Maximum Roll Precision for Highest Paper Quality

In paper production, the rolls used in the process must meet exceptionally high standards in terms of geometry and surface quality, as they perform a wide range of tasks that are critical to manufacturing. Since paper webs react extremely sensitively to even the slightest deviations in the roll system, including inaccurate roll profiles, insufficient concentricity, or poor surface finishes, such imperfections must be rigorously avoided to prevent markings, winding defects, or even damage to the final product.

Only rolls with precisely defined accuracy and quality are suitable for this highly sensitive process. For this reason, Koehler Paper has opted for a P30 WSB 600 x 9000 CNC Monolith™ roll grinding machine from Maschinenfabrik Herkules. “The machine is built using our patented, foundation-free Monolith™ sandwich design, which is not only cost-efficient but also reliably dampens external vibrations, ensuring a flawless, homogeneous roll surface. The main components, made of cast material, together with the thermally stable construction, further enhance damping, precision, and durability,” explains Jens Böhmer, Senior Engineer Sales. “The machine is capable of grinding rolls with diameters ranging from 200 mm to 1,500 mm, lengths of up to 9,000 mm, and weights of up to 30 tonnes.”

By utilizing our in-house developed, highly precise and reliable measurement and inspection systems, which record and document all measurements and input parameters “on the fly” in chronological order, the required roll geometry and surface quality are consistently achieved and can be reproduced and retrieved at any time.

“In particular, the in-house developed KP 10 grinding machine control system, featuring intuitive touch operation, greatly simplifies the workflow,” says Jens Böhmer. “The grinding tool systems specifically developed for these applications assist operators in processing rolls made of a wide variety of materials, geometries, and surface specifications with consistent quality. At the same time, operators retain the ability to intervene manually in the fully automated grinding process at any point.”

Through repeated service interventions and modernization measures carried out by our experts at SBA mechatronics, the operational reliability and performance of the existing Voith paper grinding machines at the Oberkirch plant have been restored, while also extending their service life. “Koehler Paper was therefore already familiar with our service capabilities and highly satisfied with the quality,” Jens Böhmer concludes.