More automation comes to flat die technology.  

At K 2022, Reifenhäuser debuted its PAM (precise, automated, mechatronic) automation option for coextrusion adapters and slot dies in flat film, sheet production and extrusion coating . The system’s high level of automation reportedly makes the machine operator's work easier, thus increasing line productivity and film quality. Energy consumption is also reduced, as manual adjustment bolts replace the conventional thermal expansion bolts. Ldpe Extruder Machine

With PAM, Reifenhauser says the coextrusion adapter and die can be precisely adjusted automatically and mechatronically from the line's operating panel. This is said to be significantly faster than conventional control by hand or expansion bolt automation, and enables faster start-up of production, higher output and improved overall equipment efficiency. Scrap and material usage are reportedly significantly reduced. Moreover, recipes that have been set once can be stored and recalled at any time so that they can therefore be reproduced exactly, even by inexperienced line operators.

Photos: Reifenhäuser

The technology relies on what looks like an Allen wrench that rides on a track, traversing the die and adapter to make adjustments. More than one of these “traveling wrenches” can be deployed on the die depending on its width.

Read: Green’s the Theme in Extrusion/Compounding

For extrusion adapters, Reifenhäuser’s Pro is reportedly the only  system on the market that allows profiling of the individual layers while the line is running. Unlike conventional systems, elements located in the adapter do not have to be removed, processed and reinstalled in a time-consuming process. Instead, profilers can be flexibly controlled individually or together during operation via a central adjustment.

By adding the PAM option, the setting of the layer distribution is automated and adjustment simplified and optimized through integrated recipe management. This is especially for film processors that make products with many layers and have many product changes on their lines.

Wrinkles are a major cause of defects in extrusion winding and converting, especially with thinner films, which are much more wrinkle-prone than thick ones. The cause of most wrinkles is located close to the roller where the wrinkle first appears and can be identified by looking at the orientation and pattern of the wrinkle. First, find the cause; then try to eliminate or at least reduce it.

Roll finishes often cost more than the roll itself. The right finish improves film or sheet quality and raises output. Yet most processors don't know how to measure surface roughness or to specify it properly.

Newer specialty slip masterbatches go beyond traditional capabilities to provide greater thermal stability, reliability, and ability to hold COF steady during laminating.

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