MASKING PRODUCTS – Tapes, Caps & Plugs
Expanding Converting Capacity
Greentree have
announced they have
recently placed an
order for a third
automatic log slitter.
The new machine is
scheduled for
completion in April
and will be up and
running by mid-May.
The new log slitter is suitable for cutting
masking and protection tapes along with
double sided and cloth tapes. Capable of
handling rolls up 400 mm diameter by 1.6
metres wide. Driven by servo motors and
controlled by a PLC the slitter is capable of
cutting rolls as narrow as 1 mm.
The 3D printer has a build area of 340 mm
* 330 mm * 200 mm high so is capable of
producing large parts. Primarily the printer
has been used to prototype designs prior to
tool manufacture. However, a number of
customers have used the 3D printed masks
in their finishing processes.
Since the installation of the second log slitter,
Greentree have seen a growth in the amount
of roll converting business. This third machine
will ensure customers can quickly receive
orders for both standard widths of tape and
custom widths.
Whilst there are a number of 3D printers
on the market, there are very few that can
print materials that resemble the rubber like
properties of masks for surface finishing.
Greentree looked at less expensive equipment,
but chose this machine due to the
accuracy of the printer and the
printed material options.
This printer allows the Design
Engineers to quickly produce
a working piece from their
CAD design. Both the designer
and the customer can then
review the mask and try
it in the part. So far the printer
has helped a number of
customers visualize their final
product prior to the moulding
tool being cut.
Rapid fulfilment of orders is crucial in the
surface finishing and protection industries.
This equipment allows Greentree to hold
wide log rolls of tape and cut them down
to size as customer demand dictates.
3D Printing enters
surface finishing
In terms of lead time, the
printer means a designer can
draw up the design during
the day, print the part overnight
and be at the customer’s door
the following day to review it.
The printer requires a rigid maintenance
routine to keep it performing efficiently
and ensure it can keep up with demand.
Although the benefits it brings are worth
the effort to bring 3D printing into surface
finishing and protection.
Custom masks can now be printed
in a rubber like material. Greentree
have purchased a 3D
printer and associated
equipment that is capable
of printing in a rubber
like material.
The printer was installed
at the end of 2013 and
has already been used
successfully in a number
of surface finishing and
protection projects.
38
May 2014
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