Metso introduces revolutionary simultaneous multilayer curtain coating application at Jujo Thermal
Published May 20, 2008 15.00.00 +2 GMT
Jujo Thermal Ltd. has been successfully running Metso Paper’s multilayer curtain coating technology at its coater CM 4 in Kauttua, Finland since completely rebuilding it more than 18 months ago. This has enabled Jujo to broaden its product portfolio. The company’s product range now covers a full selection of direct thermal papers from standard to extra durable high-resistance grades with 45 – 200 g/m2 basis weight. All products are manufactured 100 % at Jujo Thermal’s Kauttua mill. “The new multilayer curtain technology allows us to optimize the properties of products in accordance with the needs of our customers, and to offer a larger selection of high-quality thermal papers to the market”, remarks Christian Ivars, President & CEO of Jujo Thermal.
Metso Paper’s multilayer curtain coating technology, named OptiLayer, offers several advantages over single-layer curtain coating and other conventional methods. These advantages include flexibility in the design of surface properties, a wider operational window, and the ability to apply very thin and uniform coating layers. Many functional layers can be applied simultaneously at one coating station, which reduces coating-related drying and space needs.
The OptiLayer curtain coating station is exceptionally easy to operate and maintain. “We get instantly to our target quality every time we start the coater, so our operators can focus on other tasks. There are no sheet breaks at the coating station. Cleanliness has been surprisingly good, and the overall need for maintenance has been very low”, says Matti-Pekka Vanninen, Technical Director for Jujo Thermal. The width of OptiLayer’s coating curtain can be adjusted to the width of the sheet, which minimizes coating color losses. OptiAir vacuum degassing technology, which guarantees uniform and stable establishment of the coating layers, is another essential feature for trouble-free operation.
Jujo Thermal Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of direct thermal papers for self-adhesive laminates used in retail and logistics applications, and also an important supplier of high-quality direct thermal papers for specialty applications as well as cash receipt and fax applications. The company’s durable thermal paper solutions are known by the brand names JTK Extra Durable KJ-R series (25-year image stability guarantee) and JTK Durable topcoated and FZ series (12 and 10-year guarantees, respectively). The company is a Finnish-Japanese joint venture owned by Ahlstrom Corporation, Nippon Paper Industries Co. Ltd., and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Founded in 1992, Jujo Thermal employs over 230 people, and its 2007 net sales totaled over 100 million euros.
Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation with 2007 net sales of over EUR 6 billion. Its almost 27,000 employees in approximately 50 countries serve customers in the pulp and paper industry, rock and minerals processing, the energy industry and select other industries. www.metso.com
Further information: Jukka Koskinen Vice President, Engineering and Technology, Metso Paper, Inc. Tel. +358 40 512 6191
Christian Ivars President & CEO, Jujo Thermal Ltd. Tel. +358 10 303 2600
