EoW March 2007

technology news

New cast film take-off system fromWayne Machine

Wayne Machine has introduced a new medium sized ‘Yellow Jacket’ cast film take-off system that features orientation capability. This is accomplished by a second chill roll featuring a high precision speed ratio follower drive linked to the main chill roll drive. The closed loop AC Flux Vector drive system maintains the selected speed ratio between the two rolls, allowing the film to be oriented in the machine direction to the exact degree required. Once set, the motors are constantly monitored with encoders to maintain the degree of orientation. The chill rolls feature double shell, spiral baffle construction with mirror finish chrome plating, and are direct driven with independent motors. A nip roll station is an integral part of the take-off system. The nip rolls also feature a precision speed ratio follower drive linked to the second chill roll that maintains the exact amount of film tension desired. Orientation and tension control are key to achieving critical mechanical property parameters in the finished film, especially when dealing with engineering and highly filled polymers. Various roll finishes are available to make specialised film, such as corrosion-resistant types for Teflon FEP, and anti-stick matte finishes for polyurethane films. A complete emergency stop system opens the nip rolls and stops the chill rolls whenever air pressure drops, the safety chain is pulled or when a mushroom pushbutton is pressed.

The new 30" (750mm) cast film take-off

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Screw jacks provide for easy height adjustment of the entire system. The new ‘Yellow Jacket’ cast film take-off systems are ideal for adding cast film capability to existing extruders, as drop- in replacements for existing take-offs or as part of a complete cast film system including extruder, die, take-off and winder. Complete computer and SCADA control system interface is available for automatic, remote control and data logging and trending. Wayne Machine & Die Company – USA Fax : +1 973 256 1778

Email : jlischak@waynemachine.com Website : www.waynemachine.com

Accuracy is the name of the game A laser scanning system with an accuracy of ±0.1mm has been developed by American company, Laser Design Inc. The PM-300 Extrusion Profile Monitoring System, monitors extrusion profiles in real-time. Already installed at a major US window manufacturing company, the system automated their manual measuring process that previously stopped production lines, costing them millions in lost revenue. The PM-300 system’s three laser probes monitor the two-dimensional cross- sectional profile of moulded vinyl and wooden products used in window frame construction. The PM-300 is the first low-cost complex profile monitoring system with exceptional ±0.1mm accuracy. It checks multiple complex feature measurements at the rate of 12 times per second on inline extrusion production lines.

The continuous monitoring happens in real-time during the manufacturing process, so every extruded portion is verified to be within spec. Corrections can be made right away whenever the ongoing measurements indicate a problem. When thousands of parts come off the line per day, the cost and time savings potential is enormous.

“Window rail component manufacturing is a good example of where this system can replace the time-consuming, off-line periodic sampling process that stops the production line with uninterrupted non-contact profile monitoring using our laser scanners. Productivity is greatly increased and accuracy is continuously monitored by the PM-300 system.” When profiles are monitored on a non- stop basis, any deviations from spec are caught immediately and corrected, before the production line makes hundreds of faulty products. for monitoring extrusions of aluminium, wood, vinyl, vinyl-clad, and rolled steel shapes,” Schuster added. window manufacturing industry is just one example of the many industries that could benefit from using the technology.” Laser Design Inc – USA Fax : +1 952 884 9653 “This technology is perfect “The PM-300 system’s successful implementation in the

The new PM-300 laser scanning system

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Laser Design markets the PM-300 system worldwide. “Our Extrusion Profile Monitoring System is affordable for all types of extrusion scanning applications, both large and small,” said Martin Schuster, president of Laser Design.

Email : sales@laserdesign.com Website : www.laserdesign.com

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EuroWire – March 2007