Displaying items by tag: voith

Voith is expanding its facility in Laakirchen. For more efficient production, the company is currently extending its production areas by around 3,150 square meters. It is also adding new offices and a logistics hall with a new access road for heavy goods vehicles. 

A large proportion of global paper production is done on Voith machines and equipment. The technology group, which has its head office in Heidenheim, Germany, delivers rolls for paper machines all over the world from its facility in Laakirchen, Austria. As well as producing new rolls, the Laakirchen plant also receives rolls for servicing at regular intervals, e.g. for the renewal of roll covers. The different types of rolls have various functions, e.g. they help guide the paper webs evenly through the machine, and are used for dewatering, pressing and drying. They also ensure that the paper has a uniform smoothness and gloss. In addition, the rolls, which can be up to 15 meters long and weigh as much as 120 metric tons, have to master speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour.

Voith Laakirchen, AustriaVoith Laakirchen, Austria

The purpose of the expansion is to be able to assemble the rolls with as little effort and waiting times as possible and thus significantly accelerate the entire process. Following the expansion, this will be achieved by systematic cycle timing, the clear separation of production lines and a realigned machining tool. “Through this comprehensive investment in Laakirchen we are underscoring our leading role for the European paper industry in respect of rolls, roll covers and associated services,” says Manfred Jaspersen, Operations Manager of Voith Paper Rolls. Due to its central location, Laakirchen is the ideal site for facilitating short routes to customers.

About Voith Paper
The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group and a leading full-line supplier as well as pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations Voith is optimizing the paper manufacturing process and facilitating resource-conserving production. With its Servolution concept, Voith offers its customers as reliable partner tailored service solutions for all sections of the production process. The company’s Papermaking 4.0 concept ensures that equipment is optimally networked, while the effective and secure use of the generated data enables paper manufacturers to improve their competitiveness.

About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has more than 19,000 employees, sales of € 4.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the large family-owned companies in Europe.

Published in European News
Tagged under

Voith recently reached a deal with Lucart Group for the delivery of a BlueLine stock preparation system at the company’s paper mill headquarters in Porcari, Italy. 

  • Significant increase in production capacity
  • Energy savings of up to 25 percent
  • Maximum fiber cleaning and sustainable fiber utilization 

The scope of supply includes all the latest Voith technologies to minimize energy consumption and achieve maximum efficiency in fiber usage. Above all, the Intensa technology was a key factor for Lucart in choosing Voith. With this pulping technology, based on a flow optimized vat and an eccentrically arranged rotor, Lucart will benefit from a significant increase in production capacity and energy savings of up to 25 percent compared to conventional technologies. The new stock preparation line will be equipped with additional energy-efficient components and systems – like ComMix, InduraHiClean and the Pluralis refining technology – which will help the mill to accomplish its goal of maximum sustainable fiber usage.

Voith BlueLineVoith BlueLine

“At Lucart, we’re continuously seeking to improve the sustainability of our operations,” said Franco Pasquini, Technical Director at Lucart. “Energy consumption reduction and efficient fiber usage are key targets in all our operations. The installation of the latest stock preparation technologies from Voith will contribute to accomplish our strategic goals.”

“Lucart is well known for its focus on environmental sustainability and experience in raw materials usage,” said Roberto Buzzi, Sales Manager, Voith Paper. “We’re proud of having earned their trust with our stock preparation technologies.”

About Lucart
Lucart, a leading company in Europe in the production of MG paper, tissue products and airlaid products, was founded in 1953 by the Pasquini Family. Lucart’s production capacity is 395,000 tons/year of paper on 12 paper machines and 65 converting lines. Its consolidated turnover will amount to more than €450 million, with more than 1,500 employees in ten production plants and a Logistic Center in Italy.

