In the high-speed world of cigarette manufacturing, every second of downtime hits the bottom line. For operators of legacy workhorses like the Molins MK8 and MK9, maintenance teams are constantly balancing the need for speed with the reality of mechanical wear.
While much of the focus often lands on complex electronic systems or cutting drums, industry technicians know that product quality and machine efficiency often come down to a single point of contact: the garniture tape.
On both MK8 and MK9 models, the garniture tape (often referred to as format tape) plays a dual role that is critical to the rod formation process. Located in the format garniture sector, its job is to simultaneously convey the cigarette paper while containing the cut tobacco as it is wrapped into a continuous rod.
This is not a simple conveyor belt; it is a precision component. The tape must maintain absolute tension consistency to ensure the seam gluing aligns perfectly. If the tape slips or wears unevenly, it leads immediately to visible defects—soft ends, poor seams, or even rod breakage.
Traditionally, these tapes were made from linen. However, as production speeds have increased over the decades, even on older MK8 and MK9 frames, the demand on these consumables has grown.
We are seeing a distinct industry shift toward modern materials to solve classic wear problems. While high-quality linen tapes remain a standard for many applications, operators pushing for longer runs between changeovers are increasingly turning to advanced materials like Kevlar fiber .
The benefits being reported in the field include:
High Tensile Strength: Kevlar"s structure allows it to withstand the high tension of continuous operation without stretching or relaxing, which is vital for maintaining cigarette rod circumference .
Heat Resistance: Given the friction and speed involved, heat buildup is a constant enemy. Advanced fiber options offer stability at higher temperatures, preventing the brittleness that can occur in standard materials over time .
For plant managers and line technicians, the takeaway is clear: the garniture tape is a "consumable" that directly impacts "quality." In our experience consulting with maintenance teams, the machines that run the smoothest are those where the garniture tape is inspected proactively rather than reactively.
Worn tapes don"t always break immediately; sometimes they just get a micro-glaze or lose a fraction of their width. This results in "tobacco jamming" or "tube slippage" that operators often mistake for feed issues . If you are seeing inconsistent packing or misaligned seams on your MK8 or MK9, the root cause is often hiding in the format section.
As the industry continues to source parts for these classic platforms, the focus remains on replicating OEM specifications with modern durability. At UPPERBOND, we continue to develop our range of garniture tapes to meet the specific demands of the MK8 and MK9, ensuring that even legacy machines can produce at modern efficiencies.
