How to benefit from die cleaning by experts
At some point, every die has to be cleaned - when this happens in a nonwovens line depends on the material produced, the raw materials and additives used and the production conditions. At the latest when, for example, there are fluctuations in the basis weight or the starting pressure has increased with a new package, the time has come for a thorough die cleaning.
Die cleaning is complex
Die cleaning is a job for experts: improper cleaning can damage the die and, in the worst case, result in total failure. Dies are complex components and errors can occur just as quickly when removing and reinstalling them in the system as when dismantling them into individual parts for cleaning. Die cleaning is also manual work.
When is it time for a die cleaning?
Please pay attention to the following:
Professional die cleaning increases the service life of the die
It all depends on the right technique, the right material and maximum precision. For example, surfaces in the flow channel are sanded in a specific direction using special sandpaper. If the sanding direction is incorrect, the resistance increases and dirt is deposited more quickly. Incorrect polishing can also lead to quality problems.
The right cleaning solution for every die
The Reifenhäuser Reicofil service team cleans spunbond and meltblown dies, including Bico designs, from Reifenhäuser Reicofil and other manufacturers worldwide. Anyone who orders cleaning from the experts can be sure that the right materials and tools are selected for the respective die and that the cleaning is carried out by experienced personnel. When cleaning dies, the experts remove material deposits in the flow channel, polish surfaces to a high gloss, replace worn parts such as fastening screws, seals and heating cartridges and recut threads. The insulation can also be replaced at the customer's request. In short: old becomes like new.
Extend tool life, produce more efficiently
With professional die cleaning, manufacturers not only ensure a long die service life. Regular cleaning reduces the internal die pressure and improves the behavior of the melt flow across the entire width of the die. Customers can then resume production with the usual quality and high efficiency.
Three ways to a like-new die
Die cleaning is time-consuming in spunbond production, but can usually be easily planned. Reifenhäuser offers nonwovens manufacturers three ways of professional die cleaning:
Full service from specialists on site
In most cases, the service technicians travel to the nonwovens producer and clean the die or several dies at the same time during a planned system shutdown. Reifenhäuser sends a checklist in advance that shows manufacturers what they need to prepare, such as storage areas for the dies and the scheduling of sufficient personnel for support. The die is first dismantled, disassembled and then cleaned and polished, reassembled, installed and aligned. The whole process usually takes five to seven days.
Full service at Reifenhäuser Reicofil
Alternatively, the die can be sent to Reifenhäuser Reicofil in Troisdorf. It will then be professionally reconditioned there. In this case, customers do not have to provide their own personnel and the service team takes care of the entire organization.
Exchange die
If the system needs to be down for even less time, a die replacement is a time-saving alternative. Reifenhäuser Reicofil sends a refurbished, cleaned and serviced die, fitted with new parts, to the customer. This die is configured and adapted for the specific system. The exchange die is then replaced with the soiled system die at the customer's premises. In this way, production can often be restarted after just three days.
The customer becomes the owner of the supplied nozzle, Reifenhäuser Reicofil of the removed die. However, the prerequisite for die replacement is that a suitable replacement die is available.
Complete package for cleaning system components
In addition to die cleaning, Reifenhäuser Service also offers special packages for cleaning the extruder. While dies usually need to be cleaned more frequently than extruders, it is important to clean and maintain both components regularly. If a die is cleaned but the extruder is dirty, there can still be problems with quality and productivity. The different system components can also be cleaned at the same time during a planned system shutdown - a clean job.
You are interested in cleaning services for your die or extruder? Please contact us.
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