Extrusion International USA 5-2022

30 Extrusion International 5/2022 30 INDUSTRY NEWS  Addex will introduce its integrated blown film Cool - ing and Stabilization System (CSS) for extrusion lines at the upcoming K 2022 exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany. The digital, automatic bubble cage (Dcage) features Addex’s “Operator-Assist” (Å) technology which controls the entire cooling process on one screen. Addex has partnered with Pearl Technologies, Savannah, N.Y., a leading supplier of quality web guiding and han- dling equipment, to create a robust, “smart” bubble cage featuring Addex’s proprietary 100% pure digital automatic controls. The Addex + Pearl Digital Bubble Cage provides smooth, consistent bubble diameter control and features Pearl’s unique patented cage arm technology. Each cage arm is fabricated from a lightweight custom aluminum extrusion with a smooth, fully radiused active surface that always faces the bubble. Surface-modified with Pearl’s SM24 “Extreme- Slip” ultra-low coefficient of friction (COF) hard-coat mate - rial, the resulting design offers long wear life and superior quality filmwithout blemishes, tracks, or chatter marks. Addex has engineered control over stepper motors to perform precise repeatable axis adjustment for vertical po - sitioning of the cage, as well as the horizontal adjustment for bubble diameter integrated with their all-digital IBC Control System (DIBC). Addex’s bubble cage system represents a breakthrough in the blown film industry. The company’s depth of process knowledge coupled with a strong desire to make operator- friendly equipment was the impetus behind the “smart” Bubble Cage + DIBC and the resulting Å - Operator Assist technology. Additionally, all the system components are service friendly, allowing remote maintenance-friendly di- agnoses/troubleshooting, thus avoiding delayed and costly in-person technical service calls. The Bubble Cage and DIBC system are “smart” because they enable a processor to “set it and forget it,” accord - ing to Bob Cree, President of Addex Inc. Upon startup, the operator loads a previously memorized setpoint and the Dcage + DIBC automatically adjust themselves, making for faster, greener changeovers, freeing the operator to focus attention elsewhere. Setups are saved in the system, and once selected, DIBC sensors are linked with the digital cage positioning. If the system sees the bubble coming too close, it won’t allow the cage to come in too tight. It digests all in- puts before operation, ensuring success for every operator regardless of experience. Addex’s Digital IBC Control (DIBC) uses patented, split, fully-digital ultrasonic sensors that eliminate errors caused by interference common to other systems and enable the air flow intake and exhaust to react to the slightest change in bubble size. This occurs while retaining high precision and accuracy over the resulting bubble size. Additionally, a digital stepper motor valve control retains this high degree of precision to ensure tighter control over the entire pro- cess, as well as repeatability. Also new to the Addex lineup and displayed as part of the Digital Bubble Control System is Short Stack Intensive Cool- ing, the latest iteration of Addex’s patented Intensive Cool - ing technology. Short Stack is an enclosed two-level, stacked Intensive Cooling system that guarantees 15% to 20% out - put gains with low-melt strength materials that typically are impossible to run on other raised-up cooling systems. Short Stack also provides up to 50% output gains with easier to run, high-melt strength materials. The Short Stack stabiliza- tion and bubble cooling immediately upon exit of the die is the key to impressive output gains while maintaining film quality through enhanced bubble stability. Short Stack In- tensive Cooling also features digital control over that por- tion of the cooling process, including Å-Operator Assist tech - nology and remote maintenance capability. Addex’s CSS system also includes quality-enhancing gauge control, provided by the Addex EGC (External Gauge Control) Intensive Cooling auto-profile air ring, which sits atop the Short Stack and controls 100% of the Agreement on the Production and Procurement of Polyrolysis Oil fromMixed PlasticWaste