LEAP-FROG(TM)
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THE PATENTED HIGH-SPEED LOW-COST SOLUTION FOR FLEXIBLE WARM-EDGE SPACER FRAME SYSTEMS.
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ASHTON’s unique and patented LEAP-FROGTM design was conceived especially to provide a low-cost but highly effective production line for manufacturing I.G. units with flexible warm-edge spacers.
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Unlike robotic systems which can easily top GBP 700,000 (1.2 million US Dollars) this high-speed solution is less than a third of the price yet still retains the ability to produce average size units in less than 25 seconds.
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The heart of the system is a very high-speed tilting application table that drives out of the line as it tilts down, making room for a vertical conveyor to move into its place..
While spacer is being applied to a glass on the horizontal table, the second glass of a pair can drive across the vertical conveyor that has moved in behind. In this way, the second glass of each pair effectively ‘Leap-Frogs’ its partner and can be pre-positioned in the assembly / press station, thereby saving valuable time.
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The tilt table lifts and re-inserts itself into the line in an incredible, servo-driven 3 seconds. As one glass with spacer drives out to join its pair, the first glass of the next pair simultaneously drives in, tilts down, and the cycle begins again..
Washing, drying and inspection stations prior to this unique application table, are constructed exactly the same as ASHTON’s established IGPROTM lines.
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Likewise, the Combined Assembly and Press is an updated version of the proven units in use around the world since 1990.
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LEAP-FROGTM is 20% faster than most in-line tilt applicators and protected by US and UK patents.
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