Heat Pipe Automatic Uncoiler
The Heat Pipe Automatic Uncoiler is a heavy-duty, motorized system designed for the stable feeding of coiled copper or aluminum tubing. In high-speed heat pipe production, maintaining a constant, synchronized feed rate is essential to prevent tube stretching, surface scratching, or line stoppages. This machine features an “Active Feeding” design with a high-torque motor and a sensitive Dancer Arm (Loop Control) system. It automatically adjusts its rotation speed to match the requirements of the downstream straightening and cutting machines, ensuring a smooth, tension-controlled material flow.
Key Features
- Active Motorized Drive: Unlike passive stands, this unit is powered by a variable-frequency drive (VFD) or servo motor to proactively “push” the material, reducing the mechanical load on the straightening machine.
- Dancer Arm Loop Control: A specialized tension-sensing arm monitors the slack in the tubing. It automatically speeds up, slows down, or stops the uncoiler to maintain the ideal “loop,” preventing tangles or sudden jerks.
- High Load Capacity: Designed with a reinforced spindle and base, capable of supporting heavy coils (typically 50kg to 500kg), allowing for long, uninterrupted production runs.
- Surface Protection: The guide rollers and feeding track are made from non-marring materials (PE or Nylon) to prevent any scratches on the soft copper surface, which is critical for the vacuum integrity of the final heat pipe.
- Expanding Mandrel Design: The center spindle features a manual or hydraulic expansion mechanism to securely grip the inner diameter of the coil, ensuring perfect concentricity and minimal vibration.
- Emergency Braking System: Equipped with an electromagnetic brake to instantly stop rotation in the event of a downstream jam or emergency stop, preventing “over-run” and material waste.
Technical Parameters
| Item | Specification Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | CT-HP-UC Series |
| Feeding Method | Active Motorized with Loop Control |
| Max Coil Weight | 100kg∼500kg (Customizable) |
| Applicable Pipe OD | ϕ2mm∼ϕ16mm |
| Coil Inner Diameter | ϕ300mm∼ϕ600mm (Expanding type) |
| Max Coil Outer Dia. | ϕ1200mm |
| Feeding Speed | 0∼40 meters/minute (Synchronized) |
| Drive System | AC Motor + VFD / Servo Drive |
| Braking Method | Electromagnetic Brake |
| Power Supply | AC 380V, 3-Phase, 50/60Hz |
Workflow Diagram
Applications
- Heat Pipe Manufacturing: The primary source for feeding copper coils into high-speed fabrication lines.
- Air Conditioning (HVAC): Feeding thin-walled aluminum or copper tubing for heat exchanger assembly.
- Wire & Cable Industry: Stable payout of high-purity copper or alloy wires.
- Automotive Cooling: Uncoiling aluminum lines for radiator and condenser cores.
FAQ
Q1: Why is an "Active" uncoiler better than a passive stand?
A: A passive stand relies on the straightening machine to “pull” the tube. This creates high tension, which can stretch the soft copper or cause the pipe to become oval. An active motorized uncoiler “pushes” the material at a matched speed, ensuring the tube enters the next stage in a stress-free state.
Q2: How does the Dancer Arm work?
A: The dancer arm sits on a loop of the tubing. If the downstream machine slows down, the loop grows, the arm drops, and the uncoiler motor slows down. If the downstream machine speeds up, the arm rises, and the uncoiler motor accelerates. This ensures 100% synchronization without human intervention.
Q3: Is the spindle adjustable for different coil sizes?
A: Yes. The central mandrel is an expanding type. You can turn a handle (or use a hydraulic switch) to expand the wedges, allowing the spindle to securely lock into a wide range of inner coil diameters (ID).
Q4: How do I load a new 300 kg 300kg coil?
A: The uncoiler is designed with a heavy-duty side-loading or overhead-loading clearance. Most factories use a forklift or a small overhead crane to slide the coil onto the spindle before expanding the mandrel.
Q5: What happens if the tubing tangles on the coil?
A: The dancer arm is equipped with a limit switch. If a tangle occurs and the material stops moving, the arm will reach its upper limit and trigger an emergency stop for the entire production line, preventing damage to the tube or the machines.