LAB EXTRUDERS | MACHINERY
Developments in lab-scale extrusion include a table- top model for training and development, as well as a new test method to evaluate the machinability of flexible packaging materials
Scale models: advances in laboratory extruders
While full-scale extrusion systems are critical for producing high-quality film and sheet economically, they rely heavily on experiments performed on a much smaller scale. Any new formulation or structure will first be tested on a lab- or pilot-scale extruder. At the recent NPE show in the US, Collin Lab &
Pilot Solutions highlighted a range of lab-scale extruders – including a flat film line to make two-layer film. “With this line, our customers can produce two-layer films plus extruded strips,” said Friedrich Kastner, CEO of Collin. A key part of the Lab Line system is a 400mm multi-manifold die from Comelt. The die is highly flexible, says Collin – meaning that different materials with different viscosities and melt temperatures can be processed. Other essential parts of the line include a horizontally or vertically adjustable Chill Roll CR 400 with smoothing roll, two winders, edge cutting, tempering devices, additional heating packages and a new camera inspection system. In addition, it showed two Teach Line systems – for blown and flat film – that are compact, easy to handle table-top machines.
www.filmandsheet.com The BL 200 blown film unit is mainly used for
training, quality assurance, tests and trials as well as in pre-development. “The advantage for customers is that these compact table systems can be operated with minimal material input,” said Kastner. “The blowing system is available with a mono or multi-layer die and creates uniform blown film.” The flat film line combines the functions of a cast film line with those of a small smoothing calender. The system is suited for smoothing or laminating films and casting low-viscosity masses with a vertical die. Via pneumatic cylinders, the upper of the three rolls is designed to be moveable, which enables production of smooth films. The gap width can be finely adjusted. If the upper roll is swivelled up, the unit can be used for casting of thin films. Labtech of Thailand has also been busy at
exhibitions, attending shows in France, Malaysia and Vietnam with its pilot- and lab-scale extrusion machinery. At the recent MyPlas show in Kuala Lumpur, it
gave live demonstrations of its Ultra Micro co-extru- sion blown film machine and Mini single-layer cast film line. The Ultra Micro range is based on an 8mm
September 2024 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 45
Main image: Anton Paar says its TwinLab lab- and pilot-scale twin-screw extruders help to optimise the extrusion process
IMAGE: ANTON PAAR
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