Polar Cutter

[jchiarella]

We have a Polar Cutter with loading and stacking system. System is 2 years old and we have already replaced 3 touch screens and numerous sensors for stacking system. Today we replaced the lower clamp arm levers at a cost of almost $10,000 for parts and labor. We have discussed with Heidelberg and they are going to credit parts because they were defective from factory, but still want almost $3,000 for labor. Anyone else willing to share their experience with this equipment good or bad.

Thanks

 

[lfelton]

We have a Polar Cutter with loading and stacking system. System is 2 years old and we have already replaced 3 touch screens and numerous sensors for stacking system. Today we replaced the lower clamp arm levers at a cost of almost $10,000 for parts and labor. We have discussed with Heidelberg and they are going to credit parts because they were defective from factory, but still want almost $3,000 for labor. Anyone else willing to share their experience with this equipment good or bad.

Thanks

From what you say, that seems terrible behaviour from Heidelberg on a 2 year old machine, especially as they have admitted fault. I don't know the history, but if the original factory components were acknowledged as defective by Heidelberg, was this machine even "fit for purpose" when originally sold to you? We haven't had any issues with our Polar, but have heard some horror stories recently about how much Heidelberg have increased prices for spare parts. The infamous "screen dimming" on later model machines is apparently now costing £4,000+ a time to fix. I'd suggest that unless Heidelberg sort this situation out to your satisfaction, you consider switching your maintenance to a specialist guillotine engineering company who may be able to save you money without compromising quality. The company we use has just repaired a circuit board for us (not on a Polar) for around an hours labour cost. The replacement part from the manufacturer was £1,400 so has saved us a good amount.

 

[ondemandbindery]

I have been around a patchful of these things. Heidelberg and Wohlenbeg. The knife having problems does seem a bit odd. Do you have excessive vibration on the knife? Are you meeting the correct power requirements going to the knife? That is just my initial thoughts on the electronics. How about the height of the lifts you are cutting? Is the operator matching the product being cut to the desired clamp pressure? A maxed out pressure situation and continually cutting small stacks can create clamping probelms. And what type of stock are you cutting? Just thinking outloud. Typically Polars are pretty good workhorses, but you could have a problem child.

Now for the Transomat. There is a whole lot going on to make those things run consistently and cleanly. Once again I would initially have to think that maybe you are not in spec. with the power requirements. With that being said, I have always been on the fence about offloading equipment. When in operating order, you can produce on a cutting system that is unmatched. I have seen these things increase cutting productivity by 40% and have a less fatigued operator. I have always said that the key to these things staying in operating condition is to have a conscious operator and a top notch installation from the manufacturer as well as an ace in the hole technician. The problem with a transomat is when it is down it makes using the cutter a PITA. This is not a Heidelberg thing. I use to operate a nice Wohlenberg and it did the same thing. Only that cutter had prolems from the Jogger to the Transomat. Good luck and follow up on that power supply issue.