The transfer technology is considered the most cost-effective to finish those splits that cannot be used in a traditional cycle.
The process is obtained by applying a number of layers of water-based or solvent-based polyurethane on release paper. The paper is coated up to two or three times with PU, by mean of a roller coating machine or by a knife coating head. Each coat is then dried and cooled. The last passage provides to coat the glue, in order to effect the coupling of the splits, by mean of a special calender. After drying, the upgraded split is detached from release paper, which is then winded to be re-used. On the split surface there's now the PU film and it is possible to say that the transfer finishing is a way to reconstruct the leather grain.
Uniline system allows to finish up to 250 croupons of 15/17 square feet each working hour.
The main advantages of the system can be resumed as follows:
- use of poor quality splits;
- use of aqueous based chemical products;
- low running costs after installation;
- lower quantities of chemical products;
- reduced labour force = lower running costs (4/5 workers to run a complete line);
- improved finished article, ie enhanced appearance, softer and more natural finish with high chemical and physical properties.
Uniline is available in working widths of 1600 and 2200 mm. The line can be tailored to suit the tanners' end-use or structural restrictions. It is available not only as a plant but also complete with technical assistance and technological support.
Rollmac also offer a structured service for converting or updating present lines, with the assistance of personnel technically specialised in planning and running such operations.