Cutting mounting rails and cable trunking to the correct length is a job that is still carried out by hand in many workshops. The required rail length is measured on the mounting plate, then the mounting rail is cut to the correct length. Labeling the rail so that it can be assigned to an enclosure and a position in the enclosure is done - if at all - with a felt-tip pen. According to the company, the Secarex AC 15 cutting center from Rittal makes this work easier, faster and more efficient. An automatic length stop ensures precisely fitting rails.

The cutting center is operated via an industrial PC with keyboard and trackball. Cutting rails to length is efficient if the dimensions are taken directly from the layout planning, which can be carried out in Eplan Pro Panel, for example. If several rails are required, the cutting center calculates the optimum number of pieces to minimize waste. The integrated label printer also labels the finished rails so that they can be easily assigned during subsequent assembly. The cutting center can be used to cut DIN mounting rails, C-rails and cable ducts to length in all standard sizes.

Cutting, bending and punching copper rails

Copper busbars, which are used in switchgear for power distribution or as busbars, must also be processed in the electrical workshop. In addition to cutting to length, further work steps such as bending or punching holes are often necessary. This work can be carried out with the CW 120 punching and bending machine (Copper Workstation). This is available in two versions: Stationary tabletop units for cutting, bending and punching busbars with an external hydraulic supply. The mobile version, which is designed with castors for flexible use in the workshop, with an integrated hydraulic pump. Only a simple 230-volt mains connection is required for the power supply.

Both versions can process rails with a width of up to 120 millimetres and a thickness of up to twelve millimetres. Round holes can be punched in sizes from 6.6 to 21.5 millimetres. For slotted holes, maximum widths of up to 21 millimetres and lengths of up to 18 millimetres are possible. Punches and dies for round and slotted holes are available in various sizes as accessories.

Rittal sees the machines for processing mounting rails, cable ducts and busbars as a supplement for semi-automated production in switchgear construction. They simplify many tasks that previously had to be carried out manually, thereby increasing efficiency. As a result, costs are reduced and quality is improved. as