7.5-foot, seven-layer die Davis-Standard has continued to expand its capabilities with its production of a large Centrex IBC die for Rani Plast, a Terjärv, Finland, maker of agricultural film, pallet-wrapping film and industrial films. Rani Plast said it will use the die and seven-extruder line, also supplied by Davis-Standard, to produce high-barrier and nonbarrier PE-based films. When completed, the die will be the largest seven-layer die ever built by Davis-Standard, which had previously made one measuring about 6 feet in diameter. The company said its acquisition of Gloucester Engineering last year has given it access to even more die design expertise.
What's new? The die. According to Davis-Standard, the line is expected to be commissioned this spring. The die has been designed with minimal flow lengths and circular distribution channels, and has special inserts that eliminate dead areas.
Benefits Very large bubble circumference and fast die transitions and changeovers. The die and tower are capable of producing a bubble up to 72 feet unfolded at high output rates, with a dual-lip, automatic profile control air ring. The die and barrier layers are designed to produce individual layer thicknesses as thin as 3 percent of the total structure, giving Rani Plast the ability to make films using only a small amount of high-cost resins. Other benefits of the die's particular design include reduced residence time, and minimal material degradation and buildup. These factors will facilitate easy cleaning.
Davis-Standard LLC, Pawcatuck, Conn., 860-599-1010, www.davis-standard.com
