Bearings at the cutting edge of slitter/rewinder machines

Machines of this type are used for the processing of products such as flexible packaging materials, films and laminates. The quality and lead-time of its turntable bearings and spur gears, together with the application and selection advice provided by Rodriguez, are said to have been key elements that led to the initial purchasing decision.

Since its establishment in 1976 as one of the converting industry’s pioneers, Atlas Converting Equipment Ltd has grown to become a world-leading supplier and provider of solutions in slitting and rewinding technology, as well as finished roll-handling systems. The company’s Atlas and Titan brands are recognised worldwide with over 4,000 installations of primary and secondary slitter-rewinders in more than 80 countries.

Increasing demand for thinner BoPET (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate) films and clear barrier coatings, as well as a trend towards sustainable biodegradable and compostable products, means there are new challenges emerging for converter shops worldwide. Developing into new markets with extensive research and development, the latest technology from Atlas Converting enables complex products to be processed in their optimum condition, ensuring good quality rewind reels, maximised production and minimised waste. A further market demand is seeing more and more converter shops seeking out compact solutions.

Atlas states that from three years in research and development together with multi-million-pound investment in new parts design and processes, this new Compact Dual Turret Slitter Rewinder demonstrates “unparalleled build standards with solid and dependable engineering from the outset”. The ER610-DT project delivers high combinations of operator safety with notable productivity improvements and reduced machine download times. 

To arrive at the solution, Atlas Converting called upon the support of its supply chain and had been a customer of R.A. Rodriguez (UK) for 21 years, so the company had no hesitation in enquiring about a turntable bearing and spur gear from them for the Titan ER610-DT.

Rodriguez says it is highly experienced in supplying turntable bearings for demanding applications, and that their assistance in selecting the bearing and pinion gave Atlas Converting the necessary confidence and trust for this important project. “They wanted a solution that was capable of turning quite a large load, but without any compromise in accuracy,” states Dave Young, Bearings Product Manager at Rodriguez. 

A KDM medium-series four-point-contact bearing was recommended as it is robust and proven in the toughest applications. KDM turntable bearings allow for a compact design with a significantly higher load performance rating, as axial and radial loads - and tilting moments - can be absorbed. For the Titan ER610-DT, a 644mm diameter bearing was specified with standard clearance (diameters from less than 100mm to higher than 6,000mm can be supplied). 

Featuring hardened raceways, the bearings can be supplied un-geared or with gear teeth as an integral part of either the inner or outer ring. For Atlas Converting, an external steel KHK spur gear was delivered featuring an involute tooth shape. Involute tooth forms are advantageous due to their ability to absorb small centre distance errors, while the thick roots of the teeth add strength. The Rodriguez turntable bearing and spur gear form part of the ER610-DT’s dual-turret winding module. In essence, the machine has four rewind shafts for high productivity, with each turret containing two rewind shafts. The turrets are of cantilevered design, eliminating the need for centre cross shafts. Winding takes place on two rewind shafts, while the other two shafts can be loaded with cores, enabling a fast changeover on completion of winding.

More information on the new ER610-DT online launch can be found here .