EXTRUSION DIES, INC.

EXTRUSION DIES, INC.
Booth N-5670

What's Hot! Two innovations will be the focus: the Accuflow adjustable coextrusion feedblock and the Multiflow VII manifold design.

* The Accuflow feedblock is adjustable on-line, which is said to make possible real-time control of the quality and consistency of multi-layer cast film, sheet and coated products. It works by controlling the transverse thickness profile of coextruded products up to seven layer, which is said to translate to faster line startups, higher yields and cost savings. It employs highly streamlined split-body combining spools that are said to minimize degradation and permit finer adjustment of each layer as it is combined with other layers.

Accuflow feedblocks contain one less combining spool than the total number of layers in a given products (i.e., two spools for a three-layer product). In operation, combining spools consecutively add layers to each side of the central 'core' layer. In a five-layer A-B-C-B-A structure, for example, the B sub-skin layers would first be added to the C layer, followed by the A skin layers.

The system also incorporates miniature heaters that refine the dimensions of the combined coextruded structure by increasing or decreasing viscosity at points along the width of the feedblock channel.

The only limitation of the Accuflow feedblock (as with all adjustable feedblocks) is that it can not be used with heat-sensitive resins, such as PVC. It is suited for such applications as polyethylene stretch film, which is evolving from three-layer structures to products with five and seven layers; polycarbonate and acrylic glazing that incorporates UV-resistant cap stock layers; high-end sheet products, such as ABS capped with weatherable terpolymers; cast and embossed films for high-volume end uses like diaper liners; and coatings for high-end applications like photographic film.

* Also new in this booth is the Multiflow VII manifold, which has a streamlined design for flat dies and is said to do away with a number of the small radii and 'dead corners' that can cause polymer degradation.

The new manifold incorporates a more complex geometry than that of EDI's Multiflow I design, the conventional 'coathanger' manifold usually used to process degradable resins. Instead of a flattened back wall, the new manifold has a rounded wall, with minimal transverse flat area at its center to allow for rework and full radii at the corners. EDI has also increased the length of the taper at the entry port or throat of the manifold.

Although the concept of a 'roundback' manifold is not new, designs of this type are said to be rare because their complex geometries make them hard to manufacture with conventional technology. EDI has developed a manufacturing capability that is totally three-dimensional, from initial concept through engineering to the cutting of steel, which is said to make the 'roundback' manifold widely available at a relatively small price increase over the Multiflow I.

Multflow VII manifolds can be used with such heat-sensitive materials as PVC, filled compounds and PET polyester for biaxially oriented film.

Existing Products On Display will include Autoflex automatic dies for computerized gage control, Ultraflex dies for manual gage-control adjustment, CL-EPC extrusion coating dies, Ultracoat slot die coating heads, Ultraflow coextrusion feedblocks, FastGap systems for rapid on-line changes in product thickness, flexible membrane systems and a range of internal and external deckling
systems. Circle 258

Booth Personnel William W. Brown Jr., Christopher W. Curtin, James E. Johnson, Sam G. Iuliano

Key Contact Sam Iuliano, Mgr. Sales Admin. - Tel: 715-726-1201; Fax: 715-726-2205;
E-mail: [email protected];
Web Site: www.extrusiondies.com