We’ve discussed in past blogs how our Industrial Roll Services Program is leading our customers through the process of repairing their rollers vs. acquiring OEM replacements. We will take it a step further in today’s Timber Talks and describe the repairing process and how it is another component oriented towards sustainability.

Industrial rollers are used in almost every manufacturing and processing facility in the world. These rollers range in size from small -½ inch micro rollers- up to the large -60-inch diameter- rolls weighing several tons, typically used in the metal industries. Most rollers fall between these two extremes and are great candidates for our IRS program.

While many industries are familiar with having their rollers serviced regularly, we have been helping our clients transition from purchasing OEM replacements to servicing their rollers. Repairing your rollers will result in cost savings and a downtime reduction while increasing the sustainability of their manufacturing process.

Our IRS program offers a complete, start to finish service with onsite consultations, roll recovering, regrinding, core repairs or new cores if needed, pickup and delivery, and reused-recycled rolls. 

Typically, two types of rollers can be serviced. The conditions in the manufacturing process, such as heat, solutions (like solvents and oil) that contact the roll, and the pressure required to execute its job, dictate the kind of roller. The first can be made entirely of metal with various hard coatings such as anodizing, chrome plating, and in some cases ceramic coatings.

The second category of roller has rubber (elastomeric) coatings with a metal core. These rollers with elastomeric coverings are very durable and can perform multiple processes. These rolls are perfect candidates for our services and, in many cases, a new formulation of the cover can increase the performance of the rolls.

Here is a quick overview of the process that elastomeric coated rollers undergo in our IRS program

Once rolls are received and inspected, measurements are taken, and the condition of the roll is determined. If the surface of the roll is deemed reparable; we can grind the roll surface to exacting specifications and return it to the customer.

If the roll covering needs to be replaced, we will strip the covering to the metal core, sandblast and inspect the core using a variety of testing procedures all to ensure the core is sound. The formulation of the covering is determined in a collaborative process using our years of expertise, and the customers’ specifications and performance improvements. The roll is recovered and cured in our autoclaves and inspected and returned to the customer.

Although this is a simplified version of the processes involved, the impact on the environment is greatly reduced by reusing the rollers, which can significantly impact any supply chain process. Any industry can benefit from it.

What do you think? Can your company take advantage of our IRS program? If you think it can work for you, check out all our services at Timber Industries Supplies and Services, and let’s connect!