Flexible Internal Orientation Device for Improved HMW-HDPE Films

摘要

Producers of High Molecular Weight High Density Polyethylene (HMW-HDPE) films have difficulty consistentlyextruding films of 6 micron (.00024”) or less. The Flexible Internal Orientation Device (FIOD) is a conical, slatteddevice designed and manufactured for attachment to a blown film extruder’s annular die. It is mounted within 24” ofthe die exit in the lowest region of a high stalk and slatted to allow for different points of contact based on neckdiameter. The diameter of the device at the large end can be manipulated between 80 and 140% of the die diameterto accommodate various blow up ratios (BURs). Use of the FIOD allows HMW-HDPE film to be drawn down to 4microns (.00015”) using 30% less cooling air at very high speeds with a stable bubble. Additional benefits are a 30%reduction in total visible imperfections and up to 50% improvement in gauge uniformity. These benefits have beenobserved without discernable physical property losses.