48 | Panel Perspectives: IPCO ProRelease System
CLEANING UP PRESS BELTS
PRORELEASE
IPCO has launched a new innovative method of spraying release agent on wood-based panel press belts
I
PCO has been a market leader in steel belt systems for the wood-based panels industry for many years. It has notched up a series of industry firsts: the first stainless steel belt, the first endless steel belt, the first 3mm thick steel belt, and the largest wood-based panel steel press belt ever produced. Whether it is the production of particleboard, MDF, OSB, or LVL, IPCO is a major supplier to all major wood-based panel press manufacturers. Now, in 2025, and showcased at the LIGNA exhibition in Hannover, IPCO launched the ProRelease System. IPCO is making bold claims about the ProRelease System and believes it will help press operations in high-volume production environments by bringing new levels of quality, productivity, and sustainability. So how exactly does the system work? In the wood-based panels sector, release agents are essential to ensure clean and easy discharge of products while maximising belt cleanliness, minimising maintenance downtime, and reducing pressing time. The challenge lies in the precise application of these agents through uniform, homogeneous spraying. The patented ProRelease process features
a spray bar design that creates turbulence between the nozzles, forming an extremely fine mist of release agent applied directly to the belt.
The positioning of the spray nozzles ensures homogeneous application, while compressed air generates the required spray pattern. A secondary air supply cleans the system to ensure optimum performance, says IPCO.
The entire spray bar system is enclosed in a chamber that eliminates waste and prevents spray from entering the workplace. IPCO says the primary benefit of the IPCO ProRelease System is a superior quality end product. It highlights efficient application of the release agent to prevent sticking, allowing for clean discharge of the finished product and a resultant cleaner belt.
WBPI |
The company additionally explains that the application of moisture also enhances board density, creating a more uniform board surface and reducing the need for post- production sanding or grinding, ultimately saving on sandpaper costs. In addition to its quoted benefits to
improve product quality, the ProRelease System is designed to significantly increase press productivity.
“Easier discharge and a cleaner belt
lead to less maintenance downtime,” IPCO says. “Furthermore, the heat of the press evaporates the moisture content of the release agent, activating the adhesive up to 30% faster, which can reduce pressing time.” Cost savings in manufacturing processes are always going to be a target for wood-based panels manufacturers when considering updating machinery and systems. This is an area where IPCO sees some headline benefits. “Consistent, uniform application means less release agent is required,” it added. Results from use of ProRelease in the
industry has yielded some eye-catching numbers in efficiencies.
“One major MDF producer reported a reduction in consumption of release agent of up to 90% while simultaneously improving board quality. While savings may vary depending on the product and manufacturing process, the potential for cost reduction is substantial. “ IPCO says the ProRelease System also feeds into the wider sustainability and health and safety agenda in production operations. This is via reducing use of chemicals and water, along with an enclosed system that prevents spray from entering the working environment. Of course, lower consumption also
translates to fewer delivery journeys, and reduced grinding leads to less waste and a cleaner environment. IPCO’s ProRelease spray system uses advanced design and precision engineering to optimise the application of industrial release agents on wood-based panel press systems, IPCO concludes. “It keeps belts cleaner, improves product quality, cutting costs and boosting productivity. This means higher output with less post-production work." ●
Above: The ProRelease System June/July 2025 |
www.wbpionline.com
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