Pawling Corp.: Purchase of Davis-Standard Sheet System to maximize processing efficiencies
The purchase of a Davis-Standard sheet system has proven to be a valuable investment for the Pawling Corporation of Pawling, New York. A diversified supplier of custom rubber, thermoplastic and building protection products, Pawling installed the turnkey system in 2002 to support its Architectural Products Division and to bring its custom sheet extrusion in-house. The system was designed to process 400 to 450 pounds of PVC per hour, but has exceeded expectations with outputs consistently doubling that amount. In addition to impressive processing rates, Pawling has more control over production of specific sheet quantities and color matching of extruded parts, critical for architectural applications. The company has also improved customer service with faster lead times. Pawling can deliver custom extruded sheet in two to three weeks versus four to six weeks offered previously.
“This was the first sheet system purchased by our company and we’ve been extremely pleased with its performance,” said Robin Ringler, business unit manager of Pawling’s sheet products. “We did a considerable amount of work up front with Davis-Standard’s engineers and the line’s impressive outputs are indicative of that. We appreciate how they collaborated with us on the design, and their service was first-rate for a smooth start-up and installation.”
The line, extruder through conveyor, is used primarily to extrude sheet for Pawling’s new PRO-TEK™ wall covering panels and for Pawling’s custom sheet extrusion business. It is capable of extruding roll sheet from .030 to .060 inches
(.8 to 1.5mm), flat sheet up to .125 inches (3.2mm) and in widths up to 50 inches (1,270mm). The system is equipped with a fast gap die feature and “hands off” rollstack technology for added efficiency. The fast gap device enables Pawling to make die adjustments simultaneously rather than manually adjusting 50 individual screws, typical on most dies. The hands-off rollstack eliminates manual and mechanical operator adjustments of the roll gap and improves repeatability of set points and sheet consistency. The position of the moveable roll is controlled relative to the stationary process roll to regulate the nip gap. A sensor continuously monitors the nip gap and volumetric control of hydraulic fluid maintains the position of the nip rolls. The gap is sustained through a full range of nip pressures, including compensation for change in roll temperatures.
“The die and rollstack technology have simplified the line operation while providing excellent sheet quality and minimal downtime,” added Ringler. “I’ve been working with Davis-Standard equipment for 30 years and have always been impressed by the reliability of their technology. All of our new machines are Davis-Standard.”
In addition to the sheet line, Pawling operates two Davis-Standard silicone extruders, two NRM rubber extruders, two NRM plastic extruders and six Davis-Standard Thermatic® extruders. These machines support Pawling’s Architectural Products Division as well as the PRESRAY/Pawling Division. The Architectural Products Division supplies entrance mats and grating, impact protection, and recreational and athletic flooring. The PRESRAY/Pawling Division encompasses custom mixing and extrusion, inflatable seals and flood protection products. Approximately forty percent of Pawling’s extrusion operation supports internal product manufacturing while the other 60 percent supports external business including the supply of gaskets, bumpers, trim strips and basic profiles.
Markets served include the aerospace, automotive, building/construction, landscaping, mass transit, medical/pharmaceutical, military and solar energy industries.
For more information about Pawling, visit www.pawling.com. For more information about Davis-Standard sheet systems, contact Al Chrisbacher at achrisbacher@davis-standard.com.