Tips

Anti-wrinkle rollers, such as bowed rolls, flexible grooved rolls and CAC's WrinkleSTOP roll, incorporate rubber surfaces that rely heavily on the performance of the rubber component. If the rubber surface degrades, spreading performance and overall life span of the roller will degrade proportionally. Most of these anti-wrinkle rollers are available with a standard rubber surface (usually a "good" all around rubber compound) and special, optional rubber compounds. Special rubber surfaces may be supplied in cases where external conditions in the plant may affect the rubber surface. Some environments the spreader roll may have to contend with are:

• High heat. Is there excessive heat from and oven, heated roll or similar device increasing ambient heat in the anti-wrinkle roller area? If so, what is the ambient temperature in that area? There are several rubber compounds available to accommodate areas where ambient heat is high.
• Chemicals. Are there any chemicals that will come in contact with the rubber sleeve? This includes cleaning chemicals typically used in the plant to clean rollers. If so, to which chemicals will the rubber surface of the anti-wrinkle roller be exposed?
• Excessive ozone. Is there any excessive ozone in the area, such as from a corona treater? Ozone will break down rubber and cause many types of rubber to "age" quickly and loose there elastic properties.

Make your anti-wrinkle roller supplier aware of all of the conditions listed above. They should be able to specify a rubber surface to best serve your requirements. This will allow the anti-wrinkle roller to perform at maximum levels with the longest possible roller life.

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