From the Sector

Winding technology offers simplicity, productivity and product control for premium tissue products

Paper Converting Machine Company (PCMC)—a division of Barry-Wehmiller and a global supplier of high-performance converting machinery for the tissue, nonwovens, package-printing and bag-converting industries— is pleased to announce the launch of its Paragon tissue rewinder.

Paragon features a patent-pending center-surface design that produces superior caliper, bulk and diameter flexibility. Log winding takes place in a new-concept nest, comprised of a winding drum, winding belt, compound-motion rider roll and center drives.

"Paragon offers a completely new method of tissue rewinding,” said Andrew Green, PCMC Vice President of Tissue and Folding. “It is radical only in the sense that we made the wind nest as simple as possible. Usually when you increase a machine’s speed, you sacrifice ease of use, but we know customers want both. With Paragon, we created a machine capable of higher speeds that is easier to operate. It’s remarkable.”

Many of Paragon’s subsystems are proven technology solutions in use on PCMC’s trusted Forte rewinder, with several upgrades. Paragon’s enhanced web handling and grade changes are mainly recipe-driven, and its specially designed tools guide fast calibrations. Like the Forte rewinder, Paragon has an intentional open-access design, plus, typical areas to clean require less frequent attention, and recovery and restart occur safely and quickly. Paragon also closes the gap between humans and machines with a new Smart Touch human-machine interface (HMI), which delivers Industry 4.0 tools that transform data to action. Following high-performance design principles, the clean and modern interface provides enhanced operator help, and new smart analytic features offer insights to improve overall equipment effectiveness. The Smart Touch HMI works much like today’s mobile devices with swipe functionality, enabling a short learning curve and improved productivity.

“While the focus is on the new wind nest, a Paragon line is more than that,” said Green. “We added elements like advanced web handling and a state-of-the-art HMI. At PCMC, we are not into hyperbole, but we believe that this machine has raised the bar and is what future tissue-converting machines will be judged against. And, that’s why we called it Paragon.” 

Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd of Leeds, UK has now commenced construction of a new purpose-built Research & Development Centre to enable continued growth through innovation. This modern two-storey development will be situated on the adjacent site, providing state-of-the-art facilities, including a Visitor Centre and enhanced Process Development Laboratory (PDL) for client testing and product development. Central to FET’s success has been its ability to provide customers with advanced facilities and equipment, together with unrivalled knowledge and expertise in research and production techniques. The new expanded premises will further improve this service.

Clients frequently spend several days on site participating in development trials and technical sales meetings, so the Visitor Centre is designed to make their stay more efficient and comfortable. Sales, administration and design departments will also be housed in the new building.

The addition of the Visitor Centre will free up a considerable amount of space for production and other facilities in the existing premises. This major refurbishment phase for the existing premises is scheduled for completion at the end of 2021. As a result, FET’s manufacturing capacity will increase by more than 50% to cope with customer demand.  

Substantial year-on-year growth has driven this initiative and FET’s current order book in excess of £10million has provided the opportunity for equipping the company infrastructure for the future. Sustainability has been at the forefront of FET’s growth, supporting customers in their development of sustainable textiles and this principle is reflected in the choice of building materials and products for the Visitor Centre wherever possible.

It is expected that the new Visitor Centre will be opened in the first quarter of 2022.