Hauni: The Drums Set the Pace

Source from:  Tobacco Asia  08/25/2014

Experts forecast growth rates of 16% and more in the multifilter market by 2020.  Seeking a solution for this coming demand, Hauni has developed the new KDF 5MF.  It is a rod maker for large as well as small-scale cigarette and filter manufacturers. The new multifilter maker produces batches on a smaller scale, mass-producing multifilters or running experiments in research and development.  Backed by long experience in the multifilter sector,the new HauniKDF 5MFmultifilter makes dual, split dual and triple filter rods. The currently available version is designed to run at outputs up to 500 m/min and 5,000 cuts/min.

Hauni asserts that even the basic version of this new machine contains the elements needed in today's fast-growing and increasingly complex filter manufacturing scenario. "We've drawn on four decades of experience in developing drum type filter makers to design a machine which – reduced to the basics – includes all the essentials you now need to make high-quality multifilters flexibly," says Thomas Meins, Project Leader. 

Describing the company's approach Meins adds, "By combining the best features of our machines, consistently optimizing existing components and concentrating on developing an all-rounder, we're now able to offer an attractive solution to customers running smaller-scale operations too – one that will meet their manufacturing and development needs. Apart from offering a variety of options like an extra module for making real triple filters, a technically advanced sensor system and the automated length change function, the line can also be upgraded to suit individual requirements."
A drum-based solution
According to Hauni, for the KDF 5MF the company again opted for a drum-based solution because of  the potential it offers in today's demanding filter market. Test results for the new multifilter rod maker include efficiency figures of over 90%.

Arne Klisch, Product Consultant at Hauni says, "Changing formats from 12/15mm to 7/8mm filters, for instance, can be completed from stop of production to quality release of second specification in less than three hours.That includes all format changing processes from stopping the machine to completing conversion jobs, the necessary cleaning work and the final quality check."

According to Thomas Meins, "Development focusedon low soiling and wearing characteristics as well as short downtimes for format-changing or maintenance."Meinsalso points out that materials supply is another of KDF 5MF's flexible features: "Apart from using manually handled trays, MAGOMAT or FILTROMAT, you can also feed materials to the machine via a space-saving semi-automatic tray discharger located directly on the maker." Enditem