HomeNews › HERMA self-adhesive materials: Seamless tracing of specialities
 
21-08-14
Member news

HERMA self-adhesive materials: Seamless tracing of specialities

• HERMA is implementing a million-euro investment in speciality self-adhesive material production at headquarters in Filderstadt, Germany.
• New system records numerous production parameters in real time and optimises reliable reproducibility of sophisticated speciality products.
• New UV curer ensures gentle production even when processing sensitive label stock.

Alongside its multi-layer technology, self-adhesive materials specialist HERMA is also reinforcing its speciality materials business. The products in this category are typically based on UV acrylates and must satisfy highly critical requirements, including seawater resistance in compliance with the relevant British Standard. For this purpose, the company is upgrading its existing production facilities with the very latest technology in a million-euro investment programme. Among the installations already completed at headquarters in Filderstadt, Germany, are the systems required to ensure the seamless traceability of the production parameters for its speciality materials as well. "In most cases, specialities are produced in relatively small batches," explains Dr. Ulli Nägele, HERMA's head of development. "It is all the more important, therefore, that all the parameters are correct from the very first metre. Thanks to the data that we collect continuously throughout the production process, we can now reproduce even the minutest detail of the conditions and thus of the outcomes." To this end, a complex software system measures numerous parameters at every stage while an individual roll is being coated, taking measurements at the adhesive nozzle, unwind and rewind units, humidifier and curing unit. The live data stream can be viewed on the connected computers in both the production and development departments. Since the data are saved, comparisons can be performed later at any time.

The current investment programme also encompasses a new UV curing system for use in speciality production. Even with label stock that responds especially sensitively to temperature, such as film, it ensures gentle processing and reliably achieves the optimum adhesive properties. "At the same time, we are taking another major step forward in our quest to improve energy efficiency," insists Dr. Nägele.