Improve Machine Performance With A
TRU-TRAC Closed Loop System

It's true. The Tru-Trac Closed Loop Die Accelerator can double or even triple your machine production! Tru-Trac replaces mechanical gauge bar devices with state-of-the-art electronic technology. It features the most advanced control system available: a microcomputer designed exclusively for roll formers and tube mills. The result? Increased productivity, improved part quality, and higher profits.

Tru-Trac promises better quality, higher speed, and less waste. And it delivers.

How It Works

The traditional way to control the length of a roll formed part is with a mechanical gauge bar attached to the cutoff die. The target of the gauge bar is adjusted to set the length of the desired part. The roll formed shape hits the target and pushes the die forward. The press cycles, the part falls away, and the cycle is repeated.

The mechanical gauge bar offers a basic solution to length control on a roll former, but at a price. The impact of the part hitting the target limits the speed that the machine can be run. Even at low speeds, the quality of the part suffers as a result of the mechanical constraint of the target. Setting the target for a new length is a trial and error process that wastes time and material.

Tru-Trac now gives you a way to upgrade your roll former or tube mill with closed loop electronic technology. The mechanical gauge bar is replaced with a precision linear actuator and servo motor. The actuator is bolted to the frame of the machine with its output shaft coupled to the die. The microcomputer measures the amount of material past the cutoff die with a measuring wheel and encoder. When a target cut point approaches the die, the microcomputer accelerates the die to line speed and tracks the cut point. When the cut is made, the material and the die are moving at the same speed. The result is an accurate, clean cut with no strain on the part.

Double or Triple Line Speed

With the gauge bar removed, the shaped part flows freely through the machine. With no collision, line speed can be doubled or tripled in many cases. The microcomputer and precision components insure an accurate cut.

Minimize Scrap and Setup Time

With a mechanical gauge bar, setting the machine for a new length wastes material and time. With Tru-Trac lengths can be changed in a manner of seconds without stopping the line. The only scrap you will see is a small piece at the beginning of a new coil. The first piece of a new batch is as accurate as the last one.

Run Any Length Part

With a mechanical gauge bar, part length is limited to the length of the bar. Also, it is often impossible to move the target close to the die for very short parts. These problems are eliminated with Tru-Trac.

Easy to Install

Tru-Trac works with your existing dies and presses, even mechanical presses. Typical installation can be done in two days or less.

Easy to Use

The Tru-Trac system has a true "user friendly" operator interface that makes the machine easy to run by any operator. In fact, operator training takes less than an hour. There are no function codes or sequence numbers that have to be memorized. A large LCD display prompts the operator for data in plain English. The operator can see the progress of an order at a glance.

Special Features

Tru-Trac has a unique test feature that simulates a test run without wasting any material. The operator specifies the part length, line speed, and desired tolerance. Tru-Trac generates internal encoder signals that mimic the machine in action. It then accelerates the die and cycles the press just like a normal run. The operator can be assured that the real run will be a success.