Extrusion International USA 3-2021

41 Extrusion International 3/2021 FILM TECHNOLOGY Themost striking feature of SML’s latest generation of MDO lines is thenewdesign consistingof two independent frames with an inline adjustable stretching gap. The two frames are relocatable to each other, the variable distance between the two frames precisely de fi nes the length of the stretching gap. “Ultimately, all the essential mechanical properties of the fi lm in themachineandcross directionaredeterminedby the length of the stretching gap and the stretching speed. Our system guarantees both maximum control of the fi lm prop- erties and very high production speeds,” Robert Preuner, Head of R&D at SML, explains. With SML’s new dual frame system, cleaning and service times are reduced signi fi cantly with a clear effect on line ef fi ciency and pro fi tability. Extended fi lm functionalities SML’s latest MDO generation is a further step towards an even larger variety of speci fi c fi lm functionalities at reduced costs. • Mechanical functionalities, such as tensile strength, punc- ture resistance, stiffness, dead fold, easy one-directional tearing, machine direction stretch control and a high shrink- age in the machine direction • Optical functionalities, customised to various requirements such as a high transparency and gloss, a low or high haze and light polarisation • Barrier functionalities, for fi lms of minimal thickness with the same oxygen and water barrier properties as thicker fi lms Generally, the production of down-gauging MDO fi lm on SML’s lines requires less raw materials, which has a positive effect on the carbon footprint as well as on overall produc- tion costs. Easy to recycle stand-up pouches fromMOPE fi lm An example for the innovative potential of MDO fi lms are stand-up pouches: Usually, fi lms for stand-up pouches have a thickness range from25 to 80 μ mand aremade of different types of polyole fi ns. SML’s MDO units are able to manufac- ture thinner fi lms from MOPE, which can replace BOPET or BOPP fi lmon theoutsideof thepouches. On thisway, pouch- es with a single material structure can be produced. On one hand, these thinner mono-material pouches are very easy to recycle. On the other hand, the raw material costs - and with it the general carbon footprint – are reduced clearly. Thicker MOPP fi lms are used only for the sealing layer, pro- viding straight tear properties when the stand-up pouches are opened. Wide product range with new perspectives The SML dual-framedesignof SML’s latestMDOgenerations offers stretching both according to the short gap and the long gap procedure. Thus these lines are not limited to pro- cess polyole fi ns, and the range of application for advanced MDO fi lm is constantly growing together with the develop- ment of new formulations. • Films for stand-up pouches • PET fi lms for twist fi lmor lamination fi lm • MDO fi lms for shrink-sleeves • Label fi lms • Films for carrier handles • FoamedMOPP fi lms, i.e. for cable insulation tapes • Functional breathable fi lms fromPE or PP for hygiene prod- ucts SML Maschinengesellschaft mbH Gewerbepark Ost 32, 4846 Redlham, Austria www.sml.at Dual Frame System Boosts Efficiency Maximum profitability for a wide range of products From stand-up pouches to laminates, from tapes to functional fi lms for hygiene products: The range of application for MDO fi lms is truly tremendous. SML’s know-how onMDO dates back to the 1960s, when the fi rst MDOs were put on the market under the name Lenzing. One of the latest developments in this fi eld is SML’s revolutionary dual frame technology that takes service-friendliness of MDO lines to the next level. High production speeds, signi fi cantly shorter down-times and a boost in overall line ef fi ciency are the key bene fi ts of the newMDO systems made by SML SML’s latest MDO generation for enhanced ef fi ciency