Spencer, MA-based FLEXcon is regarded as a global leader in customer-driven, pressure-sensitive film solutions. So, it's no mystery that when the converter needed to upgrade its slitting operation, it ultimately chose to purchase six new systems from machinery supplier Valmet Converting.

In business for more than 45 years, FLEXcon has been creating value-added solutions with p-s films for its customers, seeing almost five decades of uninterrupted expansion.

With over 10,000 standard and custom products produced each year, the converter is recognized as being one of the most innovative in the industry. Its products find their way into identification labels, point-of-purchase & promotional graphics, novelty stickers and decals.

The half dozen Titan SR7 twin-shafted slitter/rewinders are now working at FLEXcon production sites in Spencer, and Columbus, NE. All are designed to meet FLEXcon's specific requirements for product quality and high-volume throughput. Replacing several older machines, the new systems have dramatically streamlined the slitting task.

The 71-in. wide Titan SR7s have a maximum rewind diameter of 32 in. on 3- and 6-in. cores. They run at speeds of up to 2,000 fpm.

An ability to handle a wide variety of PSA materials at high production speeds was an essential part of the machines' specification. The Titan SR7 comes standard with a 3-motor, AC digital-drive configuration, ensuring responsive tension control. A current trend in the PSA industry is to run "just-in-time" deliveries of shorter production runs. This requirement was one of FLEXcon's primary concerns during its selection and specification of the machines.

The Titan SR7 has a wide range of additional automation options:

• An automatic knife-positioning system places male and female knives to an accuracy of +/-0.006 in. within 90 sec. This cuts "make-ready" time for changing slit widths dramatically.
• Laser core positioning is linked to the knife-positioning system and provides a quick, accurate guide for the operator in positioning the new rewind cores for restarting the slitting process.
• All of the above parameters are saved within the Titan control system under a "Product Data File," allowing easy, accurate job repeatability.
• Handling and unloading of finished rolls can be done automatically with an AC-motor driven unit to safely strip the finished packages off the rewind shafts and onto unloading trolleys. The trolley then turns 90 deg away from the machine, leaving the empty shafts ready for positioning new cores.

Titan engineers worked in close collaboration with the FLEXcon team to optimize machine specs and integration of the six-machine delivery to the two facilities. All machine settings and running parameters are linked into FLEXcon's automated production system.

"Titan's strategy is to work in close partnership with customers to provide the correct technology to be integrated with the customer's operational expertise," explains Alan Johnson, vp of Titan slitter/rewinders in the UK. "This ensures all targets are achieved, and our customer finds the solution required for greater productivity and profitability."