In tough economic times, often times it makes sense to upgrade existing equipment to take full advantage of its production values. Here are some areas to consider when looking to the unwind and rewind zones on your equipment:
- Wrinkle removal. Do you have problems with wrinkles? Do you have to run slower so your web won't wrinkle? Do you adjust your web tension to less than optimum level to run your process to stop webs from wrinkling? You should be able to utilize anti-wrinkle roll technology to eliminate wrinkles. Proper use of anti-wrinkle rolls should allow you to run your process at its fastest possible speed with optimum tension settings for your application.
- Tension controls. Make sure your tension controls are operating properly. Invest in the latest technologies to ensure your web tension is properly controlled. Make sure machine operators are trained in the use of tension controls and be sure they use them.
- Web guides. Check that your web guides are tuned up electronically and mechanically. Often times when it appears web guides are not operating properly it is due to too much mechanical "play" in the web guide system. Remember a web guide is only as good as its weakest link. This includes all mechanical means of moving the web.
- Waste removal. Do you wind your scrap? If you do, do you adjust machine running speeds to accommodate tough-to-wind rolls of scrap? Taking advantage of pneumatic waste removal systems will eliminate the need for winding scrap, often times increasing process speed.
When it's time to increase production, upgrading existing capital equipment may be the key to provide fast return on investment.
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