TPT July 2011

T echnology U pdate

Flexible extrusion lines for squeeze tubes

BOSTON Matthews has launched a new range of medium-speed ‘squeeze tube’ extrusion lines. The medium-speed line forms part of a range of extrusion lines designed by Boston Matthews specifically for the production of thin-walled polyethylene tubes used within the packaging industry. The capability to extrude a wide range of tube sizes, configurations (1,2,3,4,5 layers) and polymer blends and to quickly change from one tube specification to another allows the squeeze tube manufacturer to react quickly in order to meet with the ever- changing demands of their customers. The new lines have been developed by Boston Matthews through a close association with a large number of squeeze tube manufacturers from around the world since the successful introduction of the high-speed squeeze tube lines some six years ago. Observing that the ever-changing consumer markets have placed greater pressures and demands on tube makers to manufacture a more diverse range of tube sizes, specifications, blends and colours Boston Matthews has reacted to this by developing the medium speed line. Boston Matthews sales director Simon Brookes said: “We are always listening to our customers and constantly monitoring market trends. This enables us to develop and design our equipment to meet with the specific requirements and demands of today’s markets and also for the future.” The medium speed line has been extremely well received by tube manufacturers around the world with orders successfully completed and in full production within several of the industry’s leading tube producers. Interest at the

K’2010 was also very high with tube manufacturers specifically visiting the Boston Matthews stand to discuss their extrusion requirements. Flexibility and the importance of quick change-over have been designed into every element of the line. The die head has the ability to change colour or polymer faster; to produce different tube layer configurations without adjustment; simple disassembly on the extrusion line eliminating the need for heavy lifting equipment; and shorter flow passages for higher quality production. The die head incorporates a combination of technologies to ensure the successful processing of the wide range of blends, masterbatches and additives associated with squeeze tube production takes place in order to achieve the extremely high standard of surface finish which is essential for the tube decorating operation. These advancements in die head technology are in combination with the development of calibration, cooling and cutting technologies that provide the processor with more flexibility whilst making improvements in production quality. The tube calibration system has been designed for easy, damage-free removal incorporating quick and easy size change and also for quick and easy cleaning when required. The unit is designed in such as way so that identification of a tube scratch/ contamination issue can be quickly identified and recertified without involving heavy lifting equipment, which can potentially cause further damage. Diameter monitoring, automatic tube rejection systems and complete line control ensure that tube production quality is constantly maintained and that the medium- speed extrusion line can be easily integrated

The medium-speed squeeze tube extrusion line

within a fully automated tube manufacturing facility. Line control and operation is made simple and easy via the Smart 15" colour touch-screen operating system. Features include automatic line start-up; recipe storage; constant performance monitoring and diagnostics, language selection, process data access, and password protection. Security levels can be customised to ensure settings cannot be changed without the proper permission: very useful for night shifts. Ethernet connectivity can allow the line to be added to a computer network for production data storage, access and remote monitoring. Simon Brookes said: “For many years now there has been talk about accessing and manipulating production data but now it is a reality. More and more of our customers are using the Smart System not only as an extrusion control system but as an effective production monitoring and quality control tool.” Boston Matthews – UK Email: sales@bostonmatthews.co.uk Website: www.bostonmatthews.com

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J uly 2011

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