Die Options

Cloeren Die technology also includes optional lip adjustments and deckle systems that can be customized to a customer’s particular process.

LIP ADJUSTMENT OPTIONS

This system helps reduce thickness variation across the width of the film resulting in the use of less raw material to meet product specifications. The system, in conjunction with an appropriate gauging system, adjusts the die lip to optimize cross machine gauge uniformity and maximize production cost and product quality. The AutoGauge™ System helps get on spec faster and achieve tighter tolerance thicknesses.

This feature, in combination with the Cloeren hinged die lip, allows for adjustment of the die nominal lip gap by as much as 7.6 mm. Instead of multiple lip adjustments or removable lip changes requiring excessive downtime, QuickGap™ extends the lip adjustment range by up to 0.200-inch (5.1 mm) from a single adjustment point. Adjustments are accurate, reliable and repeatable. Medium to heavy-gauge sheet producers use this device to produce sheet over a broader thickness range with minimal change-over time. The QuickGap™ lip option may also be used as a quick-clean device, opening the lips to flush contaminants from the die.

DECKLE OPTIONS

Developed by Cloeren, this system enables the width adjustment of the extruded product with a minimal amount of downtime. The IDS™ features a solid manifold plug and blade that eliminates excessive polymer stagnation by filling the deckled portion of the die cavity with solid deckle components. This allows for reliable deckling of complex extrusions. The die-to-roll position is not affected by the IDS™ System because the deckle is internal to the die cavity and does not protrude beyond the die lips as is common with external deckles.

This patented product features the same benefits as the IDS™, while also providing the ability to produce film and sheet with encapsulated edge portions. This allows for the elimination of expensive material in the edge trim. Since encapsulated edge trim is made up of a single polymer, it is more suitable for recycling. EDS™ can also be employed to stabilize film edges and reduce the amount of neck-in in some processes, resulting in the production of more usable film.

These deckles provide a cost-effective solution for processors who do not need an infinitely adjustable range of the IDS™ System. The deckle inserts are easily placed into the ends of the die flow channel to allow custom product widths without excessive edge trim. These deckles are also very beneficial for medium-range sheet producers running low-melt strength polymers because the nip-to-lip distance is not increased as with conventional external deckles.

This system is an adjustable, wedge sealing, external deckle, suitable for the sheet extrusion process. The system can be fully retracted to the ends of the die. This facilitates lip removal and enhances die cleaning and maintenance.