Dura-Life Performance Study:
Hard Chrome Smoothing Rods

CHALLENGE: The purpose of the trial was to run Buschman 20mm smoothing rods on a Rod Metering Size Press. The customer used Light Weight Coating (LWC) on fine papers.

Success was pre-defined to include two objectives:

1. Apply a smoother, more uniform coating coverage.

2. Increase rod life versus rods provided by the OEM.

RESULT: Buschman rods achieved both objectives with outstanding results, as Buschman rods performed well for 6 weeks (50% increase) and could have gone longer, but the machine was stopped for maintenance not related to the rod.

Key Application Parameters:

1. The customer makes magazine & other specialty grades of paper from LWC, which is mostly white clay.
2. Rod & holder life is typically around 4 weeks.
3. Purchases rods and holders from the OEM.
4. Smoothing rods used in both the top & bottom position.
5. Machine Speed 1310 Meters per minute
6. Rod Load Pressure 20-35 PSI
7. Rod speed is 75 RPM
8. Backing roll hardness 45 P&J Polyurethane
9. Percent of solids: 58-61%
10. Dry Coat Weight 13-15 g/m²
11. Basis Weight: 30-50 g/m²

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