Maachi gears up for gearless drives

Following a notable trend for extruders as featured in the Notable Waves of the Future feature (September 2005 MPW), this processing equipment maker is introducing a three-layer blown-film line featuring gearless drive technology later this month during the Plast 2006 show in Milan, Italy. Equipped with AC Synchronous motors from Siemens, the compact line produces film in 2400-mm width.

The unit eliminates the need for belts, pulleys, gearbox wear and tear, mechanical assemblies, cooling fans, air filters, and oil. The extruders, a 100-mm core and two 80-mm satellite extruders, are liquid cooled and substantially quieter than traditional units featuring gearboxes.

Processors can expect a longer service life for drive bearings due to the lower rpm for the motor. Maachi SpA, Venegono Inf. (VA), Italy; +39 0331 827750; www.macchi.it