How is tube film produced?

AVI manufactures plastic tube film and half-tube for many custom applications. AVI knows how important a continuous and worry-free packaging process is. That is why our company office is daily engaged in monitoring and improving the quality of our plastic tube film products. We combine high-quality machines with expert technicians for a smooth and reliable production process of tube film. The rolls of tube film can then be processed manually or mechanically. But how is tube film actually produced?

The production of tube film

The granulate is mixed and heated (1) and extruded through the extrusion head (2) forming a thin layered tubular film. Air is blown in through a hole in the center of the head through which the granulate is pressed. The cylindrical film then moves upwards while being continuously cooled by air. The wall thickness of the tube film is also measured (4) and this information is fed back to the extruder where, if necessary, fully automatic and process-controlled adjustments are made. Once the tube film is sufficiently cooled, it passes through two opposing roller tracks (5), where the cylindrical tube film is processed into a flat film. The film is then further cooled and guided downwards by a system of air-cooled and pneumatically operated transport and reduction rollers (6). The completely flat film is now ready for use or is cut on both sides, resulting in two films. Finally, the films are rolled up at the end of the production line (7).

1. Extruder
2. Extrusion head plus cooling
3. Blow guide
4. Thickness profile meter
5. Clamping unit
6. Oscillating rollers
7. Winder

This production method has several important advantages:

• During the blowing in the production process, the film is stretched in two directions and thus gains its strength.
• The width and thickness of the film can be precisely defined by the accurate control at the extruder's output, the dimensions of the air bubble, and the reduction speed.
• Possibility of bi-axial orientation of the film or foil. This offers an increased quality of the mechanical properties, especially the point load.

We are happy to advise

Are you looking for tube film as a packaging solution for your organization? AVI Volendam always goes the extra mile by thinking along with you from A to Z. Feel free to contact us without obligation if you want to know what we can do for you.