The North Central Division "rolls" with the punches.

On April 18, 2003, PIMA's North Central Division had its Spring Conference at the Baymont Inn in Waupaca, WI. The theme of the conference was "Are Rolls Eating Your Lunch?" The theme was chosen because of the high cost of purchasing and maintaining paper machine rolls. There were 90 registrants, of which 31 were mill personnel.

The day led off with Rick Heitke of Metso reviewing Maintenance, Operation and Troubleshooting Suction Rolls. This was followed by a presentation given by Scott Bowman of Stowe Woodward/Mt.Hope on Care and Maintenance of rubber covers. Patricia Sargent of Voith discussed Calender Roll Covers. John O'Malley of Metso and Bill Wildenberg of Stora Enso at Superior Papers gave their experiences with ceramic roll coverings.

The afternoon session began with a roundtable of Superintendents all of whom had maintenance experience. They gave a brief overview of their mills' maintenance programs for rolls, and what they felt were the challenges were in maintaining rolls.

Lori Wirth discussed Voith's computer-based roll tracking system designed to give the mill a total picture of the rolls in the mill. The final speaker was Dirk Kreunen of SKF on what is new in bearings for the paper industry.

Before the afternoon session a scholarship check was presented to Mary Lee Rudnick Kaun of Fox Valley Technical College. She in turn introduced the recipients--Bob Vogel, Amanda McCoy and Paula Blair. It is one of North Central's main goals to help students at the paper programs in the region.

Judging by the comments heard afterwards, this was a valuable session and worth attending. The next North Central meeting will be October 22 and 23 in conjunction with Lake States TAPPI, and will include a Trade Fair.

Don't miss: PIMA North Central Division/Lake States TAPPI Fall meeting: October 22-23 2002