Lab Blown Film Machine
I. Technical Requirements and Equipment Characteristics for Composite Film R&D
With the continuous improvement of packaging material performance requirements, traditional single-layer films are increasingly unable to meet the increasingly complex application needs. In contrast, multilayer composite films, by combining the advantages of different materials, can significantly improve the barrier properties, mechanical properties, and multifunctional characteristics of the film. Against this backdrop, laboratory blown film extrusion machines, with their highly flexible process adjustment capabilities and low material consumption, have become a core tool in the composite film R&D process.
From an equipment characteristics perspective, lab blown film extrusion machines typically adopt a modular design, enabling rapid adjustment of screw combinations, die structures, and cooling systems. This flexibility allows researchers to conduct process parameter optimization experiments based on small batches of materials. Simultaneously, the extrusion machine is equipped with a precise process control system that monitors and records process parameters in real time, providing scientific basis and data support for subsequent process scale-up.
II. Application of Laboratory Blown Film Extrusion Machines in Composite Film Formulation Development
In the composite film formulation development stage, laboratory blown film extrusion machines mainly play the following roles:
First, blown film extrusion machines can quickly achieve formulation screening. Through small-batch trials, researchers can effectively evaluate the processing performance and film-forming characteristics of different resin systems and additives. For example, in developing high-barrier packaging materials, the compatibility between the base resin and the barrier layer material needs to be carefully considered. Using a laboratory blown film extrusion machine, researchers can quickly determine the optimal ratio of barrier materials such as EVOH and PA with substrates such as PE and PP.
Secondly, the equipment helps optimize processing parameters. During the research and development process, researchers can systematically study the effects of process parameters such as temperature, screw speed, and blow-up ratio on film performance. These experimental results not only provide guidance for the optimization of subsequent production processes but also provide important process data support for the development and production of new materials.
III. Technical Advantages of Laboratory Blown Film Extrusion Machines in Interlayer Bonding Research
Interlayer bonding is an important indicator for evaluating the quality of multilayer composite films, and laboratory blown film extrusion machines have particularly prominent advantages in this field:
On the one hand, blown film extrusion machines support flexible multilayer structural designs. Researchers can configure various functional layers according to experimental needs. For example, when developing adhesive layers, by adjusting the addition ratio of compatibilizers such as maleic anhydride-grafted polyolefins, the effect of these additives on improving interlayer bonding can be systematically studied.
On the other hand, laboratory blown film extrusion machines provide a stable process environment. Precise control of key process parameters such as processing temperature and pressure for each layer ensures the stability and reproducibility of experimental results, which is crucial for in-depth research on the impact of process parameters on interlayer bonding strength.
IV. Typical Case Analysis
Taking the development of polyolefin-based composite films as an example, researchers used a laboratory blown film extrusion machine to investigate the influence of process parameters on interlayer bonding strength. Experimental results showed that when the processing temperature is appropriately controlled, the interlayer bonding strength can be increased by approximately 30%. Furthermore, the study also found that the cooling rate has a significant impact on interfacial crystallization behavior, thus affecting the overall performance of the composite film.
In another case study of functional composite film development, researchers successfully developed a three-layer composite structure with excellent oxygen barrier properties by optimizing the process. This structure maintains the characteristics of each functional layer while ensuring interlayer bonding strength.
V. Equipment Selection and Usage Recommendations
When selecting a laboratory blown film extrusion machine, the following technical parameters should be given priority:
The equipment should have multiple independently controllable extrusion systems to adapt to the processing requirements of different functional layers. Simultaneously, a precise temperature control system and a stable pressure monitoring device are key to ensuring the accuracy of experimental data. In addition, the blown film machine should have a flexible and adjustable drawing and winding system to meet the processing requirements of various films.
During equipment use, it is recommended to establish a comprehensive equipment maintenance and calibration system. Regularly check the wear of the screw and die head, and calibrate temperature and pressure sensors to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the experimental process.
