The Unist SmartFlow fluid controller gives metal stamping and forming operations programmable control over die and stock lubrication. It is designed to control a Uni-Roller stock lubricator, in-die spray nozzles, or a lubrication system that uses both types of fluid applicators.
Instead of relying on manual adjustments and operator memory, the Unist SmartFlow fluid controller allows lubrication settings to be configured, saved, monitored, and recalled. Its touchscreen interface and guided job-setup process help operators establish repeatable fluid-application settings while reducing the time required for product and tooling changeovers.
The controller can operate between 2 and 22 fluid outputs and store up to 250 separate jobs. Jobs and settings can also be backed up or transferred with a USB-A flash drive. When connected to compatible press controls, the controller can exchange job, setting, and alarm information for easier monitoring and automatic job changeover.
Proper lubrication is critical to part quality, tool life, housekeeping, and fluid consumption. Applying too little lubricant can interfere with forming performance, while excessive application wastes material and can create unnecessary cleanup.
The Unist SmartFlow fluid controller helps remove this guesswork by giving operators a consistent method for controlling and monitoring fluid delivery. Depending on the selected system options, the controller can monitor fluid pressure, fluid flow, valve performance, fluid level, and production-line status.
Configurable alerts can notify operators of conditions such as low fluid level, low fluid pressure, lack of fluid flow, communication errors, or scheduled maintenance requirements. An alarm interlock relay can also be connected to an external visual or audible indicator.
By combining programmable control, job storage, process monitoring, and fluid tracking, the Unist SmartFlow fluid controller can help manufacturers improve lubrication repeatability and gain greater visibility into fluid application.
The Unist SmartFlow fluid controller features a touchscreen interface that provides access to jobs, settings, maintenance reminders, alarms, and other operating information. Its menu structure is designed to help operators move efficiently from initial setup to production.
The job-setup wizard guides users through the process of creating a lubrication job. After the initial settings have been established, the operator can increase or decrease the amount of lubricant to fine-tune the coating for the application.
SmartFlow stores as many as 250 jobs. Job files and controller settings can be backed up or transferred to another compatible system through the USB-A connection. Stored settings help operators reproduce an established lubrication process instead of rebuilding the settings each time a job returns to production.
The Unist SmartFlow fluid controller can continuously monitor key lubrication-system conditions. Available monitoring functions include fluid level, air pressure, fluid pressure, fluid flow, valve performance, and production-line status. The exact monitoring capabilities depend on the system configuration and installed options.
With the appropriate flow-measurement equipment, SmartFlow can measure the volume of fluid applied to a job. Fluid-use information is logged with job history and can be exported in CSV format for additional analysis.
This information can help manufacturers evaluate lubricant consumption, estimate lubricant cost per part, and identify changes in fluid-application performance. The resulting data provides more process visibility than manual fluid adjustments alone.
The pressure transducer monitors fluid-supply pressure to help verify that the system is ready to dispense. The low-pressure alarm point can be configured through the controller interface.
The press control interface exchanges information about jobs, settings, and alarms with compatible production-line controls. Communication is available through Modbus over RS485 serial or Ethernet.
A remote valve enclosure allows control valves to be installed up to 50 feet, or approximately 15 meters, away from the main controller. This makes it possible to position the operator interface where it is convenient while locating the valves closer to the application.
The flow totalizer measures volumetric fluid flow and provides fluid-consumption data for production tracking and cost analysis.
The flow-monitoring option monitors fluid pressure during dispensing to detect whether fluid is flowing. This helps operators verify that the applicators are receiving fluid during the dispensing cycle.
The dual-fluid option allows individual jobs to be programmed for fluid source A or fluid source B when the system is connected to a dual supply with a solenoid fluid-selector valve.
The Unist SmartFlow fluid controller supports a range of system configurations. The final specifications and included components depend on the number of outputs and optional monitoring equipment selected for the application.
The Unist SmartFlow fluid controller is suitable for controlling lubrication in a variety of metal forming and industrial production processes, including:
The Unist SmartFlow fluid controller can serve as the control center for a complete Unist fluid-application system. It can be paired with Uni-Roller stock lubricators, in-die spray nozzles, fluid supplies, sensors, and monitoring accessories to create a system matched to the production process.
Explore additional Unist lubrication products from Crane Production Systems. You can also learn more about our turn-key equipment solutions for metal stamping and forming applications.
For additional product details, videos, application information, features, and available options, visit the official Unist SmartFlow product page.
Manuals, installation information, troubleshooting articles, maintenance instructions, and product-support resources are available through the Unist SmartFlow support center.
Additional manufacturer information about stock lubrication equipment and fluid-application solutions is available on the https://unist.com/?utm_source=Crane&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=inboundUnist website.
Every lubrication application is different. The correct Unist SmartFlow fluid controller configuration depends on the applicators, required number of fluid outputs, press-control requirements, fluid supply, monitoring functions, and production process.
Contact Crane Production Systems to discuss your application, request pricing, or configure a complete SmartFlow die and stock lubrication system.
