Nordmeccanica and Nordson present the CWM, a fully integrated closed-loop control system set to change flexible packaging manufacturing. According to the two partners, monitoring and managing coating weight during the converting process will never be the same.
Over the years, advancements in technology and chemistry, along with the implementation of stricter regulations, have made flexible packaging products increasingly expensive. As a result, scrap, waste, and downtime can cause significant financial losses for converters. Recently, various technological solutions have emerged to address these challenges. However, until now, there has not been a holistic solution that meets all market needs.
Bringing together machinery and sensor technology
Nordmeccanica, a leading manufacturer of coating and laminating lines, has partnered with Nordson, a prominent global corporation specialising in measurement systems. This collaboration marks a first in the industry, as it brings together a machine builder and a sensor technology company without intermediaries to shape the future of the flexible packaging market for years to come. The brainchild of this partnership is the CWM, a cutting-edge solution designed to supervise and control coating and laminating processes.
The CWM is a fully integrated package that includes a sensing unit and process control. The sensor NM 9000, developed by Nordson, combines unique infrared optics with advanced algorithms to achieve high measurement resolution and performance that meet the quality standards of the flexible packaging industry. It can simultaneously detect three chemical groups and utilises AI to apply the most effective measurement technique based on the substrate, enabling continuous monitoring of coat weight and mixing ratio. The sensor is mounted on a compact, enclosed scanner LPS 1000 installed between the frames of Nordmeccanica lines, which prevents dust particles from falling onto the web and provides bi-directional scanning capabilities for the gauging head. All data collected by the sensor is managed and processed by Nordmeccanica’s machine board electronics, facilitating closed-loop control with the coating head. This ensures consistency and compliance with safety requirements, protecting converters under all applicable OEM guarantees and liabilities. Additionally, the system offers a single-screen interface for both machine HMI and CWM control. This allows customers to display the sensor output as either a straightforward display of actual coating weight or as an automatic closed-loop control of the coating head. Nordmeccanica oversees the installation of the system on both new machines and during retrofits.
Innovations in coating and laminating
Overall, the CWM introduces significant innovations to the coating and laminating process. Once calibrated during installation, the sensor can measure all types of substrates without the need for time-consuming adjustments at the start of each job. Speed is also a key factor. The CWM offers the fastest measurements in the converting industry, providing rapid feedback that minimises startup times. In terms of accuracy, the sensor scans the web back and forth at speeds of up to 25 cm/s, yielding a basic resolution of 512 measurement points to create detailed profiles. This technologically advanced solution integrates seamlessly with Nordmeccanica’s user-friendly controls, making it easy for operators to learn and use. Overall, these features lead to significant reductions in startup times and production changes, simplify process control, and eliminate costly scrap and waste, resulting in a quick return on investment.
The CWM brings a breath of fresh air to the world of flexible packaging. Nordson’s experience and Nordmeccanica’s reliability have resulted in a unique solution that radically changes the coating and laminating processes. The system solves the converters’ main problems without adding complexity to the process.
https://us.nordmeccanica.com/
https://www.nordson.com/en/divisions/measurement-and-control