The Customer
LMI Packaging is a third-generation converter based in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Established in 1967 the company has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of labels and lids in the US under the current leadership of CEO JP Moran. LMI employs more than 150 people at its 72,000 sq.ft. facility and is looking to expand its capacity to meet growing demand.
The Product
Brought up on a diet of self-adhesive/pressure sensitive labels, now produced in up to 11 colors, LMI has established a reputation for quality work in the food & beverage, petfood, beauty & healthcare, and household markets using a variety of substrates including PET, BOPP, Co-ex, and foil. Now, with an increasing number of SKUs being required, it sought to enhance its all-round performance.
The Problem
LMI was experiencing production line stoppages caused by electrical cut-outs on its corona treaters. The problem stemmed from condensation caused by the humid conditions experienced on the production floor at certain times of the year in Wisconsin and was affecting the quality of its products and the quality of its customer service.
Previous Manufacturing Practice
The bank of Mark Andy Performance Series flexo presses had been equipped with a popular brand of corona treater at installation, and these were creating problems with power outages making for inconsistent performance and inefficient production. In addition, the corona treaters were difficult for the operator to access for cleaning, maintenance, and adjustment.
The Solution
Retrofitting Vetaphone corona treaters to the Mark Andy presses made all the difference. With more than 70 years of experience of surface treatment technology, including numerous installations in production environments where humidity and condensation are major issues, Vetaphone corona treaters were able to solve the problem immediately. Key to this success is the well-proven design that separates the power unit from the treater station, which combined with the slow start-up mechanism on the iCorona generator, removes the danger of any condensation causing cut-out or corrosion issues.
The Result
Production stoppages from condensation causing a power outage on the corona unit is a thing of the past at LMI. Not only are the Vetaphone treaters reliable and consistent in power delivery, the location and size of the units makes them easy for the operator to carry out all the necessary jobs to maintain performance, and the operators also find them simple to control via the touch-panel.