FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
z After installing multiple dual turret slitter machines worldwide , how has your experience with this technology been so far ?
Pragnesh Shah – Slitter rewinders with dual turret rewinds are the order of the day in these competitive times where the focus is to increase efficiency . Unlike duplex slitters , these machines run virtually non-stop , offering higher productivity , improved efficiency of man and machine , and optimal use of floor space . Consistency in performance is also higher as compared to duplex machines . Opting for dual turret slitters would also reduce the total number of slitters required to support a given plant capacity over a period of time .
z You installed a ROBOSLIT machine from SP Ultraflex a few months back . How was your experience ?
Pragnesh Shah – The OHP version of the Roboslit was installed at our plant in February 2021 , and we have found its performance to be at par with the best in the world . The team at SP Ultralflex puts in a lot of effort in learning , researching , and understanding the customer ’ s pain areas and channelizes their inputs to their design department , leading to continuous improvements and innovations . They are also very supportive , understanding the significance of our queries , and give clear and meaningful answers .
z In general , most converters prefer compact , rear-loading slitter rewinders . But you have purchased the overhead model of the Roboslit series , the Roboslit OHP . What made you go for that model ?
Pragnesh Shah – The most admirable quality in the OHP version is the overhead web movement . Substrates running between idle rollers at high speed tend to develop static charge and attract dust . This is not acceptable , especially when it comes to food and pharma customers . The substrate is always at a good distance from the floor level in the OHP layout , leaving no scope for the dust to contaminate its surface . Other advantages of the overhead path include easy access to the cutting section and better visibility of the running substrate . Last but not least , this layout improves the safety quotient of the machine – something that is non-negotiable within the Constantia Flexibles group .
z To what extent did SP Ultraflex meet the expectations of Constantia Flexibles in terms of output , quality , operator friendliness , and safety standards ?
Pragnesh Shah – To start with , safety and user-friendliness are of utmost importance to Constantia Flexibles , and both these aspects are well taken care of in the machine . Coming to the output , I have already spoken about the increased productivity of this machine by virtue of its dual turret rewind . I want to share another important dimension , which affects productivity – the ratio of rework . We have seen a drastic reduction in the percentage of narrow width coils that need to be edge corrected on doctoring machines , thanks to the better quality of finished reels produced on this machine .
z How , in your opinion , does the SP machine compare with the European make machines in your plant ?
Pragnesh Shah – It is a good indigenous technology at par with global standards , with certain additional features and a good team .
z What is the future focus for Constantia Parikh Packaging in terms of capital equipment technology ?
Pragnesh Shah – As mentioned earlier , we are looking for indigenous machines which will fulfill our requirements and expectations . We have a robust technical evaluation team that defines the ‘ what ’ and ‘ why .’ If all such conditions and expectations are fulfilled , we would prefer Indian make machines , thereby supporting the Make in India movement . z
24 Packaging South Asia 25 August 2021