Dongguan Haoxin Precision Machinery Co., Ltd. (HXCP) is an innovative machine manufacturer based in Dongguan, Guangdong province, China, that builds high-quality post-press hardcover book binding equipment and integrated packaging lines. The company’s product range includes automatic high-speed casemakers, cardboard slitting machines, cutting machines, wrapping, folding, strapping and rounding machines, as well as complete production lines for children's picture books. HXCP has been in business since 2014 and sells its machines domestically in China, as well as exporting to many other countries in Europe, America and Southeast Asia.
Featuring an extensive Research and Development (R&D) team, a key philosophy for HXCP is to provide its customers with high quality machines that follow the principles of ‘more automation and less manpower’, and also ‘one machine with multiple uses’. Over the years, the innovative R&D team at HXCP has been granted a large number of machine design patents and software copyrights based on its technology developments.
HXCP has become a well-known supplier in the field of post-press binding equipment in China, with a key achievement being the launch of the first high-speed China-made hardcover book production line – the HX Classic 680 Hardcover Book Production Line. This is of significance since this machine ended the dominance of foreign companies for supplying these kinds of high-speed machines in China.
ABB’s products and support are valuable for HXCP’s expansion
A difficult challenge that HXCP previously struggled with was a lack of suppliers who possessed complete technical solutions and also had experienced technical experts who could support HXCP’s innovative development of high speed machines. This is where ABB could play a major role for the company.
A few years ago HXCP decided to begin working with ABB because it was able to provide essentially the entire range of drives, servo products and PLCs that HXCP needs. At the same time, ABB’s global product warranties and global service team could ensure the fast response needed to support both HXCP as well as its customers in its expanding overseas markets.
After adopting new ACS180 drives, capacity increased by 20%
Besides the wide product range and global service capabilities, HXCP immediately also saw other benefits of using ABB equipment. Recently, after adopting ABB's integrated solution including ACS180 machinery drives, AC500 PLCs, CP600 HMIs, ACS880 drives and e530 and e190 servo products, for precise control accuracy of conveyor belt movements, and winding and unwinding, on its high-speed hardcover lamination line, the output increased from the existing 50 books/min to 60 books/min, meaning an impressive productivity gain of 20%.
With faster computing speed the ABB AC500 PLC controls the operation of the whole line, and it can be incorporated into the customer's management system if desired.
“We are picky when choosing drives, PLCs, and servo products”
Liu Yuan, General Manager of Dongguan Haoxin Precision Machinery Co., Ltd, is very satisfied with the decision to use ABB’s integrated solutions. “Given that our machines are exported to countries across the world, we are very picky when choosing drives, PLCs, and servo products, because they need to have both UL and TUV certifications. ABB is the first brand that comes to our mind, as its products perfectly meet these requirements.”
“On our high-speed lamination linkage lines, there are many photoelectric sensors used for measuring the position of books and calculating the number of books. The accuracy of these sensors is crucial for achieving stable operation of the linkage lines. The built-in EMC filter in the ACS180 drive effectively reduces possible interference from the drives on the sensors during operation and improves the stability of the linkage lines. Meanwhile, both ABB servo products and PLC support EtherCAT are helpful in making accurate multi-axis motion control possible. This is particularly suitable for equipment that needs the function of electronic camming, such as the folding machines and three-knife book trimmers produced by our company," Liu Yuan adds.
Strategic cooperation agreement, to speed HXCP’s developments and expand its market reach
Based on this success and close teamwork between HXCP and ABB, the parties have signed a strategic cooperation agreement whereby ABB will support the joint development of new products, to help HXCP speed up developments and expand in overseas markets. Also, HXCP recognizes that, in addition to providing drive products, PLCs, and service, the ABB brand also can raise HXCP’s brand recognition and value among its customers, to help it gain a premium image in the market.
Yu Wang, Drive Products Local Division Manager, ABB Motion, China, explains “HXCP is a leading machine builder in the printing and packaging industry. To further strengthen our cooperation with them, we’ve signed a strategic cooperation agreement to provide an integrated solution for their key equipment such as folding machines and book trimmers”
“ABB's integrated solution helps HXCP reduce costs and improve efficiency. The built-in Safe Torque Off (STO) function in ACS180 drives reduce costs when there is no need to use external contactors. ABB’s e530 and e190 servo products use fieldbus control, which significantly reduces labor costs and interference in comparison with previous pulse train control solutions. The combination of AC500 PLC and HMI greatly improves programming efficiency with their easy-of-use programming tool and built-in standard function blocks. We’re very pleased to work together with HXCP to jointly promote the high-quality development towards the printing and packaging industry. We look forward to more opportunities and cooperation in the future," Wang Yu concludes.
