Valmet Upgrade Extends Coater Roll Life at Siam Kraft’s Wangsala PM9

Finland-based technology supplier Valmet has reported improved coater roll performance at Siam Kraft Industry’s Wangsala mill following an upgrade to polyurethane roll covers and process optimization measures.

The Wangsala mill, part of SCGP, had been experiencing durability issues with traditional rubber backing roll covers used at the coating station of its PM9 board machine. The covers were subject to rapid wear, particularly at the edges, due to the use of hard-coated coater blades.

To address the issue, the mill replaced rubber covers with Valmet’s polyurethane-based Coater Roll Cover CC, designed for high wear resistance, with a hardness of 55 P&J. In parallel, edge showers were optimized with support from Valmet specialists to improve operating conditions.

According to the company, the upgrade has resulted in a significant extension of roll running times. The new cover has achieved operating intervals exceeding eight months, compared with shorter lifespans previously observed with rubber covers.

Chalermpon Soontornwongsakorn, manager of the Wangsala paper maintenance department, said the mill had seen “remarkable results” after implementing the changes, adding that repeat orders for the solution have already been placed.

The primary objective of the project was to extend grinding intervals while maintaining a smooth roll surface profile. The longer service life has also contributed to reduced maintenance frequency and lower associated costs, according to Valmet.

Siam Kraft’s Wangsala mill is a key packaging paper production facility in Thailand, and the upgrade reflects ongoing efforts in the sector to improve equipment reliability and lifecycle efficiency.