Martin Automatic – Essential Efficiency for Web Fed Applications

Published: January 12, 2022

For more than five decades Martin Automatic has helped converters improve their productivity with high performance, state-of-the-art solutions. The scope of the company’s technology has taken it into a variety of markets: almost any material that is produced in roll form has been processed by Martin equipment at some stage.

In label converting, Martin is well known for its range of narrow-web automatic butt splicers and transfer rewinders, but the company is equally respected and known for its global presence in other roll-fed industries. Whereas the label industry considers 670 mm web width and 200 mpm advanced, Martin supplies high-speed, low-tension roll automation to wide-web coating and laminating converters of tissue, nonwoven and film, where 900 mpm and 4.5 meter web widths are common.

Once these wide-web materials are converted into narrow rolls, other converters use Martin splicers to automate their manufacturing of disposable diapers, feminine care products, absorbent pads, sanitizing wipes, medical gowns and face masks. Filter media converters also enjoy the benefits of using similar equipment in the manufacturing of filters for home and automotive.

Other markets for Martin technology include roofing and building materials, medical packaging, tube laminate, folding cartons, beverage carriers, and disposable cups and plates.

Martin Automatic’s reputation around the world is defined not only by the quality and clarity of its technology, but also its original patented designs, such as the inertia compensated dancer roller and the AirnertiaTM idler roller, which offers high-frequency response to speed changes in processes running delicate webs. Martin customers benefit from the thought leadership and intentional simplicity behind Martin’s design philosophy.

Integrating Martin automatic roll changers into production lines provides converters with significant cost savings – reduced waste and improved efficiency reflect directly on the bottom line. The speed and efficiency enabled by Martin non-stop winders and unwinders are valuable at all times. Over the past 2 years, one hears the word “essential” used, typically to describe a business enterprise. That word also describes Martin’s automatic roll changing: essential to producing and delivering rolls and final products to market, whether those products are PPE-related, packaging for pharmaceuticals, labeling for food or other uses.

During the pandemic, for example, Martin equipment has helped companies increase their production of PPE and cleaning products. Some splicers, not designed specifically for PPE production, were quickly switched over to converting paper rolls for sanitizing wipes. In-house design, fabrication, controls and assembly capabilities enabled Martin to deliver highly-specialized splicing unwind equipment for N95 face mask components in just 3 months. And Martin’s extensive service department supported the startups both remotely and in person.

“As an essential operation,” says Gavin Rittmeyer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “we’ve taken all reasonable steps to keep our doors open throughout the pandemic. At Martin, we really do consider our dedicated colleagues, both at the factory headquarters and around the world, to be family. We look after each other, and we have found creative ways to look after our customers, even during the most difficult stages and severe travel restrictions.”