Artos Engineering Company has introduced a new, fully programmable, multi-task wire processing machine -- the MTX Series 10 -- designed to provide maximum wire processing versatility. With its extended swing arm design, the Series 10 can accommodate up to eight possible processing steps on each end of a wire -- two more than its predecessor, the MTX Series 5.

Artos MTX Series 10 machines can be custom ordered, depending upon the user's needs. Users can choose from over a dozen different processing options, configuring various stations around the unit's worktable to achieve different combinations of crimping, seal insertion, boot insertion, twist and tinning, laser stripping, doubling, heat shrinking and other automated wire processing applications. If the user's wire processing needs change in the future, the MTX Series 10 can easily be modified for years of additional use.

Such flexibility is particularly valuable for three types of users: 1) "harness shops" who may need a machine that can process multiple applications in low lot sizes 2) "high-volume operations" looking for improved programming and batching efficiencies and 3) machine integrators who wish to create highly specialized wire processors.

The MTX Series 10 is capable of processing a full range of wire sizes from 24 to 10 AWG, with wire lengths from 2 in. to 328 ft. To date, no other processor featuring swing arm technology offers more flexibility on such a wide range of wires.

Mechanically speaking, the MTX Series 10 is similar to its MTX/STX predecessors. It features six high-performance brushless servo motors which quickly and efficiently control all processing motions, allowing the machine to achieve cycle speeds of up to 4500 pieces per hour. The Series 10 also features "closed-loop encoders" which communicate back to the motors and verify all operations.

For easy programming and operation, a built-in PC (placed at either the infeed or outfeed side of the machine) makes use of standard Windows® based software and can share wire data and files locally or even globally with Artos' unique Global Database software. This feature eliminates the duplication of programming and set-up required by multiple machine users.

Once programmed, the Series 10 uses two swing arms to automatically position the wire at the various stations for insertion, rotation and height. Finally, the unit's cutterhead is driven by a precision ball-screw mechanism, which helps cut and strip wire quickly and accurately while extending blade life.

To further accommodate the user's individual needs, a number of optional devices can be added to the MTX Series 10 -- including wire collection and sorting systems, ink-jet marking devices and programmable crimp force monitors.

For more information regarding the MTX Series 10 wire processor or to learn about other Artos machines, contact Artos by calling (262) 252-4545 or via e-mail at www.artosnet.com.

Founded in 1911, the Waukesha, Wisconsin-based Artos Engineering Company is a leading manufacturer of wire processing equipment serving the aerospace, automotive, electronics and manufacturing industries.