Thermal Transfer Roll Performance Today
- Published: July 01, 2024
For decades markets within the converting industry have relied on Thermal Transfer Roller performance to enhance products, add critical properties, and increase speed and efficiency in their process. Over the years, the designs have evolved to meet the demand of increased production and expand end user/consumer products. The functionality is rather simple; the surface of the production roller either produces a heated or cooled surface for the web to be embossed, laminated to another substrate, or apply adhesive or chemical treatment. As simple as this sounds, the path to achieving optimal performance can be complex.
When cooling the roller surface, heat is pulled out of the substrate, creating a change in properties. It can cure the web into a solid state or prepare it for the next treatment, including lamination or coating. Heating the roller surface creates a condition for the web substrate to accept chemistry, change physical elasticity, or prepare for multi-layer formulation. In some unique applications, the thermal transfer roll surface is still heated; however, it is "cooling" the web substrate (at a much higher temperature). This is commonly known as controlled cooling and usually occurs with the web substrate transporting over multiple Thermal Transfer Rollers at various angles to achieve optimal curing conditions. Today, internal designs are highly engineered and continue to improve with new and innovative ideas.
Often, Thermal Transfer applications are nipped, requiring a hard face roller (usually the thermal transfer core) in direct contact (under pressure) with a rubber or elastomeric-covered roller. Today, there are more options with rubber and urethane compounds, including highly effective thermally conductive formulations. Approaching your custom application from both roll design and covering technology can optimize your running condition.
Reach out to your roll supplier today for exposure to newer thermal transfer designs and covering or coating technologies. You might be surprised at the advancements that have been made!
William Bradley,
Vice President, Business Development
American Roller | Plasma Coatings
