Description

Macro’s Barrier Quadex-3B Series (3Bi and 3Bw) of coextrusion Quadex film lines produces high-performance multilayer barrier shrink films for food packaging applications, such as meat, cheese, and poultry packaging shrink films and shrink bags. Configured in a Quadex-3B arrangement, the line efficiently performs the three basic processes of producing Quadex (bbiaxially-oriented) films: extrusion, orientation, and annealing.

Using Macro’s Macropack die, along with carefully designed extrusion screws, each extrusion module allows the processor to extrude a wide variety of polymers from PVdC to EVOH, and Nylon; allowing flexibility to adapt the product to market needs.

The line features Macro’s primary tube calibration system, specially designed by Macro for the Quadex process. The quenching system ensures that the primary tube is efficiently cooled and precisely calibrated with simple operation that allows for adjustments to be made without stopping the line, generating cost savings from reduced scrap generation during production changes.

Depending on the model, the line is equipped with either a water-based, or infrared-based orientation system, which initiates the MD/TD orientation process to accurately blow the second bubble. The orientation unit allows fast start-ups and the stability to perform long runs without bubble breaks. It also provides the processor with control of the shrink properties and thickness of the final film.

Annealing of the film is performed on the third bubble with infrared heaters.

The line is equipped with a gauge randomizing unit and Macro’s Automax-S surface winder, which features programmable tension tapering and automatic cutovers.

Description

Macro’s high speed coextrusion line for producing biaxially-oriented (biax) sausage casings is configured in a Quadex-3Bi arrangement to efficiently extrude, orient, and anneal the film with tight control of final film properties.

Applications:

The line can be configured to produce coextrusion casing structures using PA (Nylon), PE and EVOH. It can also be modified to allow processing of film structures with PVdC.

Should the need arise, the line may be readily converted to produce biax films for barrier shrink bag production.

Film Specifications:

The Quadex 3Bi sausage casing line produces casings with width calibers of 35-180 mm and thickness ranging from 35-60 microns.

The line operates at speeds up to 170 m/min.

Equipment Summary:

The line includes a primary bubble forming section with a vacuum calibrator. The bubble is blown and oriented with the aid of an infrared heater. Annealing is achieved in an infrared annealing oven. The bubble’s diameter is precisely measured and controlled in each section to ensure consistent product quality. The line includes a gauge randomizer and a two-spindle center winder.

An advanced control system contains recipes for automatic ramping (up and down) of line speed with simultaneous adjustment of up to 30 process parameters. This ramping procedure not only automates tasks of the operator but also shortens start-up times to save the processor valuable costs related to resin and energy consumption.