NRC Automatic Paper Core Making Machine For Toilet Paper Rolls

What is a Paper Tube Making Machine?

A paper tube making machine is an industrial device that automatically produces cylindrical paper and cardboard products. These products range from small, thin-walled tubes (like those for fireworks) to large, heavy-duty cores (like those used for industrial film or carpet rolls).

The core process involves winding multiple layers of paper (kraft paper, recycled paper, specialty papers) onto a mandrel with the help of adhesive to form a strong, rigid, and seamless tube.

How Does It Work? The Step-by-Step Process

The operation can be broken down into a continuous, automated sequence:

1. Unwinding (De-reeling): Large rolls of paper, called parent rolls, are mounted on unwinding stands. A machine may have 2 to 8 or more unwinding stations to allow for multi-ply construction and the use of different paper grades.

2. Gluing: A glue application system (often a roller or spray system) applies a controlled amount of adhesive (typically PVA or synthetic resin glue) to one side of the paper web. This is crucial for bonding the layers together.

3. Forming & Winding: This is the heart of the machine.

   • The paper webs from the unwinders converge onto a rotating steel mandrel, which has the exact inner diameter of the desired tube.

   • As the mandrel rotates, the glued paper layers are tightly and spirally wound around it, building up the tube's wall thickness.

4. Heating & Drying (Curing): The newly formed, glued tube passes through a heating tunnel or under infrared heaters. This accelerates the drying and curing of the adhesive, ensuring the tube gains structural integrity quickly.

5. Cutting: Once the tube has reached the required length (which can be many meters), a cutting mechanism slices it. There are two main types:

   • Flying Cut-Off Saw: This saw moves synchronously with the rotating tube to make a clean, perpendicular cut without stopping the production line.

   • Stationary Saw: The machine indexes the tube forward, stops, and a stationary saw cuts it. This is common on slower or simpler machines.

6. Ejection: The finished, cut-to-length tube is ejected from the mandrel, often via a conveyor belt, for collection, packaging, or further processing.

Key Components of the Machine

• Unwinders: Hold the parent paper rolls.

• Gluing System: Includes a glue tank, pump, and applicator.

• Mandrel (Spindle): The central, precision-machined shaft that defines the tube's ID.

• Winding Belt(s): A system of belts that press the paper against the mandrel to ensure tight, consistent winding.

• Drying/Oven Section: Applies heat to cure the adhesive.

• Cutting Unit: The saw mechanism for cutting tubes to length.

• Control System: A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) that allows the operator to set parameters like speed, length, and glue quantity.

• Conveyor: Transports finished tubes away.