August 26, 2009

New Tandem Coating & Laminating Line Supports Thriving Window Film Business

Commonwealth Laminating & Coating, Inc. (CLC) is a rare exception in these recessionary times. Instead of experiencing losses, the company is showing double-digit gains for its SunTek® brand window films used in automotive and residential/commercial building applications. CLC’s success reflects a smart business model that employs superior processing technology, low overhead, and a nearly 10 percent (and growing) market share in the window film industry. Most notably, CLC has capitalized on overseas markets such as China, Eastern Europe, and Russia where the window film business is gaining momentum. To support demand, the company recently installed a 72-inch (1,800mm) tandem coating and laminating line from Davis-Standard, LLC Converting Systems. This line along with a similar line purchased in 2003, have positioned CLC for strong growth now and in the future.

“The window film business typically experiences single-digit growth,” said Steve Phillips, President of CLC. “However, in some overseas markets such as China these products are really taking off. We’ve focused on technology investments that enable us to provide a far superior product at a price that is typically lower than our competition. This gives us considerable leverage. The new tandem coating and laminating line will further strengthen our market position and allow us to take advantage of new opportunities.”

The new line features two Series 4000 Cartridge Coaters equipped with multiple coating modes. The machine’s modular design is one of its biggest advantages, making it possible to achieve changeovers by one operator in 10 minutes or less. The coaters are enclosed for safety and cleanliness, and off-line cleaning and system modification can be accomplished without contaminating the coating room. To further augment capabilities, Davis-Standard added a second cut-off system at the winder for transfers of thicker material films for window tinting. Automatic splicers on both unwinds and the rewind enable continuous operation at speeds up to 250 fpm.

“The new line has significantly improved the clarity of our films, which is especially important for windshield applications. Windshield films need to be as clear as the glass itself to avoid angular distortion,” said Phillips. “This new machine is definitely enabling us to produce the quality films our customers demand.”

Similar to the system installed in 2003, the new line has an Integrator PRO supervisory control system, an advanced
UV-curing unit; AC vector drives; network controllable web guides; two convective gas-fired dryers; and proprietary solar-reflective and p-s coating heads. Both Davis-Standard lines are used for supporting SunTek brand applications in the automotive, safety, architectural and solar control markets.

For more information about CLC, visit www.suntekfilms.com. For more information about Davis-Standard’s coating and laminating capabilities, contact Christine Maxam at maxamc@bc-egan.com.