About Voith
Voith Paper is a Group Division of Voith and the leading partner and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations, the technology group is continually optimizing the paper manufacturing process and paving the way for resource-saving production. Thanks to Papermaking 4.0, paper manufacturers can interconnect their equipment in an optimum way and increase their competitiveness through the effective and secure use of generated data. With Servolution, Voith Paper offers its customers tailored service solutions for all sections of the production process.

Voith is a global technology group. With its wide range of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets for energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees and earns 4.2 billion euros in sales. It has locations in over 60 countries and is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe.

Published in European News
Tagged under

Voith recently reached a deal with Copamex of Monterrey, México, for the installation of a BlueLine stock preparation system at their mill in Anáhuac, which is being converted to drive Copamex’s growth into the containerboard and packaging markets in México.

  • New BlueLine stock preparation system from Voith is a key step in Copamex’s expansion plans
  • After the new stock preparation system starts up in early 2019, the mill will output 260,000 metric tons of testliner and corrugated medium
  • The system will utilize a variety of raw material including Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) and mixed waste

Previously, Copamex focused on printing and writing grade paper, but the new BlueLine stock preparation system from Voith is a key step in their expansion plans. The system will utilize a variety of raw material including Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) and mixed waste.

With its BlueLine Portfolio Voith is a full-line supplier of stock preparation components.With its BlueLine Portfolio Voith is a full-line supplier of stock preparation components.

“By partnering with Voith, we’re working with the company that has the most knowledge in processing highly contaminated furnish, and this will assist us with successfully launching our growth in the containerboard and packaging markets in México,” said Alonso González, CEO, Copamex. “The Voith team consistently understands the needs of our projects and customizes our stock preparation systems accordingly.”

As the a full-line supplier, Voith and MERI will be providing Copamex with all of the elements of the stock preparation system, including reliable material handling with automatic wire cutting, reject compactors, sludge handling, water clarification and effluent treatment. Realizing the project different steps have been taken to limit energy and water consumption, as well as making waste management improvements.

When the new stock preparation system starts up in early 2019, the mill will output 260,000 metric tons of testliner and corrugated medium per year for use in containerboard production.

“Copamex is known for their quality, innovation and versatility. Earning their continued business speaks volumes about our relationship and our experience with this type of raw material,” said Michael Hmielewski, Vice President of Project Sales, Stock Preparation, Voith North America. “When we worked together on other projects, we worked beside Copamex throughout every step of the process and we look forward to supporting them again as we all bring our expertise to this new facility in Anáhuac.” 

Published in South American News
Tagged under

At the beginning of the year the new Tissue XcelLine TM 7 successfully started up at the Ejea de los Caballeros mill of Gomà Camps Consumer in Spain. The smooth startup of the tissue line was achieved thru the modern and efficient XcelLine concept.

“From stock on wire, to paper on reel it took only 30 minutes and the TM 7 speed-up is over achieving the planned start up curve. This was a great team performance.” José Ignacio González Sarasúa, Mill Manager of Gomà Camps Consumer S.L.U., confirms. “With passion and technological knowledge all the specialists involved teamed up, resulting in the remarkable success of TM 7 project.”

Voith TM 7 XcelLine Tissue Machine at Gomà-Camps Ejea de los Caballeros, SpainVoith TM 7 XcelLine Tissue Machine at Gomà-Camps Ejea de los Caballeros, Spain

The TM 7 will have a working width of 2,800 millimeter and produces toilet paper and paper towels from 100 percent virgin pulp at a working speed of 2,000 meters per minute. Voith delivered the entire process line package to Gomà Camps: from BlueLine stock preparation and the double dilution approach flow system, the TM 7 XcelLine tissue machine, auxiliary equipment and system accessories all the way to the full automation, electrification and engineering. In addition, extensive services and replacement parts were included in the delivery, such as the entire clothing package, which is ideally coordinated with the requirements of shoe press technology. The entire new plant will be serviced 100 percent by Voith in an integrated maintenance and service concept.

