Cwmbran-based Just Rollers plc is a leading manufacturer of rubber and polyurethane covered rollers. Its products are used in a variety of industries such as printing, paper and board manufacture, liquid packaging, plastic film and medical packaging. The company exports to around fifty countries world-wide, including South America and the Far East.
Just Rollers discovered that in some territories their established, well-proven Xtralease TM Teflon sleeved rollers were being used at particularly high running speeds and pressures. Extreme operating conditions can reduce the life of a roller by adversely affecting the adhesive bond between the non-stick sleeve andthe rubber roller.
Eager to exceed customer expectations and enhance its international reputation as a producer of high quality rollers, the company was keen to review the way in which it manufactured the rollers to see if durability could be extended. A Joining Forces Wales 'Product & Process Review' was followed by a 'Feasibility Study'.
TWI adhesive bonding specialist Ewen Kellar and the Just Rollers production team found ways of improving the bond between the sleeve and the rubber roller. Work included improving the quality of the surface pre-treatment, the use ofan improved adhesive and revised working practices.
Just Rollers Managing Director Geoff Davis said, "We've had a dramatic reduction in the number of rollers damaged in service. This has not only saved us and our customers large sums of money but also secured jobs as we are now winning more orders from the competition.
"TWI's excellent support and advice have enabled us to take a fresh look at ourselves whilst developing a valuable relationship which has provided access to additional expertise and information. We are very hopeful that in the future this will also lead us to look at new technologies that hitherto might have escaped us".
Just rollers is at www.justrollers.com
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