Automatic roll changing brings custom coating success

Acucote Inc, of Graham NC, has recently installed a Martin Automatic ECPF unwind splicer on its silicone coating line to reduce waste and boost productivity.  According to Paul Sanborn, VP of Manufacturing: ‘In the past, we tried to develop our own unwinder but it proved very problematic, so we approached Martin Automatic because we knew of their reputation.’
 
Martin researches a customer’s requirements in detail, according to Sanborn, which is the reason, he says, their equipment is so well engineered.  Working with Martin engineers and technical sales, Acucote has now equipped its adhesive coating lines with Martin splicers for both the wet and dry unwinds, and with Martin automatic transfer rewinders.  Sanborn says he is on target for an 18-month payback from waste savings alone with the new Martin ECPF, and production has also been more consistent.
 
The Graham facility operates 24 hours a day, 5 to 6 days a week and runs a wide variety of substrates, including paper, paperboard, film and fabric.  With many jobs averaging 5,000 feet, frequent material changes are necessary.  ‘And when we are adding adhesive to this range of substrates, changing jobs from one to the next can be quite challenging,’ Sanborn explained.  ‘The Martin splicers and rewinders have no problem accommodating the diversity of substrates and making roll changes without any problems,’ he added.