Output increased through retrofit

As the saying goes, “old soldiers never die,” and many blown-film lines are just the same. Just because a line has reached an advanced age doesn’t mean it can’t continue to perform well. But naturally it often lacks the latest technology to speed output and provide better economies for processors. Windmöller & Hölscher says it can retrofit its own—and competitive brand—blown-film lines to increase up-time, extend flexibility, and reduce waste.

Retrofit solutions offered for these purposes range from resin supply to controlled gravimetric metering, plasticizing units, different dies, sizing cages, and haul-offs, as well as controls and winders. According to Hendrik Steen, head of module management at this company, a complete new installation to increase performance capacity of blown-film lines is not always necessary. Frequently it only takes the addition or replacement of individual components that may present a bottleneck inhibiting maximum output, such as bubble cooling, says Steen. “Experience has shown that depending upon product specifications, incorporating our Multicool air ring not only results in a >30% output increase, but also significantly improves film tolerances,” he says.

Windmöller & Hölscher KG, Lengerich, Germany; +49-5481-142929; www.wuh-lengerich.de

The Multicool single air ring can be upgraded to a Multicool D double-deck assembly with patented gauge profile controller, Optifil P3K, from Windmöller & Hölscher.