension plate for proper line spooling
- Four-roller fairlead system to prevent wire rope tangling
- Cast and machined construction for durability
- Planetary gear reduction for smooth operation
- Virtually maintenance-free design
Why APPI
Threading 5/8″-diameter rebar coils through the center of a stirrup bending machine poses a unique manufacturing challenge. KRB Machinery Company, a global leader in rebar fabrication equipment, recognized that manual loading was time-consuming, physically demanding, and posed safety concerns for operators.
When KRB Machinery first approached Allied Power Products, Inc. (APPI) about integrating an AC electric rebar winch into their bending machines, they outlined specific requirements. First, the winch needed to pull heavy rebar coils through a roller box efficiently. Second, it required single-phase power compatibility with their equipment. Third, the system had to be virtually maintenance-free for long-term reliability.
Through collaborative engineering discussions, KRB Machinery and APPI identified the ideal solution. Chris Suski, Design Engineer for KRB Machinery, emphasized that the winch must allow one operator to safely load rebar without manual pulling. Additionally, the system needed to prevent wire rope tangling during repeated loading cycles.
Together, they determined that the Columbia WD2000 AC electric winch would meet these exact specifications.
Key features of this jointly selected rebar winch solution include:
- Cast-and-machined construction with planetary gear reduction, providing the durability and smooth operation essential for continuous manufacturing environments.
- Four-roller fairlead system that guides the wire rope effectively, preventing tangling during the loading process and reducing downtime.
- Cable tension plate ensures proper line spooling when operators attach hooks to rebar coils, maintaining consistent performance over time.
- 115 VAC single-phase power source integrating seamlessly with KRB Machinery’s equipment electrical systems without requiring special power installations.
- Maintenance-free design minimizing service requirements and allowing operators to focus on production rather than equipment upkeep.
This collaborative solution delivers significant operational benefits. First, it enables single-operator loading, reducing labor requirements. Second, the automated pulling system eliminates the hazards of manual handling. Third, the efficient loading process decreases machine downtime between bending operations.
According to Chris Suski, the Columbia WD2000 winch allows one person to easily load rebar by pulling it through the roller box and into the machine. Consequently, loading takes less time and requires less physical effort while making operations safer for operators compared to manual rebar handling.
The success of this initial collaboration led KRB Machinery to standardize the Columbia WD2000 as their rebar winch across all their bending equipment. Furthermore, this ongoing partnership demonstrates APPI’s commitment to providing solutions that enhance both productivity and workplace safety.
For more information about rebar winch systems for manufacturing applications or any of APPI’s other specialized products and services, please contact Allied Power Products, Inc. With over 30 years of experience in providing winches, hoists, capstans, and cranes tailored to specific application requirements, APPI continues to be a trusted partner in the construction equipment manufacturing industry.