Voith's XcelLine machines feature seamlessly coordinated and integrated components, technologies and services that enable fast start-up, excellent performance and high added value for its customers' investments. The scope of supply includes technologies that enable increased productivity and a lower use of energy and natural resources, including the MasterJet Pro T headbox, the modern NipcoFlex T shoe press, the EvoDry Y steel plate Yankee cylinder, the high-efficiency EcoHood T drying hood and the EcoChange T reel with automatic reel spool exchange. The NipcoFlex T shoe press contributes to the low energy consumption as well as to high super soft tissue qualities.

“With the integration in the Ejea site, the new TM 7 is a strategic step to strengthen our presence in the Iberian Peninsula and to deliver superior tissue quality with focus on sustainability,” explains Jordi Gomà-Camps, President of Gomà-Camps Group S.L., “From the very first minute of the project Voith was a true and reliable partner. With the latest Voith technologies installed in the process line, we ensure to have a competitive advantage for the best of our customers.”

Published in European News
Tagged under

Citing Voith capabilities and technology leadership, Green Bay Packaging has announced a landmark contract award that tasks Voith with providing a complete packaging production line. The new PM 4 will be installed at Green Bay Packaging’s location in Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA.

The family-owned paper and packaging producer Green Bay Packaging awarded Voith an order for a 300 inch (7.62 m) wide production line for testliner. The order includes an effluent treatment plant, BlueLine stock preparation, WEP, XcelLine paper machine with a design speed of 3,940 ft/min (1,200 m/min) and a VariFlex Performance winder. The package also includes paper machine clothing, a seven-year Total Roll Management contract for several machines, and Papermaking 4.0 products.

2018 07 27 111506

“Partnering with a family-owned company whose North American headquarters is in Appleton, Wisconsin, Green Bay Packaging is advancing its commitment to positively impacting the local economy and becoming a more sustainable producer. We appreciate Voith’s ability to get this advanced paper machine fully operational on a condensed timeline to help meet our customer demands,” said Will Kress, President and CEO of Green Bay Packaging.”

“Voith is proud of this historic project, and we are eager to continue our strong partnership with Green Bay Packaging,” said Martin Jauch, President Business Line Projects, Voith Paper North America.

The contract is of a breadth and scope previously unseen in the United States papermaking industry as a complete mill order has never before been sourced from a single manufacturer. Voith is the region’s only manufacturer capable of providing components for such a complete installation. The construction of the mill will be handled by Miron Construction Co, Inc., while KSH will supply the engineering, targeting a start-up in early 2021.

Published in North American News
Tagged under

German papermaker Progroup AG has chosen Voith’s XcelLine machine concept for its flagship greenfield plant, Propapier PM 3 GmbH. The site is scheduled to open in 2020 in Sandersdorf-Brehna in the northwest of Leipzig.

  • High performance XcelLine concept as decisive factor to receive contract
  • New PM 3 will produce 750,000 tons of testliner and corrugated medium annually
  • Start-up planned for 2020

voith logo 2013Progroup contracted with Voith in July to deliver PM 3, a 10,000 millimeter wire width machine with an annual production capacity of 750,000 tons of testliner and corrugated medium. Voith will supply the feeding system, BlueLine stock preparation; reject system, paper machine with hood and process air system, hall ventilation, reel spool transport system and winder. The new machine will have an operating speed of 1,600 meter per minute.

Voith Paper was selected because of the outstanding performance of its XcelLine machine concept, as well as the proven BlueLine stock preparation, clothing and roll covers, VariFlex XL winder, and mechanical roll service.

Construction is scheduled to begin on the Propapier PM 3 plant in early 2019 with completion slated for the second half of 2020. Together with Progroup’s nearby facilities in Burg and Eisenhüttenstadt, the containerboard manufacturer will have a total annual production capacity of approximately 1.85 million tons.

