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DS Smith’s Kemsley Mill: A Model for Secure Operations and Enhanced Connectivity

This mill may be almost 100 years old, but updated digital tools keep it firmly in the 21st Century.

TAPPI Releases Pigments for Paper and Paperboard

Book’s editor, Prakash Malla, Ph.D., recently honored in Hawaii for his innovative research efforts.

US Tissue, Paper and Board Capacity: Drops by 1.6 percent in 2023

Metsä Tissue Receives Fifth Platinum Rating in EcoVadis Evaluation for 2024

Choosing a Maintenance Method

In terms of Maintenance Methods, there are three choices for existing equipment. They are Operate to Breakdown, Fixed Time Maintenance, and Condition Based Maintenance. Operate to Breakdown: The equipment is run until it breaks down. Fixed Time Maintenance: The replacement of parts or equipment on a fixed/scheduled frequency.  Condition Based Maintenance: The problem is found and fixed at the time when it is discovered. It is a common assumption that Condition Based Maintenance is always the most cost effective. While this is commonly the case, it is not always true.

Equipment Doesn't Break Down, Components Do!

What is a component? IDCON uses the word “component” to describe an item that is highly repetitive for preventive maintenance purposes.  For example, the AC motor on the infeed hydraulic unit is composed of several components or machine elements. The infeed hydraulic unit is a highly repetitive unit often found in paper mills, refineries, mines, etc. AC motors are a component that is reoccurring as well.

Meet Dave

Automation and AI technologies are transforming tissue manufacturing operations, offering critical solutions for production efficiency and safety challenges. Industry leaders like Luigi Lazzareschi emphasize digitalization as essential for future competitiveness, particularly as skilled personnel become scarce. Advanced robotic systems and autonomous production solutions are emerging as strategic investments that deliver measurable ROI through improved operational performance and enhanced workplace safety. For plant managers and operations leaders, implementing digital transformation initiatives across the production supply chain represents a key opportunity to benchmark against industry best practices while addressing talent pipeline constraints and proving concrete value to executive stakeholders.

TAPPI CorrExpo 2023

Amping Up Corrugators to Rock the Industry

IDCON INC Reliability Tip: How to Use Root Cause Problem Elimination (RCPE) during Corrective Maintenance

Imagine you work in a mill as a mechanic and get a work order that states: Replace bearings on a press roll due to high vibration level. You complete the work and the damaged bearings and seals were replaced according to the plan. The machine was started up and is now producing paper again.

SCC susceptibility of chromized type 409 stainless steel in alkaline chloride solutions at ambient temperature and pressure, TAPPI Journal August 2023