HERCULES

A double-quadrilateral structure , is fixed to the ground in front of the metallization chamber and bears two pairs of arms whose ends are shaped like hooks.
These arms catch, hoist, and displace both the reel (either already coated or still uncoated) and the cardboard core, complete with the expansible shafts, by taking them from the movable structure and placing them upon the winding mechanism of the metallization chamber, or vice-versa.
All movements occur by means of hydraulic pistons, equipped with proximity sensors and also a speed modulator for cylinders.
A safety system provided with limit switches is located on each of the lifting arms to make the machine stop if expansible shaft are placed wrong.
Two parallel guides, placed on the stationary part of this assembly, allow the the structure to move.