Catbridge Machinery Develops Dual-Turret Slitter Rewinder

Catbridge Machinery, Parsippany, New Jersey, has developed a dual-turret slitter rewinder optimized to maximize productivity for flexible packaging. In a recent trial slitting laminated bottle labels, cycles taking 40 to 50 minutes to complete on conventional slitters took less than 8 minutes on the 344 FP turret rewinder. Downtime between sets was reduced to less than 70 seconds. Imperatives were superior edge quality and roll build as well as consistent, fully automatic cut-off and transfer of more than 30 slit webs at once. Each web had to be cut-off, controlled and taped to the finished rolls (tail-tie), and each strand needed to be secured to the new cores. The full cut-off and transfer sequence was repeated successfully, cycle after cycle. Besides faster changeover times, rewinding speed was more than three times greater at 1,750 fpm. Speed was limited for these trials; actual machine top speed can reach 3,000 fpm, depending on exact materials and slit widths.

A number of innovations and features help increase run times and improve roll formation. Innovations such as the Catbridge tabber and Catbridge roll enveloper fully automate the cutoff and transfer process. Technological improvements such as a new idler and driven roll design mitigate the problem of entrapped air disrupting tension control at higher speeds. An advanced control system combined with closed loop tension maintain uniform edge quality and roll build. Other new technologies expedite knife setups for multiple-blade, narrow cut jobs and improve core placement. Additionally, the 344 FP offers features including various unwind configurations, web guiding, automatic knife positioning, trim removal, and unloading systems such as a roll pusher to a discharge tree.

The Model 344 FP dual-turret slitter rewinder is particularly beneficial for repetitive, long-run work where minimizing downtime between cycles is essential. It offers locked-core, differential, or minimum gap winding and standard rewind diameters of 18, 24, or 30 inches. The new 344 FP turret joins Catbridge's diverse line of slitter rewinders and converting machinery. For more information, visit www.catbridge.com.