System and method for building multiple edges of a calendar

A system for crimping first and second slides onto first and second edges, respectively, of each of a series of workpieces, the system comprising:

• a first tinning machine adapted to crimp one of the first slides onto the first edge of each workpiece;
• a second tinning machine located downstream from the first tinning machine and adapted to crimp one of the second slides onto the second edge of each workpiece;
• a generally U-shaped conveyor located downstream from the first tinning machine and upstream from the second tinning machine and configured to receive each of the workpieces from said first tinning machine and transfer each of the workpieces to said second tinning machine;
• wherein said first tinning machine receives each workpiece oriented such that the first edge is a leading edge, and said conveyor reorients each workpiece so that the second tinning machine receives each workpiece oriented such that the second edge is the leading edge;
• a collector downstream of said second tinning machine, said collector adapted to collect and stack the workpieces upon one another.

A method for crimping a first and a second slide onto a first and a second edge, respectively, of each of a series of workpieces, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning the first slide proximate the first edge of one of the workpieces;
• crimping the first slide onto the first edge of the workpiece at a first crimping station;
• automatically transferring the workpiece to a second crimping station;
• positioning the second slide proximate the second edge;
• and
• crimping the second slide onto the second edge.