MULTI-LAYER FILM | MATERIALS
Multiple benefits: recent projects in multi-layer film
New developments in multi-layer film include resins with a higher moisture barrier, PET lidding with a high percentage of PCR and two cost-saving projects to recycle internal scrap
Multi-layer film is increasingly moving from simple three-layer laminates to far more complex struc- tures. Whatever the structure – and the end use – it is vital for converters to be able to make this film quickly and efficiently. This is aided by develop- ments by both machinery and materials suppliers. Gap of Italy, for instance, recently installed a 27-layer blown film line at its research and devel- opment centre in Trecate. The 27-layer bubble film line uses microlayer technology to create structures with improved mechanical characteristics and reduced thickness – which helps to save material. The line is made up of nine extruders and a 27-layer coextrusion die that has a diameter of 400mm. The width of the machine is 1600mm. The line also has an automatic air-cooling ring control
www.filmandsheet.com
and software control systems. It can use multiple combinations of materials to create different coextruded film structures. Gap has tested several structures on the new
line, both with blocks and alternating layers. Thanks to the laminar flow structure, it has managed to raise mechanical performance and reduce thick- ness by up to 25%. Microlayers allow thin layers of polymer to be oriented more easily. For instance, layers of PP can be inserted between layers of PE to increase rigidity and decrease pin holes. Gap has inserted EVOH layers to improve the barrier effect and recyclability.
Gap will also install a series of three-layer bag
production lines – incorporating 100mm die and IBC – at its R&D centre. The lines have been
September 2021 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 15
Main image: GAP has installed a
27-layer blown film line at its research and development centre
IMAGE: GAP
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
