Tips

I've seen a lot of converting operations in my 34 years of being "in the field". The thing that separates the successful and the mediocre is machine down time. What's the number one cause of machine downtime? Roll changes. I have seen roll changes that take 1-2 seconds all the way up to 1-2 hours.

The good news is YOU can control how much downtime you suffer due to roll changes. YOU can implement new equipment and procedures to decrease roll change time.

Look at each area in your facility and consider all of the technologies that are available, which may speed roll changes. You should look at:

• Air shafts: How easy to handle are your air shafts?
• Can you use an accumulator to run your machine continuously?
• Do you have the proper splice equipment?
• Roll handling equipment. Make ready procedures for your operators.

Any changes you make to your operation to speed roll changes with GREATLY affect your bottom line.