CHICAGO (July 14, 4:15 p.m. EDT) — Processing Technologies Inc. displayed its new multilayer-coextrusion manifold that features quick and easy setups for two-and three-layer sheet structures.
The Versa-Cap is aimed mainly at thin-cap layers in which gloss or thin color layers are coextruded onto a similar base material, said Christopher Eaton, product manager for sheet and foam extrusion systems. Polyolefin and styrenic sheet are typical materials the Versa-Cap is designed for.
By changing flow keys that alter flow patterns within the manifold, the layers are easily reconfigured, Eaton said in an interview at PTI´s booth. Moving a key, for example, can change an A-B structure to a B-A one. A ball check valve is included within the manifold to prevent backflow. Other than removing profiling inserts, there are no internal flow adjustments.
Eaton claimed the Versa-Cap is a less expensive alternative to complex manifolds for simple structures. The St. Charles, Ill., firm offers the product for new installations and as a retrofit for existing sheet lines.
Eaton said PTI previously sourced all its coextrusion manifolds from other suppliers when it put together sheet extrusion lines. It will continue to work with other suppliers when a job demands a complex manifold.
PTI also is displaying its new Inline sheet extrusion system for sheet and thermoforming markets. It is especially designed for direct-feed sheet in thermoforming. Inline systems are available for production rates of 1,500 to 6,000 pounds per hour for typical tooling widths of 30-50 inches in mono- and coextruded structures. The compact sheet takeoff delivers the sheet to the thermoformer at an elevated temperature, saving energy and increasing productivity. The short reheat tunnel for the thermoformer also reduces equipment costs, according to PTI.