Abstract: A system for adjusting a gap in a slot die for producing a polymeric web. The system includes a slot die that has a polymer reservoir that extends between a polymer inlet and a melt outlet. The melt outlet has a first edge and a second edge that each extend longitudinally along the melt outlet. The second edge is opposite the first edge. A plurality of actuators move the second edge along a plurality of positions along a length of the second edge. The first edge is spaced apart from the second edge by a gap that has an adjustable profile. A pressure sensor communicates with the reservoir and measures the pressure of the polymer in the reservoir. A control unit with an algorithm correlates the profile of the gap to the pressure in the reservoir. The algorithm is configured to generate control signals to cause the profile of the gap to be uniform.

Abstract: A system for controlling parameters of polymeric film includes an extruder and a die which has a gap. A plurality of regulators are positioned along the die for regulating the gap. A cooling cylinder is located downstream of the die and a polymeric melt extends from the die to the cooling cylinder. An applicator device for creating a tracking lane in the polymeric melt is located proximate the gap. A sensor system is located downstream from the gap in a measuring location. The sensor system locates a transverse point for the respective tracking lane in the polymeric film at the measuring location. The sensor system is in communication with the regulators to adjust the gap based on a correlation of tracking lane position at origin point and transverse point at the measuring location.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a gap in a slot die for producing a polymeric web. The system includes a slot die that has a polymer reservoir that extends between a polymer inlet and a melt outlet. The melt outlet has a first edge and a second edge that each extend longitudinally along the melt outlet. The second edge is opposite the first edge. A plurality of actuators move the second edge along a plurality of positions along a length of the second edge. The first edge is spaced apart from the second edge by a gap that has an adjustable profile. A pressure sensor communicates with the reservoir and measures the pressure of the polymer in the reservoir. A control unit with an algorithm correlates the profile of the gap to the pressure in the reservoir. The algorithm is configured to generate control signals to cause the profile of the gap to be uniform.

Abstract: A system for controlling parameters of polymeric film includes an extruder and a die which has a gap. A plurality of regulators are positioned along the die for regulating the gap. A cooling cylinder is located downstream of the die and a polymeric melt extends from the die to the cooling cylinder. A haze generator for creating a haze lane in the polymeric melt is located proximate the gap. A haze sensor system is located downstream from the gap in a measuring location. The haze sensor system is locates a transverse point for the respective haze lane in the polymeric film at the measuring location. The haze sensor system is in communication with the regulators to adjust the gap based on a correlation of haze lane position at origin point and transverse point at the measuring location.

Abstract: A method for maximizing a width of a pre-stretch film includes providing polymer being suitable for producing the pre-stretch film. A pre-stretch film having strips of increased thickness is produced. The method includes coordinating a thickness of the strips of increased thickness with a formation of edge thickening caused by neck-in during stretching of the pre-stretch film.

Abstract: A device for producing pre-stretch film includes a die defining a die outlet through which molten polymer is extruded. The polymer is suitable for producing the pre-stretch film. A film producing device is spaced apart from the die. One or more coolant supplies are positioned proximate the film producing device for directing a stream of coolant onto the molten polymer positioned on the film producing device.

Abstract: A device for producing film includes a die defining a die outlet through which molten polymer is extruded. The polymer is suitable for producing one of a pre-stretch film and a conventional stretch film. The device includes a film producing device spaced apart from the die. One or more coolant supplies are positioned proximate the film producing device for directing a stream of coolant onto the molten polymer positioned on the film producing device and/or between the die and film producing device, for producing film having strips of increased thickness.

Abstract: A winding apparatus includes first and second frame members. A shaft is rotatably mounted to the first and second frame members. One or more arms extend radially outward from the shaft, each of which have a coupling and a connector positioned thereon. The connectors secure the arms to the shaft for rotation therewith. One or more support arms extend radially outward from the shaft and are positioned between the arms. Each of the support arms have a support arm coupling and a support arm connector positioned thereon. A spindle is rotatably supported by the couplings. The spindle is rotatably mounted in the support arm coupling which cooperates with the support arm to mitigate deflection of the first spindle in response to forces applied thereto.

Abstract: A method for maximizing a width of a pre-stretch film includes providing polymer being suitable for producing the pre-stretch film. A pre-stretch film having strips of increased thickness is produced. The method includes coordinating a thickness of the strips of increased thickness with a formation of edge thickening caused by neck-in during stretching of the pre-stretch film.

Abstract: A film processing apparatus includes a film delivery section and a film stretching section. The film stretching section is positioned downstream of the film delivery section. The film stretching section defines a first inlet and a first outlet. The film processing apparatus includes one or more slitting devices positioned between the first inlet and the first outlet.

Abstract: A turret winder for winding web material on spindle-supported cores has a turret which is moveable into three indexing positions, one of which is a web transfer, cutting and winding station, and another of which is a winding completion station. Frames adjacent to the turret support carriages which support a secondary lay-on roll. The carriages include a primary carriage which is moveable vertically with respect to the turret and a lay-on roll carriage which is moveable horizontally with respect to the primary carriage. The lay-on roll carriage has an arm which is engaged by the turret during movement of the spindle between the above two positions so that arcuate movement of the spindle is translated to movement of the lay-on roll carriage in such a manner that the lay-on roll accurately follows the movement as the building roll moves to the winding completion station.

Abstract: In extrusion apparatus for producing a continuous film of thermoplastic material, either as part of an extrusion coating or laminating process or to cast a continuous film, a chill roll which receives the film directly from the extruder is mounted on a wheeled carriage whereon it can be moved lengthwise into and out of operating relation with the other components of the apparatus without requiring lifting thereof or of other parts of the apparatus. The carriage may be proportioned to move directly between the apparatus in which it is to be used and the floor of the mill, or it may be mounted on a separate wheeled cart on which it is transported to and from the extrusion apparatus. Particularly in the latter case, provision is made for both vertical and lateral adjustment of the base structure on which the carriage is supported in its operating relation with the extruder.

Abstract: A continuous winder for web material includes two pairs of turret arms mounted for rotation with respect to each other on a common axis, and also includes a lay-on roll mounted for lateral movement toward and away from the axis of the turret arms. The lay-on roll maintains pressure engagement with the winding roll until the interval of actual roll changing, when it moves from the wound roll into pressure engagement with the new core with the web running therebetween, whereupon the web is cut between the two rolls to complete the roll change.