Tsubaki's lube-free Lambda chain is now in its third year of operation at Mirror Group printing (MCP Watford), where the unique operating conditions meant that previous generations of roller chains were lasting only three months. Since installation Lambda has also saved critical down time in an operation where there are only a few hours available for maintenance between print runs.
Lambda chains are utilised in two areas of a continuous printing process at MCP Watford. The first is on forwarding stations where the printed papers are moved from the press to assembly machines. The second area of usage is in transfer stations; these are effectively crossroads in the finishing and assembly process where three pairs of chains run in parallel, each pair with plastic 'frog' attachments, set at different intervals to carry papers as they change format with folding and inserts.
