SHEET | MATERIALS


Crystal clear APET SML says calendering is critical for producing extra-thick APET sheet for thermoforming large cups with a one-litre (32 ounce) capacity. “If a glass-like quality is required for thermo-


forming APET sheet in the range from 1,200 to 2,000 microns, manufacturing becomes relatively demanding,” said Rupert Becker, product manager at SML. For high transparency, intrinsic viscosity (IV) of the melt is a key to successful production. A highly viscous melt is essential for making crystal-clear, extra-thick APET sheet. Using raw materials with an IV value higher than 0.78 g/dl – combined with pre-drying and single screw extrusion – minimises IV loss for the melt throughout production. A slanted roll stack allows the viscous melt to stabilise before entering the nip. Disturbances or interruptions can be largely excluded. This contrib- utes towards the formation of highly transparent APET sheet. To prevent scratches, dots or dents on the sheet surface, the surface of each roller – from roll stack to winder – must have a premium surface. Crystal clear, extra-thick APET sheet also needs a


relatively dust-free environment, as it has a propen- sity for static charges. Otherwise, dust will be sucked towards the sheet during production – which can create scratches.


“Dust might seem to be a tiny issue, but all the


measures mentioned above are null and void if the production environment is not relatively free of it,” said Becker.


Kindergarten façade Exolon has supplied its polycarbonate ‘click panel’ system as part of the construction of a new kinder- garten near Katowice in Poland. This helps to create bright rooms while keeping


energy consumption to a minimum, it says. The new kindergarten was commissioned by the municipality of Bobrowniki and was its largest investment to date (around €24 million). It has an outdoor area measuring 950 square metres. The building facades were finished using polycarbon- ate, textured plaster, laminate and aluminium cladding. For the double-shell facade, the builder chose


the Exolon Panel 9P system profile, which are 40mm thick. This is a polycarbonate system featuring a tongue and groove joint. The nine-fold tunnel structure, which has a low Ug


value, im-


proves thermal insulation and helps cut energy consumption. The ‘clear frost’ colour gives the facade a friendly aesthetic that blends with the environment, says Exolon.


www.filmandsheet.com


Sheet takeover US-based sheet maker Plaskolite has acquired Vycom – part of Azek. It says the takeover will help it expand into new substrates and provide a broader product offering. Vycom manufactures olefin- and PVC-based sheet for the semiconductor, outdoor living, playground, marine, industrial and graphics markets. Its products are specified for their high quality and performance in fire and chemical resistance, says Plaskolite. “Vycom complements our focus on strong customer relationships, safety and sustainability,” said John Szlag, co-president of Plaskolite. “Fur- thermore, it recycles and reuses 99% of its scrap, which will expand our involvement in sustainability and recycling.” Some of Vycom’s products include Celtec


expanded PVC plastic sign material and substrates, Timberline HDPE sheet with the look and feel of wood, and Flametec PVC and HDPE sheets – which are resistant to fire and high temperature. Thomas Chadwick, principal for manufactured


products at Pritzker Private Capital – which owns Plaskolite – added: “This acquisition demonstrates Plaskolite’s continued focus to best serve its customers by broadening its substrate offering and expanding its presence into other market segments.”


CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: � www.simona.de � www.pacur.com � www.eastman.com � www.skchemicals.com � www.roehm.com � www.sml.at � www.exolongroup.com � www.plaskolite.com


May 2024 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 27


Above: Exolon’s


polycarbonate ‘click panel’ system has been used in a new kindergar- ten in Poland


IMAGE: EXOLON


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