Blown Film | Line Upgrade Provides Quick Changeovers
- Published: January 26, 2012
Automated Packaging Systems (APS), Streetsboro, OH, is enjoying upgraded operations following the successful installation of a retrofitted blown film line. The project was completed by Gloucester Engineering Co. (GEC), Gloucester, MA, which has been supplying Automated Packaging Systems since the 1980s.
APS has been designing and manufacturing original Autobag, AirPouch and SidePouch systems and products for nearly 50 years. With more than 30,000 bag packaging systems in operation, the company has a worldwide service organization. The retrofitted line will manufacture high quality converter-grade film utilizing materials such as mLLDPE, LLDPE, LLDPE and LDPE blends.
The project, which involved a substantial amount of engineering expertise, upgraded a number of components, including the Extrol 6016 with an integrated IBC controller, power and control panels with air-to-water heat exchangers, 4.5-in. 30:1 ContraCool Extruder with continuous screen changer, a 26-in. Oscillating Monolayer IBC Die, an UltraCool II Air Ring, and bubble cage, among other critical components.
According to Brad Yates, plant manager of the Ohio facility, “The die and extruder package that Gloucester supplied is performing quite well and continues to exceed our original rate expectations while maintaining very good gauge.”
Because retrofits involve older equipment that is already situated in the footprint of a customer’s facility, Gloucester engineers made multiple site visits to ensure the retrofitted solution would function within the facility’s space requirements. Moreover, because Automated prints high-resolution graphics on the films produced by this line, the output from this blown film line had to be excellent.
“Gloucester did a great job with this project,” says Tim Braithwaite, VP of plastics operations for Automated Packaging. “The line operators appreciate the quick changeovers, easy set up, and reliable operation of the new components. And we all appreciate the improved quality and rate of product being produced.”
