D-S winder tackles large rolls

Davis-Standard (D-S; Somerville, NJ) has launched a new surface winder of its own, the PAC 60, which emphasizes process feedback and utilizes a hydraulic pressure-control system for lay-on arms and center-assist winding motors to facilitate good roll starts, and ultimately lead to higher quality large rolls.

For stretch films, a special lay-on roll is utilized on the surface drum in-feed to eliminate air and improve film relaxation prior to winding. D-S says the lay-on pressure control helps prevent blocking at the core and also features a shaft accelerator to bring the new core to higher line speeds and make transfers via an auto-cut traversing knife.

Also key to the new line is the ability to handle greater widths, with the PAC 60 able to wind films from 80 inches (2000 mm) to 140 inches (3500 mm), in single- or dual-winder configurations.

A center shaft supports 3-inch (75-mm) cores to wind multiple slit rolls to a 30-inch (750-mm) outside diameter, while 40-inch rolls are wound on 6-inch (150-mm) shafts. According to Rick Keller, VP blown-film converting systems at D-S, “Customers are certainly desiring to have the most efficient production capabilities possible and often times this involves increased widths.”
The system’s motorized roll cart and shaft puller are fully integrated into the winder’s PLC-based controller, helping to automate the process. Keller says automation of film lines is catching on for several reasons.

First, the fact that rolls are getting larger in diameter and weight means they are beyond the safe lifting capability of operators. Second, Keller says more ‘consumer-ready rolls’ can be produced online, with automation needed to keep production high and not be operator limited. Finally, Keller says that reducing shaft handling allows for easier OSHA conformance.

D-S says the PAC 60 has been successfully implemented for stretch-film winding or large-roll mill operations where films are converted in lamination or made into bags or sacks off-line. The system is capable of speeds exceeding     200 m/min. The new winder extends the PAC 60’s range to 165 inches (4200 mm), joining previously available 40-, 50-, 60-, 70-, 80-, and 90-inch models (1000 to 2300 mm). —[email protected]