Progress Report on Soft Spreader Rolls

Since the soft rubber spreader roll was introduced a year and a half ago, it has come into use in 8 mills in the southern pine region and 37 mills west of the Rockies. Durometer rubber rolls were developed to achieve better spread control and higher veneer recovery. The soft, responsive rubber, placed directly in contact with the veneer surface, spreads the adhesive more evenly over a higher percentage of the textured surface of the veneer, reducing core discard due to glue slips and also blisters due to flooding. Soft rolls lend themselves to various automated layups. In most mills recovery has been improved without a change in plywood quality. Ideally, a soft roll grooving should be selected to deliver the desired spread range with only light to moderate doctoring pressure; this “light touch” will improve roll life and reduce the load on the spreader motor, drive unit, and bearings significantly. The grooving pattern used with resin adhesives on soft rubber rolls can be very fine and still very versatile.

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