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Purpose: In the cardboard package production process, the cardboard roll and the cardboard bottom are joined in the seaming process. During the process, the cardboard is plastically deformed and damage to the cardboard surface can occur. The purpose of this study was to optimise the macro-geometrical parameters of the seaming chuck in order to minimise the cardboard damage during the seaming process. Design/methodology/approach: The influences of geometrical properties of the seaming chuck on the seaming force were investigated using numerical investigations and statistical analysis. Findings: A force-displacement model was established, which enabled the optimisation of the seaming chuck geometry for a reduction of the seaming force. Research limitations/implications: Results from the present study imply that for tribological optimisation, not only the surface properties such as roughness and frictional response but also the macro-geometrical features of the actual mechanical components should be considered, as these can considerably affect the contacting forces and consequently the friction within the tribosystem. Practical implications: Based on the performed analyses, a new seaming chuck was manufactured, which is currently undergoing testing in the real production process and is providing improved performance in terms of seam quality as compared to the benchmark. Originality/value: In the present work, a systematic approach towards the use of statistical methods in tribological optimisation projects is provided for a use case applying a combination of numerically calculated and experimentally measured values. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2020-0065/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: During the production of cardboard food cans, the packaging bottom and the cylindrical wall are joined in the seaming process. In order to achieve a high-quality, crack-free surface of the cardboard seam, low friction between the seaming chuck and the cardboard must be ensured. The goal of this study was to minimise the friction between the seaming chuck and the cardboard can surface. Design/methodology/approach: Tribological properties of the seaming chuck were optimised by adjusting its material properties, surface topography and surface energy followed by measurements of the resulting friction response in sliding contact with a representative paper sample. Findings: A strong correlation between the surface free energies of the tribological samples and their measured coefficients of friction was observed, indicating that in tribological tests, adhesion was the dominating friction mechanism. Furthermore, the fact that the smoother samples yielded higher friction values than the rougher ones is most likely also correlated with the higher adhesion of the smoother samples originating from their larger contact area. Research limitations/implications: The existing results indicate that for tribological optimisation of paper and cardboard contacts primarily the adhesive friction component should be considered – by either reducing the surface free energy of the counter-body or optimising its surface topography. Practical implications: By applying the selected solution concept, a friction reduction of more than 50% as compared to the benchmark was achieved. Originality/value: The present study provides a guideline for tribological optimisation of paper and cardboard contacts. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2020-0064/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]