May 2024 Blow Molding Blog
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May 13, 2024
Addex Debuts New Blown Film Cooling Technology
Addex Debuts New Blown Film Cooling Technology
Addex recently debuted two new blow film cooling solutions. One is an auto- profile system for rotating dies and the other is an air ring with a single inlet plenum design. The auto-profile system is based on the company’s EGC (external gauge control) air ring. This unit can reduce gauge variation by 50%, and it is already in operation at a Crayex plant in Georgia and another film processor plant in South Carolina. The new air ring has an interesting design where air volume is controlled by “fingers” that open and close to allow more or less cooling air on the film, this in turn either thickens or thins the film. A 12- inch ring consists of 168 control zones, while larger systems come with 200 or more control zones. However the real advantage of this new technology is the propriety mapping algorithm. If it is combined with Addex’s third generation controller, Sofware and hardware package, the system is able to regulate both the air ring and the die rotation. As mentioned, the company also debuted a new air ring with a single inlet plenum. By consulting with film processors Addex was able to gain insights on the benefits of a single plenum designs. The new single-inlet design was tested at the compny’s pilot line in Newark, New York and it was found that the single-inlet plenum provided better overall thickness profile with reduced variability. Learn more about this topic here.
May 31, 2024
Limestone-Based Bioplastic Certified for Composability by BPI in the U.S.
Limestone-Based Bioplastic Certified for Composability by BPI in the U.S.
GAIA Biomaterials recently received a compostability certification from the BPI for its lime-stone based bioplastic material Biodolomer. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) offers third party verification which is determined by assessing a material’s ability to meet ASTM ‘s compostability standards. This also serves to make sure that all compostability claims are backed by scientific evidence, as is required by the FTC. GAIA’s current certification mark only applies to Biodolomer for film applications, but more certifications are underway. CEO Peter Stenström says the company has been working on Biodolomer for nine years and he also made claims about the recently certified material, he mentioned that "Unlike many other bioplastics, it does not use materials grown on farmland. It is based on limestone, one of the most common materials on the planet." He also said that “Biodolomer does not result in any microplastics and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80 % compared to fossil plastics if burned." Biodolomer has several film related applications such as grocery bags, aprons, and other farming uses. The material is also compatible with several processing methods including thermoforming, blow molding, tube extrusion, extrusion coating and 3D printing. Additionally, Biodolomer can be incorporated into the same production lines as other types of plastics with only minimal adjustments required. Read more about this topic here.
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