Automatic changeover of unwinding coils in copper wires stranding machines: a case study

In this paper we design an automatic changeover system for unwinding coils in copper wires stranding machines for energy cables. The system is illustrated by means of a case study: the stranding department at one of the plants of Pirelli Cables & Systems, the leader manufacturer in the field in Italy. Motivations for the study are increase in production, improvement in manpower utilization and decrease in waste material. Two alternative changeover algorithms are proposed and highlighted by means of simulations. Additionally, three different technical solutions are suggested, with several recommendations for implementations. Finally, a performance evaluation is carried out, investigating the impact of the study on the plant.