Cast and Blown Film Measurement/Control Technology and Justification, 2000 Polymers, Laminations & Coatings Conference Proceedings
Rick Whiteman--Films and film processes, both cast and blown, are becoming more sophistocated and complex. At the same time, the market is demanding thinner films at higher quality, and at faster speeds. The integrity and performance of the resins and the processes are key, but to complement this, proper on-line gauging and automatic gauge control are required today to insure that the films produce on these processes are done so with minimum thickness variation, and at the highest efficiency possible.
To accomplish these objectives, which are most chellenging or impossible via manual means on the wider higher speed lines, a gauging system needs to be equipped with the proper sensor(s) for the application. In addtition, application-matched machine direction and profile controls for real-time automatic control of the critical components of film thickness variation are essential for success.
The net result of proper implementation of on-line measurement and control are quality and efficiency improvements, which serve as the basis for justification of these measurement and control systems. Payback periods of less than one year are typical.