Film Extrusion
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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Solving Gels in Thin Film, Tubing Extrusion
Gels are a common quality problem in thin film and tubing extrusion. To solve them, learn from where they came.
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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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Stretching Film's Limits
In the hyper-competitive stretch-film market, more layers often mean more market share. Moving from five layers to seven or nine can give an edge through higher performance or reduced cost.
Read MoreNPE Newsfinder: Extrusion
NPE will show higher outputs of practically everything, as advances in grooved feeds, servo drives, screw torque, mixing screws, dies, and downstream cooling, cutting, and handling make everything run faster.
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