UK machine builder responds to face mask demand

Family-owned Sims Engineering was established in 1982 and specialises in the design and manufacture of automated systems and special purpose machinery. Much of the work performed by this ISO9001-accredited business is destined for customers in the automotive, pharmaceutical and food sectors. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, the company responded immediately to a request for automated face mask manufacturing machines.

Sims Engineering is known for its ability to produce machines on short-lead times, and had already built face mask manufacturing machines some years ago. So it was a case of updating the design and producing another reliable and efficient machine that would maximise productivity and quality. The automated face mask manufacturing machines have fully integrated cutting, folding and assembly facilities to produce fold-flat fabric masks. A precision punch and die set is used to profile-cut the mask’s fabric and to facilitate efficient machine motion, the company turned to its long-term technology partner, NSK for the linear guides. 

For the past 20 years NSK has been supplying Sims Engineering with NH/NS series linear guides (and predecessor models) to suit the wide range of machines and systems built by the company. For the face mask machines, the linear guides offered fast speeds and high load capacity, with minimal noise  and extended reliability. NSK claims that its NH series linear guides offer double the lifespan of conventional alternatives and have features including specially developed ball groove geometry. Further user benefits cited by the company include high dynamic load rating, high productivity, long maintenance intervals, low noise output, ease of installation and standard accuracy that is said to exceed conventional alternatives. 

Sims Engineering benefited from NSK’s workshop at Newark remaining open during lockdown, and just five days after the order was placed, the first linear guides were delivered. NSK points out that as well as stocking standard units, it has the capability to meet requests for specific lengths, coatings, seals and grease in short lead times. Although the facility holds stock of NH/NS linear guides in sizes 15 to 65, NSK states that its in-house workshop is well equipped to meet special orders in lead times of as little five days.

Currently, Sims has three new face mask manufacturing machines in production, and the NH series linear guides used are supplied with NSK’s K1 lubrication units. Meticulous sealing of the K1 prevents contaminants from reaching the running surface of the linear guide and NSK says that less lubricant is released into the surroundings than with conventional solutions. As a further option, NSK has recently introduced the K1-L lubrication unit: it houses a new polyolefin-based carrier material with a much larger reserve of lubricant, leading to a service life which it says is typically double that of the K1 series.