When looking to purchase a new machine line, many companies carefully compare OEMs, machine specifications and production capabilities.
But once that machine is installed, people assume the original corona treater has to remain with it for the rest of its working life.
It doesn’t.
Your press may still have years of productive life ahead of it. But if your corona treater is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, struggling with newer substrates or limiting production performance, you don’t necessarily need a whole new line.
The original surface treatment system can be replaced or upgraded independently of the press itself, meaning you can improve your treatment performance and reduce machine downtime, without replacing the production line you’ve already heavily invested in.
Demands change
Today’s production demands are very different to when many existing presses were originally installed. Your press, laminator or extrusion line may remain mechanically sound for decades but surface treatment technology continues to evolve.
We see the requirement for higher production speeds, newer more complex substrates, more demanding coatings and adhesives, shorter production runs with faster changeovers and better energy efficiency. Retrofitting a new corona treater allows you to benefit from these advances while maximising the value of the production equipment you already own – you’re not tied to the original treater supplier
One of the biggest misconceptions in our industry is that a corona treater can only be serviced, upgraded or replaced by the company that originally supplied it. However, many of our customers are those who have chosen to replace existing surface treatment systems with Vetaphone technology, regardless of who manufactured the original equipment.
Whether you’re looking to replace a complete treatment station, upgrade a generator or modernise controls, a retrofit can often be completed with minimal disruption to your production.
“Many suppliers offer only standard products, but with Vetaphone we have been able to refine specification to suit our exact requirements. We also appreciate the after sales support and programme of continuous improvement from which we have benefitted over the years with various upgrades.” – Project Manager, CeDo
Of course, every retrofit is different, but the reasons for the switch are nearly always similar. Sometimes the original corona treater has become obsolete and spare parts are becoming difficult to source, sometimes production has evolved beyond the capabilities of the original installation and sometimes the product and/or the aftercare is not what was originally promised at the point of sale.
Increasingly, companies are looking to standardise their surface treatment across multiple lines to simplify maintenance, operator training and often to benefit from multi-system discounts on maintenance contracts and spares.
Changing suppliers is rarely about replacing equipment that has failed, but more about ensuring your line continues to perform at the levels your customers have come to expect.
Engineered around your production
Every retrofit starts with understanding your ‘typical’ application, and any future applications that you may look to offer to your customers – or that they may demand.
When retrofitting our surface treatment to your press we look at the existing machine, production speeds, substrates used, available space on your factory floor and any future requirements. The objective for us is always to integrate the new system with as little disruption to your production as possible.
Referring to a real world example – LMI Packaging based in the US, had originally purchased presses fitted with another manufacturers corona treatment system, as standard. But over time they experienced repeated stoppages caused by condensation and humidity, and maintenance challenges that were affecting output.
Once they made the decision to retrofit Vetaphone technology they reported more reliable operation, easier and quicker maintenance and eliminated the production interruptions they had previously experienced.
The surface treatment fitted when your machine was installed doesn’t have to remain there for the life of the press.
Whether your goal is to improve treatment performance, reduce maintenance, prepare for new substrates or standardise equipment across multiple lines, or plants, retrofitting Vetaphone can often deliver significant benefits with minimal disruption to production.
If you’re beginning to question whether your existing corona treater is still meeting your production requirements, please reach out.
Sometimes the biggest improvement you can make to your production line is replacing the technology that prepares every metre of material before production even begins!
