Soma upgrades laminator

Soma Engineering has announced several new design features and upgrades to its Lamiflex E laminator. 

The Lamiflex E allows a wide range of materials to be processed without the use of solvents. High quality production and efficiency is ensured through shaftless unwind and rewind units and Soma’s precise web tension control. 

‘One of the most important settings to ensure precise laminating is the gap width between the in-feed rollers,’ said Pavla Kusa, brand manager. ‘On the Lamiflex E the in-feed rollers are usually set at 0.08mm and it is important to keep this value constant during machine operation. The traditional method of using a worm gear mechanism has disadvantages in clearance that can have a negative impact on keeping the gap between the rollers stable. We have developed our own unique solution that ensures gap settings stay constant and precise. This permits the glue to be applied with greater precision and uniformity.’

Soma has also replaced the Duralumin lay on rollers at out-feed with rubber to ensure more efficient air expulsion during the rewinding process and guarantee high quality finished reels. In addition, all four dance rollers at unwind are now balanced, which enables optimum unwind tension control. This increases machine flexibility in terms of the range of materials that can be processed. The existing roll clamping system at unwind has also been redesigned and now features mechanical clamping cones that not only improve centering, but also provide cost advantages. 

Operator comfort and space have also been readdressed and simplified based on user feedback and it is now possible tocontrol the machine from the unwind/rewind areas. Access to the drive housing has been improved with the replacement of the door cover with a louvre system to increase space and the thermo control units have been removed from the main machine frame for the same reason. Soma has also simplified the filter changes in the exhaust system to evacuate fumes and any glue particles from the machine. The system is now adjustable to make access and roller cleaning easier and improve safety and work hygiene. 

‘Increasing the performance of the Lamiflex E not only has a positive impact on all its operating features, but also brings financial benefits as we have also managed to reduce manufacturing costs, much to the delight of our customers,’ concluded Kusa.

Available in web width from 800 to 1500mm, the Lamiflex E is capable of processing BOPP, PET, LDPE, PE, OPA, Cast PA, Cast PP, aluminum foil or paper. The machine is suitable for roll diameters and weights of 1000mm and 1000kg respectively with core diameters of 76 or 152mm. Offering a mechanical speed of 400m/min, the Lamiflex E is compliant with CE standards and uses a solvent-free, two part polyurethane adhesive that sets via chemical reaction and eliminates the need for a heated drying tunnel as well as reducing VOC emissions. 

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