After more than 23 years of reliable operation, the cast-film winder on a Windmoeller & Hoelscher FILMEX extruder line with a 5-layer feedblock has been modernized at Germany’s Profol Harbke GmbH.

The aim of the project was to ensure the high reliability and quality of the production processes in the long term while increasing operator safety through the use of modern technology. As part of the modernization, discontinued components were replaced in a targeted manner to ensure the long-term availability and functionality of the FILMATIC M winder. The measures included installation of new control cabinets, replacement of the converter technology, and introduction of a modern user interface (HMI) (above).

Particular emphasis was placed on maintaining the familiar operating structures to avoid a longer familiarization period for operating personnel. A short training session was enough to enable a seamless transition during operation. This meant that production could continue without significant interruptions.

“We value the close and cooperative partnership with W&H. Thanks to their commitment, we were able to implement the modernization within the planned time frame and continue production without interruption,” says Marco Dudda, head-Production & Technology, Profol Harbke GmbH.

One of the main objectives of the modernization was to increase operator safety, which was achieved by using modern technology and complying with current safety standards. At the same time, the excellent winding quality at a production speed of up to 200 mpm had to be maintained. The precise technical implementation has not only ensured the efficiency of the system for years to come, but also its performance. This ensures that production standards will continue to meet the highest requirements in the future.