Extrusion International 6-2024-USA

53 Extrusion International 6/2024 twelve rollers in this process, two of which are stretch rollers. In addition, the MDOs from Ho- sokawa Alpine are equipped with three unique features: TRIO technol- ogy (Trim Reduction for Inline Ori- entation) for optimised flatness and significant material savings when trimming edge trim, flexible adjust - ment of the stretching gap to reduce necking and the unique vacuum technology for optimum flatness and outstanding process stability. Solution for full PE and HDPE Microplast Coldeplast uses a 5-lay- er blown film line from Hosokawa Alpine with inline MDO and a layflat width of 1600 mm. The company then produces full PE films, which are further processed into various flexible packaging solutions. A particular challenge in the de- velopment of the system was, in addition to some specific technical features, the process stability with a low film thickness of 25 µm. The ex - tensive experience of the Augsburg team helped here: "Throughout the entire process, Hosokawa Alpine provided us with excellent technical service and support - from the pur- chase to the installation and com- missioning of the system," says Jorge Diaz, Operations Director at Micro- plast Coldeplast. The new plant has enabled the packaging manufactur- er to increase its production capac- ity to over 400 million linear metres per year. This is another reason why Microplast Coldeplast is optimis- tic about the future. "We can well imagine developing more products with Hosokawa Alpine," says Diaz. Hosokawa Alpine AG Peter-Doerfler-Str. 13 - 25, 86199 Augsburg, Germany www.hosokawa-alpine.com The inline MDO is the centrepiece of the blown film line at Microplast Coldeplast. The monoaxial stretching of blown film improves the film properties and reduces material costs 150th Mechatronic Flat Die Automation System Delivered After extrusion machine specialist Reifenhäuser presented the automation system PAM (precise, autonomous, mechatronic) for flat dies and coextrusion adapters for the first time at the K 2022 plastics trade fair, the 150th system has now been installed on a customer line. The patented mechatronic control system has decisive advantages over conventional automatic thermal expansion bolt systems. P AM uses high-precision electric actuators to auto- matically control the adjusting screws for setting and regulating the flexible die lip. Depending on the die design, it is also possible to autonomously adjust the dust bar, the width adjustment and the lip opening by adjusting the lower die lip. PAM is available for all new Reifenhäuser flat dies and as a retrofit for dies from all third-party manufacturers. The 150th unit was delivered to a customer in Germany who has automated his PET thermoforming sheet line with PAM. The system is characterized by its simple de- sign and handling. At the same time, the sophisticated control works with absolute reliability and precision. In addition to the increase in efficiency, the system is now much easier, more convenient and safer to operate. Once settings have been saved, they can be called up via the system HMI and PAM delivers perfect and reproducible filmquality at the touch of a button. Processors are there - The 150th PAM automation system was delivered to a customer in Germany for a PET thermoforming sheet line (Pictures: Reifenhäuser)