About the Company
Voith Paper is a Group Division of Voith and the leading partner and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations, the technology group is continually optimizing the paper manufacturing process and paving the way for resource-saving production. Thanks to Papermaking 4.0, paper manufacturers can interconnect their equipment in an optimum way and increase their competitiveness through the effective and secure use of generated data. With Servolution, Voith Paper offers its customers tailored service solutions for all sections of the production process.

Voith is a global technology group. With its wide range of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets for energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 19,000 employees and earns 4.2 billion euros in sales. It has locations in over 60 countries and is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe.

Published in European News
Tagged under

On 26 June, during ZELLCHEMING-Expo 2018, Voith introduced its new smart service package, Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper. It offers paper manufacturers the opportunity to have their new machine modeled in virtual reality. This means that Voith customers can benefit from more transparency, efficiency and safety in paper production over the entire life cycle of the machine.

Thanks to the new virtual reality technology a company can experience its own paper machine as early as the planning phaseThanks to the new virtual reality technology a company can experience its own paper machine as early as the planning phase

  • New paper machine can be brought to life as early as the planning phase
  • Better learning outcomes thanks to customized, interactive training programs for new and existing machines.
  • Staff can acquire proficiency in a safe virtual environment

With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper, paper manufacturers can obtain a digital representation of their very own new machine within a matter of days. The system allows the machine to be brought to life before it is even built, either on a monitor or for an even more realistic experience using virtual reality goggles. In the planning phase this makes it much easier to configure the machine and develop infrastructure e.g. for stock preparation, buildings and access routes in the planning phase. Providing information to stakeholders is also a much simpler matter if the characteristics and functions of individual components and the entire machine can be represented realistically at any location in the world.

With Virtual Reality by Voith Paper, paper manufacturers can become familiar with their paper machine in the planning phaseWith Virtual Reality by Voith Paper, paper manufacturers can become familiar with their paper machine in the planning phase

With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper effective use can be made of the time available prior to commissioning of the machine. Operators, maintenance crews and managers can acquire proficiency and familiarize themselves with the machine and those inner workings that are not directly accessible in real life. Virtual training programs allow personnel to acquire experience with the operation even though their paper machine is not yet running. Training in a virtual reality environment is about more than just visual perception; there is also a realistic noise backdrop and controls allow the user to move along the entire machine and execute certain hand actions. Much better learning outcomes can be achieved by addressing several sensory perceptions at once.

Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper also ensures more efficiency during operation itself. Staff can practice maintenance activities in advance in interactive training scenarios. The training not only includes all work processes, which are simulated step by step with the necessary tools, it also focuses on occupational safety. For example, the replacement of a press sleeve or screen basket can be simulated and practiced in a safe virtual environment before the task is due to be performed at the machine. The routine acquired in this way then leads to shorter downtimes in real-life maintenance, a lower error rate and a reduced risk of workplace accidents.

Maintenance operations can be tried out in advance in a safe environment by means of virtual training programsMaintenance operations can be tried out in advance in a safe environment by means of virtual training programs

With Virtual Reality Solutions by Voith Paper the company is taking its next step on route to Papermaking 4.0. “Our aim is to combine the potential offered by digitalization with the physical manufacturing process and in this way optimize paper production,” explains Thomas Holzer, President Business Line Projects Voith Paper. In doing so, Voith is once again offering its customers a tailored, intelligent service solution based on customer requirements that will significantly increase machine availability and process reliability

Published in European News
Tagged under

The new SmoothRun hydropneumatic damping bearing system for winders effectively reduces vibrations occurring during the winding process. Hydropneumatic damping allows for higher operating speeds and better winding results. Overall, capacity increases of up to 15 percent are possible. This compact upgrade solution is suitable for Voith and Jagenberg two-drum winders.

In conventional winders without special damping, vibrations can occur at higher production speeds for certain paper grades, and these vibrations can impair winding quality. To minimize the disruptive effect of vibrations during the winding process, the production speed and accelerations rates are reduced below the maximum capability of the winder. The solution: With SmoothRun hydropneumatic damping bearings from Voith the vibrations can be effectively reduced even at high speeds, allowing the equipment to operate at consistently high production speeds. At the same time, SmoothRun improves the winding results and reduces the overall mechanical stress on the machine.

