Leaf casting
The machine is basically a hydro-static system and is constructed of foamed-PVC-plate. This material can be easily cut, welded and formed with heat. The size can be adjusted to the customers wishes and has a maximum of 130 x 100 cm. All parts that are in contact with the water in the machine are plastics or stainless steel. The machine is half-automatic: this means that after switching on the machine water-levels are set automatically (by sensors). The actual process of casting is done by a lever on the side of the machine (by hand). This is done to be able to regulate the speed of the water/pulp passing through the sieve. When casting a big surface the speed has to be lower than when casting a small surface.
The system is based on a closed circulation of water. This means that when the system is filled up no extra water has to be added. Depending on various factors (temperature in the room, amount of pollution in the treated paper etc.) the water has to be changed every now and then. The machine is equiped with a thermostate-regulated heating for the reservoir. This suits two purposes: first of all the adhesion between the original paper and the casted fibers is much better at higher temperatures (25-30 C) and secondly it's more pleasantly for your hands. For a mediumsized machine (and corresponding lower-reservoir) a 2000W-heatingelement will rise the temperature 10 degrees C in app. 2 hours.
In the space between the sieve and the bottom of the upper-reservoir a sophisticated construction is made to avoid unwanted swirling of pulpwater (resulting in irregular surface of the casted area).