Combination line targets thermoforming packaging

To produce barrier films, processing lines with two cast film stations and an inline laminator are an interesting alternative to conventional coextrusion through a feedblock. This manufacturer is offering such a unit made up of three sections: a cast-film line processing nylon (PA) lamination film; a cast-film line producing polyethylene (PE) film; and a laminating station to join the PA/PE webs. The manufacturer say the biggest advantage of this line compared to a line with single-stage, multilayer feedblock extrusion is that all edge trim is recycled since in each section the edge trim is uncontaminated and can be fed back directly into the extruder. Layer-to-layer uniformity is said to be more precise since thickness gauges control the profile of the individual mono-layers. Thickness ranges for the PA/PE film are from 80-300 µm. Main applications of these barrier films are for thermoformed food products packaging and vacuum bags. SML, Lenzing, Austria; +43 7672 9120; www.sml.at