10 Jun LBZ solutions for independent paper mills in a high-pressure market
In recent years, the paper industry has undergone significant changes, driven by market evolution, globalization, and rising energy and raw material costs.
Small and medium-sized paper mills, often family-run businesses with a long-standing tradition, are now facing complex challenges in order to maintain their position. Large multinational companies are able to offer high volumes at competitive prices, making direct competition increasingly difficult. For this reason, it is becoming more and more necessary to stand out through superior-quality products, customized solutions and a high level of production flexibility. For many companies, specialization has become the only path to survival.
Customized calender configuration designed to optimize paper quality and surface uniformity, equipped with rolls featuring variable crown profiles designed and manufactured in-house.
Calendering
Paper quality today is measured not only in terms of grammage or strength, but also according to surface uniformity, tactile feel and compatibility with subsequent printing or converting processes. Calendering is a key process for achieving these characteristics. In this area, customized calenders have been developed to meet specific requirements. Hard nip configurations are ideal for applications that require an extremely smooth and compact surface, such as coated cardboard, while soft nip configurations allow for a more delicate treatment, suitable for substrates intended for high-quality printing. A key element is represented by rolls with variable crown profiles, designed and manufactured in-house. This solution enables dynamic pressure control across the width of the sheet, optimizing the final result and ensuring uniformity and precision in the calendering process.Motorized Shaft Rewinder
The growing demand for paper products for packaging, tubes and cores has led many paper mills to diversify their production. The motorized shaft rewinder developed by LBZ allows for high cutting precision and accurate material tension control, two essential aspects for ensuring finished products that meet high industrial standards.
Thanks to a modular system, these machines can be adapted to different formats and speeds, offering great operational flexibility. This versatility has attracted the interest of international operators, especially in countries where the production of cardboard tubes is experiencing strong growth.
The integrated automation also reduces set-up times and improves operator safety, making the machine suitable even for smaller production departments with limited resources.
Motorized Shaft Rewinder
The opening of LBZ’s new Assembly Center represents an important organizational milestone. Located just a few meters from the historic plant, this facility of over 1,200 square meters is entirely dedicated to the assembly and testing of machines.
Each system is managed by a dedicated team, with fully equipped workstations designed to ensure speed and precision. This organization makes it possible to handle multiple orders in parallel, reducing delivery times and increasing overall production capacity.
On the occasion of the company’s thirtieth anniversary, the investment also carries a symbolic value, strengthening LBZ’s identity as a solid, future-oriented company capable of growing alongside its customers.
Conclusions
The decision to invest in specific technologies, production spaces and internal expertise represents a concrete response to market challenges, providing paper mills with tools to differentiate themselves.
The future of independent paper mills is linked to their ability to innovate and offer added value. Calenders, rewinders and new assembly centers are solutions developed to support this transition.
In a complex global context, specialization once again proves to be the key factor in making a real difference.
Source: cartaecartiere.com
