Arkwright Advanced Coating, Inc. of Coventry, Rhode Island has realized significant productivity gains after incorporating new Goldenrod Model 1250 DFB differential shafts into their older slitter/rewinders.
Arkwright, a division of Italy’s Diatec Group, is a leading coater and converter of paper and film for the reprographics industry. Converted products from Arkwright are typically produced on rolls from 24″ to 72″ wide, and are used in high-quality imaging end products. Their customer base includes leading OEMs.
Giorgio Girardi, Plant Engineering Manager at Arkwright, said the decision to upgrade their machinery with new Goldenrod shafts was based on a need to improve operating efficiency at their plant. “Technology changes fast in this business, and we are always looking at ways to improve our operations,” he said. “We saw upgrading to the Goldenrod shafts as an affordable, effective way to get higher productivity out of our existing machinery.”
Reduced Set-Up Times, Easier Maintenance, and Faster Operating Speeds
After consulting with Phil Pretto, Goldenrod’s Eastern Sales Manager, Girardi decided to retrofit some of Arkwright’s existing slitter/rewinders with Goldenrod Model 1250-DFB 6″ diameter differential shafts. The patented Series 1250 DFB shafts utilize surface roller bearings that minimize drag. They are an excellent choice for low tension applications or for larger diameter differential winding needs. Results, according to Girardi, were immediate.
Pretto visited Arkwright to help with the initial installation and set up of the new shafts. The Arkwright machine operators, who were skeptical at first, were amazed at how simple the Goldenrod shafts were to setup. “They were used to it taking 2 hours or more to setup and adjust our old shafts, and the Goldenrod shafts took 15 minutes or less,” said Girardi. “They’re also durable and much easier to maintain. Our shop employees love these shafts, and say this was one of the best things we’ve done.
Perhaps more importantly, Arkwright is seeing significant productivity gains from the conversion to the Goldenrod shafts. “They allow us to convert at much higher speeds, at least 30% faster than our older shafts,” said Girardi.
Expansion in the Works
In their continuing effort to improve and streamline operations, Arkwright is in the process of expanding their facility. A new warehouse for storing product is being added so all operations — coating, converting, storing, and shipping — will take place in one building.
Continued upgrading of existing machinery will continue, said Girardi, and Goldenrod shafts and chucks are part of the plan. “We achieved great results from a relatively simple upgrade,” he said. “And in addition to the performance of the Goldenrod products, we are really happy with their service and support. We will certainly be working more with Goldenrod in the future.”
For more information about Goldenrod products, call toll-free 1-800 GOLD-ROD (465-3763) or (203) 723-4400.