BOBST Unveils New-Generation Metallizer
- Published: November 03, 2016
LANCASHIRE, UK | BOBST held an Open House October 18 at its Manchester, UK, Competence Centre where it unveiled the K5 Expert metallizer. The next generation of the K5000 metallizer can run at speeds to 1,200 mpm, is available in widths from 2,450–3,650 mm, and can house increased roll diameters to 1,270 mm for improved productivity. 
Company says the metallizer houses the largest coating drum in the industry at 700 mm, said to improve collection efficiency by 16%, meaning less aluminum consumption and increased boat life resulting in maximum productivity. A redesigned evaporation source provides what is said to be the widest coating window in the market, translating to better coating uniformity and collection efficiency and minimizing aluminum wire waste.
A more intuitive HMI screen and software interface make the machine easy to operate, adds company. The new design of the machine allows the operator to operate everything from the front of the machine and to be positioned much closer to view the evaporation source and metallization process through the strobe window; the new boat power controls are said to be easy to operate and are located in front of each boat.
Another brand new feature is the Automatic Sequential Control (ASC) system which speeds up startup of the machine with minimum operator involvement required, making the K5 EXPERT easy to operate.
In addition to company’s winding mechanism based on “true tension” control, the new model incorporates low-friction Ferrofluidic seals for an even better tension control on the rewind, reportedly producing a virtually wrinkle-free roll-to-roll vacuum metallization process.
Energy-saving and waste-reduction features include ECO mode, which reduces energy consumption to 50% during stand-by and Film Save mode, which has a synchronized faster shutter action (opening in just 5 sec) and aluminum wire ramp up to minimize the amount of unmetallized film (waste) to less than 400 m/roll.
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