Automated air ring offers segmented volume control

The WesJet air ring is now automated to offer segmented air volume control, eliminating the unwanted heating of the die lips that causes buildup and long-term process problems. Segmented air streams are regulated through a gateway actuator to affect film thickness. The automated air ring can reportedly be used on stationary or oscillating dies and is available on new lines or as a retrofit.

The design was developed to give processors greater control of the gauge profile while maintaining high-performance cooling. The WesJet is said to offer excellent bubble stability and a range of blow-up ratios and film thickness combinations. It has air inlets with a wide tangential sweep design and a machined vane network for air velocity and volume distribution, reportedly increasing cooling effectiveness by 10 to 20 percent. The negative pressure field around the bubble surface pulls outwardly on the film, allowing increased air-cooling as the air stream stabilizes the bubble.

Other reported advantages of the automatic lip configuration include the addition of flow control on individual segments that increase or decrease the film thickness at that segment, reportedly correcting the profile by 50 percent. The air ring?s aircraft-grade aluminum cast structure is said to provide rigidity, close dimensional tolerance, and durability. An adjustable deflector gap offers velocity control and blow-up ratio compatibility, and built-in oscillation seals and bearings also come standard with the WesJet air ring.

Davis-Standard, Pawcatuck, CT
(860) 599-1010
www.davis-standard.com