Stop jeopardizes your finished film product!
The extrusion film process is typically accomplished through two methods: blown film or cast film. Both methods produce extremely thin plastic film, which is extruded through a mold or tube. However, each method is slightly different. SolveTech, Inc., the leading developers and producers of tools for non contact thickness gauge near mid-atlantic, has compiled this fact sheet to help you understand the difference between these two plastic film extrusion processes.
Blown Film
During the blown film extrusion process, melted plastic resin is extracted through a closed bubble or tube with air blown blown on the resin to cool its temperature. The inflated bubble is pulled through by the air and by the continuous addition of more resin. The continuous pulling upwards creates a seamless tube of thin plastic film.
During the lay-flat part of the process, the film is cooled, flattened and eventually wound into rolls. Finished blown film can have a slightly hazy appearance. It is typically stronger, even with a lower thickness gauge than cast film.
Blown film is an ideal process for the production of stretch film that can be used for industrial packaging applications, like the wrapping of pallets of finished product.
Cast Film
The machinery used to produce cast film can be much more expensive than the machinery used for blown film. However, the actual production process and materials are much less expensive.
During the cast film extrusion process rollers are used to cool plastic resin. As the resin is extracted from the extruder, the cooling rolls get to work. When the film reaches the end, it can be rimmed and rolled.
The cast film process produces extremely thin uniform film. It is ideal process for the production of stretch films and shrink wraps.
The Importance of Gauging
Whether your manufacturing process is blown film or cast film, a non contact thickness gauge near mid-atlantic is an important tool in your production arsenal. Because of the extreme thinness of the finished film, a non contact thickness gauge near mid-atlantic can ensure your finished product is uniform and without irregularities that can jeopardize your business.
Want to learn more to help power you plastic film production? Want to test the gauge of your finished product? Call SolveTech, Inc., today! We look forward to speaking with you and can’t wait to help you with all your non contact thickness gauge near mid-atlantic needs!
