Top packaging producer is one of the first to deploy pioneering tension-measurement roller
In its quest to maintain the highest quality standards, leading film and packaging manufacturer Bischof + Klein has turned to the FMS-segFORCE®, the world’s first segmented tension-measurement roller
When you’re making packaging for major global brands, quality is critical. It secures your revenue and reputation while maximizing productivity. That’s why Bischof + Klein, one of Europe’s top suppliers of flexible plastic and plastic laminate packaging and technical films, has recently installed ground-breaking technology from Swiss engineering firm FMS on laminating lines at its main plant in north-western Germany.
For Bischof + Klein, optimal material quality relies on consistent tension distribution across the web. Its process engineers wanted a way to monitor this by measuring the tension of individual foils. However, this was impossible with conventional tension-monitoring systems that have only a single force sensor at each end of the roller.
The answer was the FMS-segFORCE, the world’s first segmented tension-measurement roller. Its multiple independent force sensors monitor the tension across the web with up to 50 measuring points and thus provide a tension profile for the entire width of a web. In this way, it can detect the smallest tension deviations from segment to segment.
By adding the FMS-segFORCE to its operations, Bischof + Klein became one of the first major converting company to take advantage of this new technology.
Transformative technology
Bischof + Klein decided to deploy the FMS-segFORCE first on one of its triplex laminators. To start with, the dimensions of the laminator and the relevant process data were recorded on site. FMS used this to produce a customized measuring roller consisting of 32 segments.
The new FMS-segFORCE was installed on the line in a short maintenance window of just a few hours.
As a result, Bischof + Klein can now monitor the tension across the entire width of the web and spot even small, sporadic deviations.
The special adhesive coating on the surface of the FMS-segFORCE’s roller segments increases the friction between the roller and the material so individual segments rotate easily even with low web tension. This is important to Bischof + Klein because its triplex laminator operates at a tension of just 40 to 100 newtons. To keep the breakaway torque of the segments as low as possible, FMS uses special, smooth-running roller bearings.
Decisive data
Bischof + Klein’s Daniel Webers says: “The FMS-segFORCE helps us decisively assess the properties of our material webs. The measurement and display of a tension profile over the entire web width gives us information about the tension distribution within the web.With the data from the segmented measuring roller, we can identify disturbance factors and eliminate their causes. The clear display enables us to exclude faulty material from further processing. In this way, we ensure consistently high product quality and save valuable machine capacity at the same time.”
Daniel Webers, Laminating, Bischof + Klein SE & Co. KG
About Bischof + Klein
Bischof + Klein is one of Europe's leading full-service suppliers of flexible plastic and plastic laminate packaging and technical films. The product range encompasses both traditional industrial packaging as well as highly converted consumer packaging and innovative special films for technical applications. Around the world, major industrial corporations and well-known brand manufacturers from all sectors place their trust in sustainable packaging solutions and technical films from Bischof + Klein.
How do they do it? Inside the FMS-segFORCE
- The FMS-segFORCE measuring roller features a rigid axis on which individual, movable segments are arranged. The segments are locked pneumatically via a central connection.
Each segment consists of a force sensor, an integrated measuring amplifier and a roller bearing with the rotating shell. - Segments are supplied with power and signals via the axis. The roller is connected to the machine frame on both sides via functional side brackets that also contain all the electronics, fully protected from dirt and other environmental influences.
- Ethernet connectivity (PROFINET or other) enables data transmission to a PC or the machine's master controller.
- FMS's own software provides a clear read-out of the measured tension values, which are recorded for analysis and optimization. The intuitive user interface allows easy configuration of the roller.
Image gallery
Illustration 1: The FMS-segFORCE features up to 50 independent force sensors that measure the smallest tension deviations between the segments. It is particularly suitable for processing elastic and sensitive materials.
Illustration 2: Detailed view of the FMS-segFORCE with foil. The glossy adhesive coating to increase friction is clearly visible.
Illustration 3: Fully equipped segmented measuring roller for measuring the tension profile over the entire web width
Illustration 4: FMS-segFORCE software. Top: Individual measured values of the segments. Bottom: Tension profile with repeating fault pattern. Conventional tension measurement technology cannot detect this type of fault pattern, or can only do so with difficulty.
Illustration 5: Tension profile with strong one-sided tension. The low web tension of 40 N/m web width results in a tension of 3 Newton per segment, which is measured here.