SmoothRun helps achieve higher operating speeds and improved winding results.SmoothRun helps achieve higher operating speeds and improved winding results.

Eliminating bottlenecks through capacity upgrades
Papier- und Kartonfabrik Varel (PKV) based in Lower Saxony, produces high-quality corrugating medium and testliner on its PM 5. Until now, the existing VariFlex M had to be run at a lower speed when producing paper grades sensitive to vibrations. The result is the winder could barely keep up with the production of the paper machine.

The purpose of the hydropneumatic damping bearings was to allow the winder to be operated at the maximum speed. “Following commissioning of the new bearing system we were able to reduce vibrations for all paper grades and increase speeds. We are currently optimizing the settings of the bearing system with intensive support from Voith,” explains Michael Wolff, Line Manager Equipment at PK Varel. “Following this optimization phase we assume that the speed of the winder can be increased. While further enhancements together with Voith are being made the winder can keep pace with the production of the PM 5,” says Wolff. Voith is helping the company achieve this goal by providing intensive support, e.g. by performing vibration measurements.

Wide range of winder upgrades
Voith offers a wide selection of upgrades enabling existing winders to be specifically adapted to today's requirements. For further information have a look at http://voith.com/winder-upgrades

Published in European News
Tagged under

TerraSpeed roll coatings from Voith have been used successfully for many years. The product range now has a new addition – TerraSpeed Supreme, featuring new and impressive design parameters that give the coating outstanding performance values. TerraSpeed Supreme is already being used successfully in more than 15 installations worldwide.

The new functional coating of TerraSpeed Supreme ensures very stable roughness values and outstanding sheet release. Thanks to its improved coating structure, TerraSpeed Supreme minimizes web breaks and can reduce the open draws. In addition, TerraSpeed Supreme enables much longer roll service lives.

The new functional coating of TerraSpeed Supreme ensures very stable roughness values and outstanding sheet release.The new functional coating of TerraSpeed Supreme ensures very stable roughness values and outstanding sheet release.

Improved operational reliability at Hamburger Austria
There are already more than 15 successful installations operating worldwide. Voith customers are impressed by the new coating and have already placed follow-up orders. One such customer is renowned corrugated base board manufacturer Hamburger Pitten. Josef Krenn, Operations Director and Markus Ungersböck, Head of Mechanical Maintenance at Hamburger Pitten in Austria explain the success story of TerraSpeed Supreme as follows: “At Hamburger Austria we produce a high-quality, diverse range of corrugating medium, packaging papers and plasterboard on our PM 4 in Pitten. The sophisticated use of different raw materials, auxiliaries and operating supplies imposes stringent requirements on the Nipco-P roll, the key position in the press section. Following the expansion of our range of paper grades, performance and doctoring using standard ceramic roll covers for this position became very unstable. A greater number of web breaks, and in some cases even sheet passing under the doctor blade, as well as premature roll changes to re-machine surfaces after relatively short periods of service, were suddenly day-to-day occurrences.”

Voith engineers also recognized the challenge and helped the customer to select the best coating in combination with suitable doctor blades, as Krenn and Ungersböck confirm: “Since we have been using the new TerraSpeed Supreme from Voith Paper operation has been absolutely reliable at this critical position. In combination with Voith's SkyTerra S doctor blades, we have now been operating the unit for more than 2 years without interruptions and there has been no need to re-machine the roll surface. Web breaks originating from the Nipco-P roll have dropped significantly, sheet passing does not occur anymore and performance has been very stable over the entire operating time. The newly developed ceramic-coating TerraSpeed Supreme from Voith Paper has significantly improved our production but above all has made it operationally reliable again.”

