Wear and tear on your slitter rewinder is inevitable. In a dynamic packaging market that demands shorter runs, more frequent tool changes, and multiple substrate requirements, increased equipment stress is just part of the deal. Slitter rewinders are also built to run at high speeds with frequent cycles. Parts such as brakes, nip rollers, belts, motor drive systems, etc. get an intense workout on a daily basis. And then you have electronic components such as controls and touch-screens; they need maintenance too.

The bottom line? Preventative and ongoing maintenance is essential, and there’s no way around it. Not only does this help you get the most out of your slitter rewinder, but it protects the quality and integrity of your products. Improved productivity and profitability, better safety practices, more consistent processing, reduced downtime and the list goes on and on. That adds up quickly!

Please reference the manual that came with your slitter rewinder for a complete listing of maintenance items and frequency of service. For the purposes of this blog, we’ve put together a modified list of common items that need your attention along with basic guidelines based on those for our Deacro brand slitter rewinders.

Idlers: Monthly

• • Check to see if idlers run freely and quietly.
  • Verify the condition of the covering. Replace or clean as required.
  • Ensure bearing screws are tight and that idlers have not shifted.

Bow Roller: Every Three Months

• • Make sure it is running smoothly at high speeds, that the sleeve has not separated from the bearings, and that the bowed roller has not shifted laterally – causing a drive belt misalignment.
  • Check the drive assist belt for tension and wear, and replace as needed.

Drive Train: Every Three Months

• • Inspect all drive belts for proper tension per your datasheets, including excessive wear and alignment problems.
  • Check the alignment and condition of the nip roller. There should be adequate contact with the drive roller at the ends and in the middle.
  • Check for excessive wear and coating integrity of the drive roller, and clean as needed. This includes checking for run-out and vibration.

Slitting System: Frequently

There is a lot going on with the slitting system! Some items need to be checked weekly, while others such as position system functions, knife settings, and alignment of knife shafts can be checked every three months. For this blog, we will highlight items that need to be checked weekly.

Mechanical, Shear, Razor:

• • • Check shear holders for adequate clamping on the dovetail, and the condition of the shear blades.
    • Ensure knife spindle bearings are in good condition with proper angular clearance.
    • Check the lower shear knives for sharpness and damage.
    • Change razor blades as required.

Score System:

• • • Check score knives for wear and replace as needed.
    • Ensure adequate cutting pressure.
    • If there is excessive wear or grooving on the score anvils, replace as needed.

Knife Position Feedback Devices:

• • • Calibrate the home position and verify accuracy of the read-out.

Lay-on: Monthly

• • Ensure proper clamping by checking mechanical systems.
  • Identify any damage and check bearings for smooth operation.
  • If applicable, check the servo drive components for excessive wear.
  • Every six months, be sure to lubricate pivot points, and grease the actuator gearbox and actuator rods.

Support Arms: Every Three Months

• • Check for proper alignment, lubricate various pivot points and the sliding barrel latch. Confirm arm side-play for the main pivot joint is minimal.

Rewind Shafts: Every Three Months

• • Inspect the shaft alignment and adjust as needed.
  • Check for shaft damage and evidence of overload.
  • Make sure the fit of the removable end support pin has sufficient clearance.
  • Replace the locking set screw for correct torque transfer through the hex socket.

Roll Lock Tooling: Frequently

• • At least monthly or weekly, remove and clean the tooling of residue and core dust. Re-oil according to your equipment’s recommended procedures.
  • On a weekly basis, check and re-oil the driving felts and replace as required.

Shaft Supports: Monthly

• • Check for proper function and alignment.

Once again, check the manual that came with your slitter rewinder. We also recommend posting the manual maintenance checklist near your equipment if you have not already done so.

In the meantime to not hesitate to contact us for emergency service and spare parts at 844 MYDAVIS.

For any other questions or comments, e-mail marketing.

Stay safe and healthy!

Cheers,
The D-S Connect Blog Team

P.S. We’d love to hear your maintenance thoughts, comment below.