TKS /KKS Automatic Stripping Station

The Columbus (OH) Dispatch recently completed installation of the first KKS
Automatic Stripping Station (HSP/WSP) in North America. KKS is a sister
company of newspaper press manufacturer TKS, Ltd.

The HSP/WSP automates the dehead and unwrap functions in the paper prep-
aration area and then folds/crushes the wrapper for disposal. This system
allows for total automation of roll handling from the point of lay down in
the warehouse through delivery of the roll to the press.

The Columbus installation began on June 27th and went into live production
on August 1st. KKS designed and engineered the HSP/WSP to allow Columbus to
use their existing cart system that transports the rolls in and out of the
stripping station. TKS engineers also interfaced with Columbus’ current AGV
system. Communications between the AGV’s and the HSP/WSP allow both systems
to know the status of each roll, (i.e., size, positioning within the machine
and current status of deheading and wrapper removal).

Processing time in the HSP/WSP is three minutes per roll, and allowing for the
entry and exiting of the carts the machine is running sixteen rolls per hour.