Handling flexible or non-rigid materials such as textiles or fabrics has been an ongoing challenge for automation since the Industrial Revolution. To optimize the process, industrial solutions often aim to maximize the footprint to enhance throughput. However, this approach poses difficulties when space is limited within a manufacturing facility.

This was the precise challenge faced with needle piercing equipment, which required compressing a hemostatic fabric to less than 30% of its original size within a confined space not exceeding 24 square feet.

Through creative and innovative engineering, this challenge was met using a combination of servo-driven infeed and outfeed synchronized conveyors and gravity idle rollers to maintain fabric stability. Additionally, a servo-driven press allows for precise adjustments during the piercing and compressing process, while a height sensor ensures that the desired material thickness is achieved throughout.