Originally posted January, 2021 By Beth Gainer on Jan 22, 2021, Metal Center News:
Protecting coils is vital to Bruce DeMent, CEO of Kastalon Polyurethane Products, Alsip, Ill. The company manufactures polyurethane products to protect coils’ surfaces. “The surface finish is critical and needs to be protected,” he says, adding that Kastalon’s mandrel sleeves protect the coated coil from metal-to-metal contact with the mandrel drum. Furthermore, the company’s mandrel sleeves help prevent common processing damage, such as reel breaks and head-end damage.
“Our sleeves help prevent coil slippage and increase the overall efficiency of the processing line,” says DeMent. “Our proprietary chemistries and manufacturing capabilities allow for Kastalon mandrel sleeves of virtually any size and hardness, and specific to each customer’s requirements.”
Kastalon coil floor pads protect coated coils during storage as well as serve an organizational function for the production floor. The pads are available with and without fluid-collection capabilities. In addition, rollers used in uncoilers or surfaces that support the coil are covered in polyurethane so the surface where each coil is resting upon doesn’t dent the coil.
Kastalon also manufactures polyurethane devices in coil material handling and storage. “Everything that touches that coil can be covered with polyurethane – from a c-hook to the [forks] of a forklift truck,” says DeMent.
While polyurethane is more expensive than rubber, the former lasts 10 to 20 times longer than the latter. In addition, polyurethane requires less maintenance than rubber, according to DeMent. The equipment is operating longer and doesn’t have as much maintenance, resulting in cost savings.
“Polyurethane is extremely durable and yet cushions the coil so that it doesn’t get edge damage,” says DeMent. “The polyurethane floor pads protect coils by keeping them off the floor.”
“Everything is protected.”