Schweitzer Engineering Labs is a company that specializes in many technologies, mainly in the energy field. The specific office for this project makes and distributes Coaxial communication cable and uses a 15-year-old custom cable pulling machine to wind said cable. The goal for this project is to have a new system that has high torque capabilities to pull the heavy-duty coaxial cables more efficiently and faster. The current machine has safety and ergonomic risks and is said to operate on an obsolete system. The key features they are looking for in a new machine are: Modern operating system, Inline integration with other parts of the system, safety features, Pre-Feeder Functionality, and ease of maintenance. These changes will allow SEL to boost productivity and ultimately mean less operator involvement with this machine specifically.
Schweitzer Engineering Labs relies on a 15-year-old custom cable pulling machine to wind heavy-duty coaxial communication cables. However, the current machine presents significant challenges, including outdated technology, inadequate torque capabilities, safety hazards, and limited integration with other processes. The machine's obsolete control system and ergonomic risks contribute to inefficiency, increased operator involvement, and potential workplace hazards. As SEL continues to scale production, these limitations hinder operational efficiency and productivity. The primary concern for SEL is to replace the existing system with a modernized solution that ensures high torque performance, improved safety, seamless integration with existing processes, and ease of maintenance, while also installing a pre-feeder mechanism for easy wire movement from spool to machine. Addressing these issues is critical to optimizing production efficiency, reducing operator intervention, and maintaining compliance with industry safety standards.