HERMA Invests in Specialty Self-adhesive Material Production in Filderstadt, Germany

Alongside its multi-layer technology, self-adhesive materials specialist HERMA is also reinforcing its specialty materials business. The products in this category are typically based on UV acrylates and must satisfy highly critical requirements, including seawater resistance in compliance with the relevant British Standard. For this purpose, the company is upgrading its existing production facilities with the very latest technology in a million-euro investment program. Among the installations already completed at headquarters in Filderstadt, Germany, are the systems required to ensure the seamless traceability of the production parameters for its specialty materials as well. "In most cases, specialties are produced in relatively small batches," explains Dr. Ulli Nagele, HERMAs head of development. "It is all the more important, therefore, that all the parameters are correct from the very first meter. Thanks to the data that we collect continuously throughout the production process, we can now reproduce even the minutest detail of the conditions and thus of the outcomes." To this end, a complex software system measures numerous parameters at every stage while an individual roll is being coated, taking measurements at the adhesive nozzle, unwind and rewind units, humidifier and curing unit. The live data stream can be viewed on the connected computers in both the production and development departments. Since the data are saved, comparisons can be performed later at any time.

The current investment program also encompasses a new UV curing system for use in specialty production. Even with label stock that responds especially sensitively to temperature, such as film, it ensures gentle processing and reliably achieves the optimum adhesive properties. "At the same time, we are taking another major step forward in our quest to improve energy efficiency," insists Dr. Nagele.

About HERMA

Located in Filderstadt near Stuttgart (Germany) HERMA GmbH is a leading European specialist in self-adhesive technology. In the 2013 fiscal year, the HERMA Group generated sales of around ?61.2 million with 850 employees in three divisions ? Self-adhesive Materials, Labels and Labelling Machines. The export ratio was more than 55 %.

Source: HERMA

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