By changing from classic rubber covers to CeraGuide B ceramic roller coatings from Voith, Schoellershammer was able to significantly increase the efficiency of its PM 5

Customer: Schoellershammer 

Production: Corrugating medium and testliner

Supplier: Voith 

Description: By changing from classic rubber covers to CeraGuide B ceramic roller coatings from Voith, Schoellershammer was able to significantly increase the efficiency of its PM 5. The new coatings not only reduced the regrinding frequency but also increased the service life of the wire, as well as reducing energy consumption on the drives.

Until early 2016, Schoellershammer used rubber covers on PM 5 for drive, breast and guide rollers in the wire section. Due to the production conditions of the machine and the drive concept, the covers were subject to high edge wear. This deterioration had a direct effect on the service life of the wire. The worn edges of the rubber covers caused speed differences between the middle of the wire and its edges. This led to increased tension in the cross direction of the machine. In addition, there was edge rusting that frequently occurs with rubber covers. Over the course of time, they cause the covers to rise at the edges. To prevent damage to the paper machine, Schoellershammer had to stop production every five to seven months, remove the roll covers and regrind them.

These downtimes significantly reduced the efficiency of the production line on which Schoellershammer produces half of its annual paper production, equating to around 500,000 tons of corrugated board.

Armin Vetter, managing director of Schoellershammer, therefore decided to replace the rubber covers with CeraGuide B ceramic coating from Voith at the beginning of 2016. CeraGuide B has been specially developed for the working conditions of drive and guide rollers in the wire section and has a dirt-repellent and abrasion-resistant surface. This prevents deposits while extending the grinding intervals.

In addition, the use of CeraGuide B reduces energy consumption. Shortly after installing the first drive roller in the lower wire position, the consumption of drive energy was reduced by five percent. In contrast, the service life of the wire increased significantly. After five months in operation, the service life of the wire increased by about 20 percent. In addition, the consistently homogeneous roll surfaces resulted in a better and more stable web profile.

Due to the positive experience, the Duerener paper manufacturer has now equipped all wire section rolls of PM 5 with CeraGuide B ceramic coatings. The company has also decided to apply Voith’s innovation to PM 6, which produces about 250,000 tons of corrugated board per year.