Big roll diameter

Over the past 25 years, the diameter of the paper rolls used in web offset printing has consistently increased. The continuing pressure to rationalise means that commercial printers and newspaper printers are asking about the benefits and disadvantages of switching from the current standard 1250 mm diameter rolls to 1500 mm. The benefits of the larger diameter are obvious: lower operating costs as a result of fewer roll changes, reduced paper waste and less splicing. All this means more efficient utilisation of the presses and reduced manning, since there are less rolls to handle.

PrintCity carried out a detailed study looking at migration from 1250 mm to 1500 mm rolls.The project participants included experts from the member companies and a number of other specialists.

The production chain is as strong as its weakest link

Paper rolls with a diameter of 1500 mm are not just an issue which needs to be faced by the manufacturers of pasters.The weight of a single roll—up to five tonnes—raises a number of questions with respect to floor conveyors, load securing, storage, unwinding and the strength of the roll cores. The PrintCity project team looked into the impact such rolls would have on paper making, logistics in printing plants and cost efficiency.

Printers and customers now have a guideline available to them for this long-term investment; a study based on the experiences of all the companies involved, covering the pros and cons and the ideal time for making the change. On the basis of this checklist, interested parties can perform a model calculation to assess the impact of changing the roll diameter in their own specific case and thus they can save the considerable costs of a consultancy service.

PrintCity partners

• Ifra
• Sonoco Alcore
  
  

This project was initiated by Activity Group Publishing, Commercial & Web.

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