Overview
Colt Space Saver feed lines give you the performance of a conventional coil feed line in a smaller footprint. A typical line needs only 20 to 25 ft. Instead of a pit, a back loop driven by a large threading roll holds the loop. Colt introduced Space Savers in the 1980s and now builds them with a Dual Mode Torque Drive uncoiler and high-speed servo piloting.
Key Features
- Dual Mode Torque Drive uncoiler
- The powered uncoiler assists payoff while holding tension and runs in sync with the feeder/straightener.
- Back loop instead of a pit
- A laser loop sensor keeps the back loop in sync with the feeder/straightener's throughput speed.
- AHSS feeder/straightener
- Aviation-grade straightener, pinch rolls and gears with multiple back-up roll options handle AHSS up to 1200 MPa.
- Hands-free threading
- An extendable peeler blade, alligator/dekinker threading, coil retaining arms and a powered hold-down wheel let one experienced operator thread a new coil in under 4 minutes.
- Servo feed and piloting
- A closed loop servo system gives precise feed lengths, with full hydraulic piloting and microfeed adjustment on the fly.
- Advanced controls
- Open-platform PLC and HMI controls run the line manually or fully automated with recipes.
- Hydraulic cradle side plates
- Hydraulically operated side plates make setup and coil centering easier.
Product Line / Models
How Colt Space Saver lines handle different materials:
- Lighter gauge material – pays off the top of the coil directly into the feeder/straightener while the torque drive uncoiler holds tension.
- Heavier gauge material – threads through a full-width pinch roll assembly under managed tension into the laser-monitored back loop.
- Medium-duty back loop Space Saver – powered uncoiler, back loop with adjustable threading arm, hydraulic retaining arms and a traveling uncoiler with fixed coil car into a combination feeder/straightener.
- CSSU-4000-42 – Colt's example Space Saver, with a total feed line length of 7.1 m (23.3 ft).
- Recent CSSU builds – 20,000 lb lines at 36" and 48" wide, and 40,000 lb lines at 42" and 72" wide.
Applications & Benefits
- Tight floor space: Full feed line performance in up to 50% less space.
- AHSS stamping: Straighteners and back-up roll options handle AHSS up to 1200 MPa.
- Mixed gauges: One line feeds light gauge straight to the straightener and threads heavy gauge through the back loop.
- Frequent coil changes: Hands-free threading gets a new coil running in minutes.
Technical Specifications (Examples)
Coil range for Colt Space Saver feed lines, from Colt Automation:
How to Choose the Right Colt Space Saver Feed Line
- Define your coil width, thickness range and maximum coil weight.
- List the material grades, including any AHSS and its strength.
- Measure the floor length available, and whether a pit is an option.
- Set the press speed and feed length the line must match.
- Decide how much to automate: manual functions or full automation with recipes.
- Plan coil loading and staging with a coil car.
Why Colt Space Saver Feed Lines Are Trusted
- Space Saver pioneer: Colt introduced Space Saver feed lines in the 1980s and has kept developing them.
- Industry first: Colt calls its Dual Mode Torque Drive uncoiler an industry first.
- Complete line from one builder: Colt builds the uncoilers, coil cars, peelers, threaders, straighteners, servo feeders and controls.
Contact & Ordering
Need help picking the right model or getting a quote? Provide these details:
- Coil width, thickness range and maximum weight
- Material grade and strength (including AHSS)
- Press speed (spm) and feed length
- Available floor space for the line
- Coil loading method and staging
- Preferred PLC/HMI brand, if any
- Contact PRI to discuss specs, lead times, and installation support.
