Choosing a paper wiper used to be a simple task. Most factories or shops used to keep a supply of assorted rags to wipe any spills or to clean parts and/or equipment. That has changed drastically over the last few years – there are so many different wipers on the market these days that it is sometimes difficult to know what to pick. Customers can now choose between air-laid, spun-laced, scrim and non-woven paper products. Some industries require “low linting” wipers”, some products are for more abrasive jobs for tough wiping requirements. Some bonding agents react with certain chemicals or cleaners which means they can’t be used in some conditions.
What is the product application, and where will it be used?
Inexperienced buyers sometimes purchase only one type of product for all their wiping needs, or choose a wiper online without really knowing if that product will work. Choosing the wrong product can cause a problem that is not noticed until a paint finish is marred or has orange peeling which in the long-run can be very costly. In addition, choosing the cheapest product can sometimes be far more costly than purchasing a more expensive paper when you factor in size, pieces per case, roll lengths and widths, and/or how many rolls per case and how well it gets the job done.
How absorbent and strong is the wiper– what about when it is wet?
Paper wipers that have a high absorbency rate will be more cost effective and efficient because less paper is required.
How are these wipers going to be dispensed?
Do we need permanent fixtures, or are they pop-up boxes that can be used as stand alone wipers?
What is the wiper being used for?
Is it for surface preparation, is it for heavy duty wiping, is it for polishing, or is it needed in a cleanroom environment? How much is needed and how often will it have to be ordered? Whatever the use-the actual equipment and purpose needs to be determined prior to purchasing any paper wiper. Choosing the right wiper right from the start will help to reduce waste of material and of time. Using the wrong wiper can result in the use of 2 or 3 times as many wipers as really needed – and the additional time lost because of using the wrong wiper can add up to a substantial amount of time.
Customers are becoming more knowledgeable about paper wipers all the time – they are researching their needs and asking more questions before they buy. Our Ace-Tex customer representatives can help you make the right decisions before you buy. Give us a call and we will assist you in deciding what wiper best meets your needs.
“It is unwise to pay to too much, but it’s worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money…that is all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because what you bought was incapable of doing what it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot…it can’t be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better.” – John Ruskin
