Abstract: The invention provides a coextrusion feedblock having a flow adjuster, a viscosity compensation device, an actuator, a central extrusion conduit, and a coextrusion conduit. The invention also provides a coextrusion profiling insert assembly constructed to be mounted in a coextrusion feedblock. The insert assembly has a flow adjuster, a viscosity compensation device, and an actuator. The insert assembly when mounted in the feedblock has a coextrusion conduit extending between the flow adjuster and the viscosity compensation device. The actuator is adjustable to apply force to bend the viscosity compensation device and thereby adjust a gap height of the coextrusion conduit. Also provided is a method of operating a feedblock having a viscosity compensation device comprising a flex region, a central extrusion conduit, and a coextrusion conduit. Force is applied to bend the flex region of the viscosity compensation device and thereby adjust a gap height of the coextrusion conduit.

Abstract: The invention provides a coextrusion feedblock. The feedblock has a flow adjuster comprising a plurality of independently rotatable adjustment segments. Actuators are coupled with respective adjustment segments of the flow adjuster, such that the segments can be rotated by operating the actuators. The invention also provides a coextrusion profiling insert assembly for mounting removably in a coextrusion feedblock.

Abstract: An extrusion die is provided with an external deckle assembly, an internal deckle assembly, or both. One embodiment provides an extrusion die having a wedge-actuated external deckle assembly. A seal member of the external deckle assembly moves to a sealed position in response to movement of the wedge in a first direction. Another embodiment provides an extrusion die with an internal deckle assembly having a deckle rod support system. The internal deckle assembly includes a deckle rod and a transversely elongated support engaged with the deckle rod to restrain the deckle rod against bending.

Abstract: A layer multiplication device may include a housing and at least one layer multiplication insert positioned inside the housing. The housing may have an inlet configured to receive a flow stream, an outlet configured to discharge the flow stream, and a flow cavity extending between the inlet and the outlet. In operation, the layer multiplication insert may divide an incoming flow stream so as to multiply the flow stream into at least a first flow stream and a second flow stream. In some examples, the inlet provides an inlet flow volume equal to a cross-sectional area of the housing at the inlet multiplied by a length of the flow cavity, the flow cavity defines a cavity flow volume, and the cavity flow volume is equal to or greater than the inlet flow volume.

Abstract: The invention provides a coextrusion feedblock. The feedblock has a flow adjuster comprising a plurality of independently rotatable adjustment segments. Actuators are coupled with respective adjustment segments of the flow adjuster, such that the segments can be rotated by operating the actuators. The invention also provides a coextrusion profiling insert assembly for mounting removably in a coextrusion feedblock.

Abstract: A layer multiplication device may include a housing and at least one layer multiplication insert positioned inside the housing. The housing may have an inlet configured to receive a flow stream, an outlet configured to discharge the flow stream, and a flow cavity extending between the inlet and the outlet. In operation, the layer multiplication insert may divide an incoming flow stream so as to multiply the flow stream into at least a first flow stream and a second flow stream. In some examples, the inlet provides an inlet flow volume equal to a cross-sectional area of the housing at the inlet multiplied by a length of the flow cavity, the flow cavity defines a cavity flow volume, and the cavity flow volume is equal to or greater than the inlet flow volume.

Abstract: An adjustable feedblock configured for adjusting the thicknesses of each layer of the juxtaposed extrudates forming a laminate. The feedblock includes at least one pair of opposing combining planes and at least one pair of opposing extrudate distribution blocks that are removably disposed within the housing of the feedblock. As such, the combining planes and the extrudate distribution blocks partially define portions of the flow paths for the extrudates that form the laminate within the housing of the feedblock. A method for forming a laminate having juxtaposed layers of extrudates of adjustable thicknesses is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a deckle system for extrusion dies. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods of cleaning an extrusion die equipped with a retractable external deckle system. Also provided in some embodiments is a deckle system having a novel deckle adjustment mechanism. In other embodiments, the invention provides an advantageous internal deckle member equipped with a removable, replaceable internally threaded insert.