Extrusion International USA 6-2021

28 Extrusion International 6/2021 INDUSTRY NEWS Reifenhäuser Group www.reifenhauser.com „ The Reifenhäuser Group exhibited its latest innovations for fl at and blown fi lm production at ArabPlast 2021 in Dubai at November 15 to 18. The Reifenhäuser Cast Sheet Coating business unit, which spe- cializes in fl at fi lms, presented its pioneering solution for pro- ducing sustainable PET sheet from up to 100% PET bottle scrap (PCR) for direct food contact. Customers process post consumer recyclate (PCR) on Reifenhäuser MIREX PET sheet lines, not only as an intermediate layer between two outer layers of virgin ma- terial, as widely used in the food packaging sector. If required, the fi lmcan bemade fromPCR PET only. The end productmeets the highest hygiene standards and can be used safely - even in direct contact with food. Another highlight of theMIREX PET sheet lines is PCR fl ake pro- cessing without pre-drying. This is achieved on the tried-and- tested co-rotating twin-screw extruder “REItruder”. Processors therefore bene fi t from lower energy costs, as it eliminates the crystallization and drying steps in the process. In addition, the line features a special back fl ush fi ltration system for extremely high melt quality and process consistency. The result is perfect optical andmechanical fi lmproperties. The Reifenhäuser Blown Filmbusiness unit specializing in blown fi lm also exhibited with solutions that produce sustainable end products. The technology answer here is EVO Ultra Stretch – Reifenhäuser’s advanced stretching unit for fully recyclable blown fi lm. It allows customers to produce mono-material com- posites (all-PE fi lm) for fl exible packaging and replace the other- wise usual PET layer with stretched PE. With up to 10 times the stretch rate, the Ultra Stretch stretching unit gives PE fi lm com- pletely newmechanical properties. This is a simple replacement for PET and there is no need to adapt other processing steps. The unique and patented position of the stretching unit directly in the haul-off of the blown fi lm line makes the process particu- larly stable and ef fi cient. The Ultra Stretch process is unique on the market and offers decisive advantages over the otherwise usual process of stretching the fi lm between the take-off and the winder. Visitors to the Reifenhäuser booth in Dubai had the chance to experience the impressive Ultra Stretch technology, as well as the latest blown and fl at fi lm lines, on a large screen as part of a virtual 360° tour through the Reifenhäuser Film Technology Center. PET Solution for 100% PCR Use in Direct Food Contact Exhibited Reifenhäuser EVO Ultra Stretch: The position of the stretching unit directly in the haul-off of the blown fi lm line is patented and is a unique selling point on the market „ Guill Tool introduces theNEW500Series crossheadwithMAGS gum space adjustment. The 500 Series is designed speci fi cally for the fl ow characteristics and unique processing challenges of elastomeric compounds. One of the key features engineered by Guill on this new crosshead design is the mechanically assisted gum space (MAGS) adjustment system. This new method of gum space adjustment allows the operator to make an effort- less adjustment from a single point using a common socket wrench. No more need to struggle with multiple nuts and bolts New 500 Series Rubber/Silicone Extrusion Crosshead in order to adjust gum space, which leads to faster adjustments. The visual indicator on the core tube allows the operator to see how far the gum space has been moved, making those adjust- ments muchmore accurate and repeatable. The hardware-free and patented cam lock design of the NEW 500 Series fromGuill means no time is wasted unbolting and re- securing fasteners for disassembly and re-assembly. Only half of a rotation of the cam nut is required to loosen and automati- cally extract the de fl ector from the head body, which is another Sustainable solution for fl exible packagings: Reifenhäuser All-PE Pouch Reifenhäuser MIREX PET sheet lines produce sustainable PET fi lm from up to 100% PET bottle scrap (PCR) for direct food contact (in compliance with FDA-LNO) (Photos: Reifenhäuser)