Consumables
Meech positions itself as leading web cleaning systems manufacturer
Thursday 21. March 2013 - Meech International has reaffirmed its position as the leading supplier of web cleaning technologies by updating its highly versatile array of contact and non-contact cleaners.
The CyClean, TakClean, VacClean and ShearClean each provide businesses with a customised web cleaning solution regardless of production requirements.
“What makes us stand out from the competition is that we are the only web cleaning system manufacturer that uses four different technologies for our systems,” explains Business Unit Director for Cleaning Systems, Adam Battrick. “We always make it our priority to carry out extensive research into the market and recognise our customers’ demands, that way we are able to design web cleaners for various types of applications and that also incorporate the latest technology.”
CyClean
The recently launched CyClean is a compact, non-contact, double-sided blow and vacuum-based web cleaning system which flows contaminants into an inline filter unit.
The system comprises a cleaning head, 4x active static control AC bars and an Air Handling Unit (AHU). The AHU provides the blowing and vacuum airflows and filtration for the system through an F8 grade washable “labyrinth” filter, which can be upgraded to a HEPA filter for installations in very clean environments. In addition, the CyClean includes a pneumatic opening/closing system when used for coating-related web widths, making it ideal for full line integration.
The CyClean can clean webs up to 2m in width, is capable of removing 0.5 micron contaminants and has a small footprint that enables it to be fitted into confined spaces.
Integrated static control on the entry and exit of the cleaning head guarantees a thorough, long-lasting cleaning process. The ac ionising bars neutralise all static charges on the web and ensure easy breakdown of the bonds holding contaminants to it. The risk of re-attracting contaminants to the cleaned web surfaces is also significantly reduced.
TakClean
The TakClean web cleaner, launched in 2011, was designed directly as a result of requests by several existing customers within the label and narrow web market. Providing excellent cleaning power and removing particles as small as 0.5 microns, TakClean is simple to install and with continuous single or double sided cleaning capabilities, it is available for web widths up to 2100mm, at a speed of up to 250 meters per minute.
The TakClean system features the specially formulated ‘TransTak’ – elastomer contact cleaning rollers and perforated adhesive rolls. When cleaning, the ‘TransTak’ elastomer rollers make contact with the web, lifting contamination from the product surface. Available in a variety of Shore A ratings, the cured silicone elastomer rollers are proven to have no ‘free chemistry’, guaranteeing that the cleaned surface remains trace free.
Once the ‘TransTak’ rollers have lifted the particles, they are transferred, by contact, to the surface of the adhesive rolls. The adhesive rolls are manufactured with a release coating to ensure easy unwinding. In addition, a high adhesive mass means the TakClean can run for an extended period between material changes. When changes are required, easily removed (tear off) roll sections guarantee that downtime is kept to a minimum, and operator safety is optimised.
VacClean
Meech’s VacClean contact cleaning system was previously named the Tornado. Aimed at label, digital and carton printers, it is available in two versions the F4 and F5 featuring compact extraction or vacuum fan extraction respectively. The F4 cleans single-sided webs up to 1,650 mm wide, as well as double-sided webs up to 750 mm wide. The F5 will clean single- and double-sided webs up to 4,000 mm.
The VacClean presents users with an improved, maintenance friendly exterior. The updated faceplate can now slide simply off the manifold body; an enhancement Meech predict could save manufacturers up to two hours downtime. Following extensive airflow analysis, the shape of its manifold has also been adapted to achieve an even vacuum across the product. Consequently, it requires fewer duct connections and is capable of utilising single length manifolds of up to 4 metres.
ShearClean
The final cleaner in Meech’s range is the ShearClean, which is ideally suited for web cleaning where contact technology is not practical due to scratch-prone or sensitive surfaces. These might include special coatings or decorative labels.
ShearClean is available for web widths up to 2.1 metres and for web speeds up to 450 metres/min, although faster speeds can be achieved by adjusting factory settings. Incorporating static control technology, the ShearClean offers users a more efficient and effective cleaning process than equivalent systems. ShearClean can be tailored to suit customers’ requirements, not just in terms of size but also in sophistication. For instance, Meech can provide different upgrades to create a fully programmable unit.
“Having such a versatile range of web cleaning systems means we can accommodate virtually any requirement a customer may have and can advise on exactly which technology best suits the application in question,” explains Adam. “We will be displaying our entire range at ICE Europe (19 – 21 March, Hall A5 – Stand 1132) and look forward to illustrating to all our visitors the benefits these four technologies can bring.”