ITM Raises Bar in Filter Making

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 11/20/2009

International Tobacco Machinery BV presents the Polaris C, its newest filter making machine. The Polaris addresses three major challenges in filter production: ·Creating an even distribution of charcoal particles in the filter rods. ·Keeping charcoal particles from being damaged during production. ·Keeping charcoal dust from polluting the machine and work environment. The result, according to ITM, is a charcoal filter of unprecedented quality. At the same time, the machine and work environment are kept as clean as is technically possible. The charcoal application chamber features a long tow path from the tow processor to the stuffer jet. This ensures that the tow is gathered in a smooth, even manner, keeping the charcoal particles from bouncing around and the tow from rolling up into itself. The result is a filter with an ideal distribution of charcoal particles in both directions. The key to solving the second and third problem in charcoal filter making is smooth handling of charcoal particles. Tight spaces and fast-moving handlers are avoided. Instead, the transport of charcoal from the reservoir to the application channel is relatively slow and does not involve pinching, scraping or hitting the charcoal particles at any time. The result is a highly controllable and constant supply of perfect charcoal particles and full compatibility to any other type of additives in the form of granulates or powder. In the Polaris C, the charcoal application chamber is a closed system with only one exit: the stuffer jet. This means that all charcoal particles that are applied to the tow will end up in the charcoal filters. There is no recycling of charcoal particles; therefore all charcoal particles keep the characteristics they had when they were first loaded into the charcoal reservoir. Transport is done by slow-moving mechanical methods that do not create dust anywhere in the machine. The Polaris C is a fully self-contained machine that only requires an external dust extraction system. Its small footprint enables easy integration into existing production lines. Enditem