Maximum flexibility and ideal reel quality
The model is manufactured at Alpine's subsidiary Hosokawa Kolb GmbH in Niederkassel and combines and expands the advantages of the two existing models, the winder model 700 and the AWD winder. "With the new AW winder, our customers benefit from maximum flexibility and the best reel quality. We have been able to optimise the effective reel change time to less than 45 seconds - this is top in the industry and saves valuable time. Smart and future-proof technology also includes the interface to our ExVis 5 process visualisation system, so that operating and process data can be visualised in a user-friendly way and optimally managed," explains Dr Holger Niemeier, Managing Director and Head of Blown Film Extrusion at Hosokawa Alpine.
Production without interruption
The AW winder allows working widths of 1,000 to 3,000 mm and a roll diameter of up to 1,500 mm. The winding speed is up to 300 m/min with a maximum tensile force of 250 N. The winding shaft diameter is detected automatically. Winding shafts are available in 3, 6 and 8 inch versions. Existing shafts from the Kolb 700 series, widely used by Alpine customers, can be further used. The pre nip is integrated into the winding station or separate, depending on the customer's requirements. Particularly practical: In case of a telescoped reel blocking the reel change, there is an operating function allowing its release and completion of the reel change. In this way, production can continue without interruption.
Numerous software features
The AW winder can wind in both directions (right and left) thanks to its reverse function. "In addition, clever software functions are available to customers. Thus, an initiated reel change can be stopped again without disturbing the process, for example if a winding core was prepared incorrectly. Furthermore, the trends of the tensile stresses can be displayed and monitored for the best quality of the end product," says Dr Holger Niemeier. In addition, numerous options are available, such as oscillating longitudinal slitting units, additional spreader rollers, winding shaft lifting devices, winding shaft magazines or edge trim management. The new AW winder is equipped for demanding tasks and customers receive an end product that meets the highest quality requirements.