Engraving Solutions’ embossing technologies are based on three different engraving processes known in the tissue industry: chemical, mechanical and combined. Each one with its own characteristics and peculiarities is able to meet the different needs of tissue manufacturers, such as the personalization of products with unique decors able to differentiate the product on the shelf or the optimization of paper properties such as absorbency, strength, bulk and softness. Our solutions are valid for both roll and folded products.
In the mechanical process, the cylinder to be engraved is placed on a lathe and a hobbing tool provides grooves on its surface helicoidally, first in one direction and then perpendicularly to it. The engraving is the result of the intersection of these two helixes, and is always made by 4-sided points having the most varied shapes, size, height and distance between them. The density and the slope angle of the points’ sides can also be chosen.
The points engraved can then be ground – in particular when the web embossed in this way receives glue – or brushed to obtain a “dome”-shaped head. These, known as “PPP-Evolution” and “Softop”, are patented and exclusive of Engraving Solutions.
Mechanical engravings are used primarily for rolls or sleeves intended for the production of very bulky and absorbent kitchen towels, very soft and compact toilet rolls, multi-ply, highly resistant and bulky table napkins.
In the chemical process, the cylinder that needs to be engraved, undergoes a series of cycles to eliminate metal through chemical corrosion. In this way, it is possible to produce any type of engraving with no limits in the shape or size of the points, allowing to reproduce on metal anything our imagination can conceive.
Using the exclusive “4D” engraving technology, it is possible to change, progressively and when needed, the slope of the elements according to their orientation or shape, so as to reduce embossing stress on the web where it is weaker.
Chemical engravings are used for rolls or sleeves of all types and for all products requiring decoration or personalization of the aspect of the finished product by embossing and laminating the plies.
This engraving process comes from the combination of both chemical and mechanical processes developed by Engraving Solutions and merges the benefits of the two methods.
After the mechanical engraving, the roll is then treated chemically and thanks to this, the roughness is emilinated not only on the tips but also on the flanks.
In this way, the impact of the engraving on the paper results even gentler, ensuring an excellent resistance to compression, thanks to the four sided embossing elements. The result is a product which is strong and bulky, with a better handfeel.