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06/27/02
Macro Unveils its New ACCUPRO Automatic Gauge Control Systems for Blown Film Dies
During its well-attended Open House on June 27 Macro Engineering & Technology Inc. successfully unveiled its new ACCUPRO automatic gauge control system for blown film dies. For the Open House the ACCUPRO system was fitted on an 8" (200 mm) die extruding a blend of a 1MI mLLDPE at 90% with a 2MI LDPE at 10%. Attendees were impressed by the exceptional clarity of the film produced and its outstanding gauge uniformity. The film exhibited a gauge variation of +/-2.0% within 2 σ (2 sigma) or +/-2.5% within 3 σ (3 sigma).
"The ACCUPRO system is an ideal solution for companies producing printing, laminating and barrier films that require superior gauge uniformity," expressed Jim Stobie, Macro's Sales Manager. "The system operates on the principle of affecting the downgauging of the melt by influencing its temperature at the die lip. This solution offers clear advantages over other market alternatives, such as those that affect the air in the cooling ring. The ACCUPRO system does not compromise line output nor does it reduce air ring flexibility."
Mirek Planeta, Macro's President, stated that the ACCUPRO system is retrofittable on most existing blown film dies. "The ACCUPRO system will improve the gauge uniformity of an existing blown film die by 50%", says Planeta. "For example, if the gauge variation of film produced from an existing die is +/-10%, the system will improve it to +/-5%; if the existing variation is +/-5%, the system will improve it to +/-2.5%. Additionally, retrofitting the ACCUPRO system on an existing die allows companies to preserve most of their existing capital investment since the only component that needs to be replaced is the outer die lip."
The ACCUPRO system consists of a gamma backscatter sensor, a 360 degree sensor oscillator, auto profile hardware & software package, and a specially designed outer die lip with closely spaced cartridge heaters around its circumference, each with individually controlled temperature zones. The gamma backscatter sensor ensures accurate film thickness measurement. Unlike other measurement techniques, the gamma backscatter gauge is reliable, highly accurate, simple to calibrate, and insensitive to film composition opacity, color, temperature or the presence of masterbatches. Gamma sensors accurately measure thickness of resins such as PA, EVOH or EVA that are not read well by capacitive sensors.
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About Macro
Macro Engineering & Technology is a global supplier of film and sheet extrusion systems that specializes in barrier film lines and custom engineered extrusion systems. Founded in 1978, Macro’s approach is to help film and sheet producers reach their production goals through a project-oriented philosophy and an uncompromising commitment to developing innovative technologies.
Macro manufactures blown, cast and biaxially-oriented coextrusion lines for multilayer films up to 11-layers. The company also supplies sheet extrusion lines for specialty applications, along with extrusion coating and laminating lines. Macro also specializes in developing customized winding solutions and supplies winding equipment to meet the needs of complex requirements.
Macro’s equipment is used throughout the world to manufacture value-added products in the food packaging, medical, and industrial markets.
For more information about Macro Engineering & Technology Inc. contact us.
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