Tri-Star PORTA TAC E Series, Operation And Maintenance Manual

Page: 10 / 53

10
1-2 OPERATION
All functions of the PORTA-TAC are initiated, terminated, controlled and
operated both pneumatically and electrically. After the PORTA-TAC has been set
up properly, only one function is operator-adjustable: the selected "G" dimension.
All other functions are machine controlled.
Interlocks are provided in the logic to prevent any out-of- sequence event from
occurring. System design is such that if the indenter does not crimp completely,
the device will not permit that particular contact from exiting the crimper without
performing a reset. If a contact does not seat properly in the transfer tip the
equipment will disengage. All events occur automatically, except the insertion and
extraction of the conductor, which is operator performed.
The crimp cycle initiation occurs when a properly stripped conductor is inserted
into the contact to be crimped, and depressed. Depressing the contact with the
conductor inserted triggers the PORTA-TAC; when the crimp, is completed the
operator withdraws the conductor with the contact now attached; the PORTA-
TAC re-cycles and places another contact in proper position; the operator inserts
another properly stripped wire into the contact, depresses it slightly, and the cycle
repeats.
Figure 1-4 shows the funnel through which the operator inserts the conductor into
the contact. (Not all PORTA-TACs, depending on contact configuration and
customer specifications, are equipped with funnels.) In most cases, the Cover plate
and the lower cover plate are chemically treated a dull black color in order that
operators may more easily recognize a flayed or skewed conductor strand prior to
insertion.
PORTA-TACs equipped with funnels eliminate eye-hand coordination fatigue and
the operator need not visually affirm each conductor strand is inserted into the
contact. The funnel design assures all conductor strands, even if
not twisted together, will enter the contact so long as they are not bent back when
inserted into the funnel.
PORTA-TACs eliminate all eye-hand-foot coordination fatigue and timing
techniques, as there are no foot switches.