Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/743340
38 tobaccoasia MANUFACTURING NEWS 制造新闻 High-speed flexibility from the KDF 6LEAD KDF 6LEAD is Hauni's new premium filter maker solution for the high-speed range of 600 m/min. KDF 6LEAD offers as standard every function the industry requires to imple- ment flexible production of high quality monoacetate filters – both now and in the future. For three months, one of the world's leading specialists in smokers' accessories put the new KDF 6LEAD through its paces in the real-world production environment of its plant. At the end of this comprehensive field testing program, the customer drew his conclusions. "The KDF 6LEAD is the right machine to improve the efficiency of our tubemakers even further by using high-quality filters," explains Mathias Blau, project manager KDF 6LEAD. "Above all, we were delighted by the machine's flexibility in combination with quick format changes. Its low noise level while in operation was also very impressive." This positive customer review of the new premium filter maker for the 600 m/min range, previously served by the KDF 4, confirms the concept of the machine which builds on technology developed for the KDF 5LEAD (500 m/min). "We set ourselves a number of goals during the development process. We wanted to build a filter maker for the 600 m/ min range using the standard integrated LEAD function which enables customers to change the length and diameter format faster than ever before. Moreover, we wanted to include additional future-oriented features even in the standard version," said Blau. Quick format change The new premium maker continues Hauni's long tradition of offering the fastest single-rod filter maker on the market. Maximum flexibility is now also integrated into the standard machine. Quick format change is one of the key technologies for increasing flexibility in daily production: one service technician can change the length in less than 15 minutes or both length and diameter in less than 60 minutes from stop to start of production. "Our premium maker is also ready to handle all future developments in the fast-moving filter market," explains Arne Klisch, product consultant. "For example, there is an option for integrating the FLEXPORT concept. This provides an exceptional degree of format flexibility that allows manufacturers to respond to the requirements of existing and future filter innovations." Hauni is continuously adding to this portfolio of solutions for individual filter design, which enables customers to produce a remarkable range of special filters. Modules for thread application, channel ventilation, granulate application and a capsule inserter are currently available. Set of new standard features KDF 6LEAD's position as a premium solution is further underlined by the pioneering features, that Hauni has also integrated in the standard version. "These include the EYEPORT flexible modular rod sensor system that enhances production quality and flexibility, an automatic garniture tape and paper position alignment that provides continuous and fully automated control of the garniture belt and paper position as well as closed loop diameter adjustment," says Blau. "As a premium solution, the oilfree KDF 6LEAD features state-of-the-art drive technology. Its energy consumption is similar to that of the KDF 5LEAD. We also paid special attention to noise emissions. We were clear that we wanted these to be significantly below the legal workplace maximum." The new premium maker also incorporates advanced features to make it even more user friendly: a drawer allows filters to be removed safely and easily for quality inspection from the front of the machine. The lower garniture height improves ergonomics and ensures easy access. The 12" touchscreen monitor on the AF and a direct view of the tow process when adjusting settings make it simpler to operate. The comparison with other single rod makers is impressive. The KDF 6LEAD has exceptionally low levels of waste, low maintenance costs and consumption of materials and, as Klisch remarks, is a "future-proof machine for the production of high quality filters." From king size to super slim, KDF 6LEAD offers outstanding format and layout flexibility in standard acetate or special filter making. and, most importantly, access to exceptional human talent." Representing an anticipated invest- ment of approximately €500 million, this state-of-the-art facility currently employs over 300 people and, when fully operational, may employ up to 600. PMI affiliates in Italy already employ over 1,000 people. The pre-existing pilot plant will gradually become a training center to continue to develop PMI's manufacturing know-how and serve as a knowledge-hub for other PMI manufac- turing facilities. PMI's investment in the develop- ment and rigorous scientific assessment of products with the potential to present less risk of harm compared to cigarettes spans more than a decade. It encom- passes a wide range of tobacco and non-tobacco product platforms. The tobacco heating device iQOS, the first of these products to be commercialized in November 2014, is now sold in cities in 10 countries, and PMI has plans to expand sales to key cities in an additional 10 markets before the end of the year. Results of commercialization to date are encouraging. Extensive research to validate the product's potential to present less risk of harm compared to continued cigarette smoking is well advanced with very promising results to date. Any conclusion on reduced disease risk will be based on the totality of the evidence.