Manufacturer also highlights shift to blown extrusion in rising market for backsheet films
Germany German machinery manufacturer Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H) presented the latest model of its Topas FFS machine at Interpack. The machine featured as part of a complete FFS line, which also included the Platinum palletiser and the Argon stretch hooder.
The focus was on the easy control automation and operating concept and its variety of modules designed to make the system more intelligent and increase uniformity across the entire FFS line.
In line with Industry 4.0, the new model highlights greater transparency, simple operation methods. According to W&H, the ability to integrate the entire FFS line increases efficiency and quality in production.
“With over 900 FFS systems sold worldwide, the Topas SL is the fastest running system currently on the market,” said Rafael Imberg of W&H.
The manufacturer also highlighted its technology for the growth market of backsheet films. About 590,000 tons are used each year, with products such as diapers making up about half. “Experts estimate a CAGR of around 4.4% for the hygiene market up to 2020,” said Ali Hassan, hygiene market specialist at W&H.
Where breathable backsheet films have traditionally been made predominately using cast film extrusion, the experts at W&H are now advising customers to convert to blown film extrusion systems.
“We are seeing a clear trend of companies moving to blown film extrusion technology for their backsheet films,” said Hassan. Reported benefits from using blown film extrusion include a lower weight per square metre, and therefore lower raw material usage, and better mechanical properties despite a comparable output rate and speed.
“Diaper backsheet films made using cast film extrusion tend to have a base weight of around 16g/m2. The thinner, breathable diaper backsheet films made using blown film extrusion with inline stretching [MDO] on the other hand have a base weight of just 12g/m2. This represents a downgauging potential of around 25 percent with equivalent or even improved product performance,” said Hassan.