During tough economic times it is tempting to reduce quality control to cut costs in maintaining rollers for papermaking, printing and converting. However Dolph Beyer, an engineer with Mohawk Fine Papers, asserts doing this is actually counterproductive. He has determined using Pressurex® pressure indicating sensor film as a quality control tool to aid in alignment and diagnose the condition of his rollers actually decreases costs and significantly improves product quality.

"By taking nip impressions with pressure indicating film every couple of weeks, we are able to extend roll life by a few months in many cases," says Mr. Beyer." By examining the roll nip impressions we can more accurately determine where we are in the life cycle of some of our rolls. This helps to pinpoint more accurately when rolls need to be changed and may indicate needed roll grind improvements or cover material changes to help extend roll run life cycles. Extended run cycles reduce the re-grind frequencies and therefore extend the cover life." This quality control measure not only lowers costs for the replacement of these covers, but also minimizes equipment downtime."

Pressurex® reveals pressure from 2 - 43,200 PSI (0.14 - 3,000 kg/cm2).
When placed between contacting rollers, the sensor film instantaneously and permanently changes color directly proportional to the actual pressure applied. Precise pressure magnitude is then easily determined by comparing color variation results to a color correlation chart (conceptually similar to interpreting Litmus paper). Variations in pressure that lead to defects in papermaking, converting and printing can be quickly and accurately detected and corrected -- improving yield, decreasing scrap, and increasing productivity.

By examining pressure variations in the nip, corrections in alignment and crown profiles can be made. The film is effective on virtually all roller compositions and surfaces. A visual pressure mapping profile of an engraved pattern or drilled roll can be effortlessly produced that exposes minute surface defects and other imperfections.

Pressure indicating sensor film is cited by Mr. Beyer as being especially helpful with calendar rolls, which are swim rolls that have mechanisms to allow the center of the rollers to exert a different level of pressure. "Similar to crown rolls, swim rolls need to be carefully monitored to ensure even and exacting pressure is being applied to achieve optimum nip conditions," says Mr. Beyer. "We use the film to create just the right nip and improve the roll shape and crown to deliver better sheet uniformity.

Mohawk Fine Papers uses Pressurex® to take static nip impressions on their press section and dynamic nip impressions on their calendars. Dynamic nip impressions are inspected for uniformity and static nip impressions for uniformity and nip pressure. Image results of Pressurex® are archived and used as a control to compare tools and processes.

Pressurex® is extremely thin (4 to 8 mils) and flexible, which allows it to conform to curved surfaces. It is ideal for invasive intolerant environments and tight spaces not accessible to conventional electronic transducers. While recommended for tests in non-operating conditions, the sensor film can be used at temperatures exceeding 200 Fº (93 Cº) for brief intervals.

For a free sample of Pressurex® in your desired range, contact Sensor Products Inc. at 1.973.884.1755 (USA), email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.sensorprod.com/sample.