The SkyTerra S blade with negative facet was specially developed for use with TerraSpeed Supreme.The SkyTerra S blade with negative facet was specially developed for use with TerraSpeed Supreme.

Mondi impressed by TerraSpeed Supreme and SkyTerra S
Basically, the high wear resistance of Voith's TerraSpeed Supreme enables continuous doctoring at maximum load. The SkyTerra S blade with negative facet was specially developed for use with TerraSpeed Supreme. But the successful use of TerraSpeed Supreme at Hamburger Pitten is not an isolated example. The Mondi production facility in Frantschach, Austria, has also had a similar experience. Andreas Petschenig, maintenance engineer at the Mondi paper mill in Frantschach, is also impressed by the premium coating: “In Frantschach we produce high-quality sack kraft paper grades on our PM 6 and PM 8. The sophisticated use of materials including chemical auxiliaries and operating supplies means that the press has to meet fairly exacting production engineering requirements. For example, following the installation of the shoe press at the PM 6 the doctoring on the ceramic covers of the shoe press counter roll became unreliable. A greater number of web breaks, sheet passing, and high web draws were almost part of the daily routine, as were roll changes to re-machine surfaces after relatively short periods in operation.”

Thanks to the new coating there has been a considerable improvement in performance at Mondi in Frantschach as well, as Petschenig reports: “All these problems have been solved since we started using TerraSpeed Supreme from Voith Paper. In combination with the Voith doctor blades SkyTerra and SkyTop, the cover service lives could be substantially increased. There is no more sheet passing and web draws could be reduced. The newly developed ceramic cover TerraSpeed Supreme from Voith has considerably simplified our production.” In the meantime, TerraSpeed Supreme has also been running successfully for a year in the shoe press of the PM 5 at Mondi Steti.

Now that numerous other Voith customers have had a similar positive experience with TerraSpeed Supreme. Taylor designed doctor blades like SkyTerra S and SkyTop S can even enhance that high performance level.

Published in European News
Tagged under

The NanoSelect calender roll covers are tailored precisely to the specific requirements of a paper machine and as a result increase machine efficiency and paper quality. The desired roll cover properties are determined in consultation between a specialist from the paper manufacturer and the Voith sales engineer. The NanoSelect calender roll covers are configured using the specially developed product selector software.

The Voith consultant uses the software to put together the best technology for the roll cover. The result is a mixture of standard and application-specific components.The Voith consultant uses the software to put together the best technology for the roll cover. The result is a mixture of standard and application-specific components.

Through the product selector and NanoSelect calender roll covers Voith is offering a new and unique way of satisfying individual customer requirements. Because the requirements that a roll cover needs to meet differ from paper machine to paper machine. This is why paper manufacturers often have to make compromises when selecting a cover. The new product selector software now allows paper makers to quickly and easily configure and procure the ideal roll cover for their specific application.

During a consultation with a sales specialist from Voith, the customer prioritizes their most important properties on the basis of parameters like wear or barring resistance. The consultant uses the software to put together the best technology for the roll cover. The result is a mixture of standard and application-specific components. This means that every cover is a one-off and is produced individually for the customer. Voith is grouping these customized roll covers under the new product name NanoSelect.

The NanoSelect calender roll covers are tailored precisely to the specific requirements of a paper machine and as a result increase machine efficiency and paper quality.The NanoSelect calender roll covers are tailored precisely to the specific requirements of a paper machine and as a result increase machine efficiency and paper quality.

As NanoSelect roll covers are ideally matched to the requirements of a specific application, they facilitate the production of paper in the desired quality.

Regardless of the paper manufacturers' individual requirements they can use the product selector and NanoSelect to configure their roll covers in an ideal way to obtain the desired properties. For example, if a paper producer has a barring problem in a SoftNip calender despite low loading, a new module in NanoSelect will help reduce this. Another example is the gloss module, which results in a higher gloss and can potentially allow for the adaptation of color formulations and the associated savings.

Published in European News
Tagged under