How To Interpret Web Press Roll Numbers
Here is a the easiest method to interpret the roll numbers for your press. Above is a roll tag that follows the most commonly used roll identification system. You should be able to interpret almost any roll produced in North America. An explanation of how paper is made is here to help visualize the process.
Most information on the tag above is self-explanatory. However notice the tag number and it's interpretation.
VPB42F26122A
VP - The company code. In this case the roll is produced by the Verso Paper Company in Maine.
B - This is the particular mill used by Verso. They have a mill in Bucksport, Maine and the letter "B" identifies it.
4 - Machine code. Within the Buckport mill it is paper machine number four.
2 - The year of production. In this case 2012.
F - The month of production. The letter A stands for January, B for February and so on. So in this case it's June.
26 - The day of the month the roll was produced.
12 - The reel of the day that was produced from this paper machine.
2 - The set position of the reel.
2A - The roll position.
Use this system for almost any paper roll produced in North America. It works great and helps to pinpoint problem rolls if you suspect paper is a problem. Besides troubleshooting though, there are other benefits.
Why it's important to know:
Paper moisture content can vary from roll to roll. In fact there are many variables in the paper making process that effect it's quality. By "matching" set positions and roll positions, you minimize the variables that will occur on the press from roll to roll. We do it and it works great!
