IC
= Combination of the advantages of both processes...
Being
experienced in the production of lines for biaxially oriented tubular
multilayer films, PLAMEX
combined with the development of their new IC-Line („Instant
Cooling“-line) the advantages of both processes – castfilm
line and conventionally blown film line.
After
leaving the die, the melt is shock-cooled by means of cooling water,
whereas the crystallization process is stopped, and the melt is frozen
in its amorphous state. The creation of macrosherulites and the agglomeration
of microcrystals - both reason for haze - is restricted.
The
film stays highly transparent and can excellently be thermoformed
also to deep trays with rectangular shape and small loss of thickness
in the lower edges.
As
different resins freeze at different temperatures, a curl in direction
of those resins which freeze at lower temperatures occures (in direction
PE) in case of asymmetrical layer combinations (e.g. PA-PE). By intensive
cooling, as is the case in the IC-line, this process can be eliminated
and even be turned to it’s opposite (in direction PA –
outside): This can be desirable to open the bags more easily.
As
in principle the IC-process is a blown film extrusion
which is modified by water cooling, edge cuts do not occur, as they
reduce the profitability in the cast film production.
The
actual throughput is far above those known with conventional blown
film lines. With sophisticated air rings and IBC (Internal Bubble
Cooling) an output of app e.g. 250 kg/h can be achieved for a 600
mm doubleflat film with blow up ratio 1:2 at app. 3 kg/h x cm of die
gap’s diameter.
With
an IC-Line throughputs of 500 kg/h are possible.
After
a reversing nip system, the tubular film which is slit into two film
webs is wound up to big diameter rolls with excellent geometries by
the new PLAMEX MULTIWIN
winder generation which offers alternative right or left winding modes
(patent pending).
Advantages
of the IC-process at a glance:
