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AccuPROflat Gauge Control System

The AccuPROflat system is based on Macro's AccuPRO die-based gauge control system working in conjunction with a flat scanning system to produce rapid and effective gauge control.

The automatic die approach is based on the AccuPRO Automatic Die, which provides precise temperature control at segmented portions of the die lip.  The advantage of the die-based approach is it's mechanical simplicity; it does not contain any moving parts!

Unlike traditional blown film gauge scanning setups that read film thickness by rotating a scanner around the bubble’s perimeter, the AccuPROflat system uses a flat scanning system that reads film thickness after the bubble has been collapsed.  The software takes into account the rotation of the primary nip’s randomizer to extrapolate the precise location at the air ring where the film passed through.  Feedback signals are then generated by the software and the air ring makes precise air flow adjustments to correct the gauge.

A key benefit of the flat scanner is its speed.  The flat scanner completes a full scan of the flattened bubble width in seconds, as opposed to typical rotating systems that can spend minutes to complete a full scan.  This allows the gauge control system to gather gauge data faster, which in turn, allows for quicker gauge correction and less scrap generated during production.  The speed of the flat scanning system also shortens initial startup, as the first full scan can be completed much earlier.

Another benefit of the scanner is that its equipped with an infrared sensor that enables the processor to measure the thickness of individual layers in a multilayer film, which ultimately allows the processor to limit the use of costly barrier resins.  Alternate sensing devices may be used depending on the application.