Extrusion International 2-2024-USA

65 Extrusion International 2/2024 FILM EXTRUSION the customer. In this way, Bausano offers a space where customers can refine their R&D, for a concept of innova - tion that goes beyond technological progress and also embraces the value-added services sector. "The priority for Bausano is customer satisfaction. This is why our distinctive feature lies both in the exclusive range of pre-design services which, starting from the customer's formulation, allows us to tailor-make the best extrusion line, and in the possibility of verifying the de- sign itself with double testing." says Giovanni Bausano, R&DManager, who concludes, "In addition to this, there are the after-sales services, which include an extremely well-stocked warehouse of accessories and original spare parts, and a specialised, timely assistance, both onsite and remote, for an all-round support capable of reducing machine downtime and guaranteeing continuity in the production department. A combination that positions us as a reliable partner along the entire value chain.” Bausano & Figli Spa C.so Indipendenza 111, 10086 Rivarolo Canavese (TO), Italy www.bausano.com Crystal Clear Big-Size Cups – What to be Aware of when Calendering Extra-Thick APET Sheet Calendering is a common method to produce extra-thick APET sheet for the thermoforming of big cups containing up to one liter in Europe or 32 ounces in the US. To obtain a crystal-clear product, a couple of fundamental factors must be taken into consideration. The intrinsic viscosity (IV) of the melt is a key to any successful production. “If a glass-like quality is required for thermoforming APET sheet in the range from1,200 to 2,000microns, man- ufacturing becomes relatively demanding. Process knowl- edge is a basic prerequisite for a successful production,” Rupert Becker, Product Manager at SML, comments. Choosing the right raw materials: IV value over 0.78 g/dl A highly viscous melt is essential for the production of crystal-clear, extra-thick APET sheet. Using raw materi- als with an IV value higher than 0.78 g/dl, in combina- tion with pre-drying and single screw extrusion, guar- antees minimum IV loss for the melt throughout the production process as a whole. Calendering on slanted roll stacks A slanted roll stack allows the highly viscous melt to stabilise before entering the nip, where the sheet thick- ness is determined. Disturbances or interruptions with regard to the melt bead can be largely excluded. This contributes enormously towards the formation of high- ly transparent APET sheet, the optical quality of which is comparable with PC or PMMA sheet, that are usually also manufactured on slanted roll stacks.