Film Extrusion
K 2004 Extrusion: Outputs Rise, Downstream Units Gain Flexibility
The show was packed with new equipment for pipe and profile, including extruders redesigned for higher outputs and/or lower cost, plus new ways to adjust die and calibrator diameters or switch dies and calibrators more quickly.
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Shhh ... Can You Hear the New Extruder Motors?
Silent, space-saving, energy-efficient, and high-torque, a new generation of ring-shaped motors is gaining a foothold in extrusion. A couple of hundred are already in use. Though most machine builders are reacting cautiously, adventurous processors are using them happily.
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K 2004 News Preview: Extrusion
At K 2004, at least a half-dozen European machine builders will show new direct-drive extruders running gearless—or nearly gearless—drives with substantially higher rpm and output rates than conventional extruders of the same size.
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Extrusion Coaters: Stop That Edge Weave
In extrusion coating, edge stability depends on uniform melt temperature.
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Belt Polishing of Clear PP Film Proves Itself in Production
An unusual cast-film process that drops a melt curtain of polypropylene between a flexible steel polishing belt and a chill roll has now proven successful in high-volume commercial production.
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What to Do When the Bubble Won't Behave
Bubble instability in blown-film extrusion creates problems from fluctuating film gauge and width to scratches and tears.
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Automatic Gauge Control: Comparing the Options
Until recently, blown-film processors looking for auto-gauge control had a choice of one segmented-die system, one IBC-based system, and several segmented air rings. Now there are at least nine auto-dies, including two for high-stalk bubbles, and lots of air-ring variations. All claim to improve gauge uniformity, but there are differences.
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Boron Nitride Processing Aid Boosts Quality of mLLDPE Film
Compounders and processors of mLLDPE blown film who are looking for improved processability and film quality at comparable or even lower total cost may want to take a look at a new family of boron nitride (BN) processing aids.
Read MoreHow to Extrude Copolyester TPE Film
From building construction to medical supplies to food packaging, copolyester thermoplastic elastomers are seeing a resurgence of interest in high-tech films and extrusion coatings that combine low-temperature flexibility, heat resistance, elasticity, permeability to water vapor, and chemical resistance.
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Foamed Films Find New Niches
Thin polyolefin foams have been made for decades for decorative ribbons, wire wrap, and sleeve-type labels.
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