SMS Folientechnik: XPS Sheet Line Delivered
SMS Folientechnik, a market leader in foam extrusion lines, has developed a new improved process for manufacturing foamed film and sheet with high performance and top quality output. The key feature of this new technology consists of two cooling extruders in parallel configuration, providing a cost-efficient solution to the ever-increasing demand for higher cooling capacity – especially for manufacturing foams with alternative foaming agents. In the new process offered by SMS Folientechnik, patent pending, the cooling of the melt is taken over by two extruders in parallel configuration. Upon leaving the primary extruder, the melt is divided into two part streams, optimally cooled by means of the specially designed ExCool screws in the cooling extruders, and then the two separate streams are re-united. This solution opens a completely new perspective in manufacturing foam sheet: products with different colours, densities and other varying properties, providing access to numerous new fields of application. The first XPS foam sheet line equipped with this new technology has just been delivered. This line is designed for an output of 1,500 kg/h and equipped with a 180 mm melting extruder. Through the two parallel cooling extruders, each with a 200 mm screw diameter, the melt is optimally processed and homogeneously cooled, then it passes into the die for manufacturing foam board at up to 200 mm thickness.