BASF starts up new test line for Ultramid® packaging films
- Flexible test production of blown and cast films with tailor-made7-layer coextrusion line
- Ultramid® applications to be developed with business partners from the film industry
At its Ludwigshafen site, BASF has started up a tailor-made polyamide coextrusion line for packaging and technical films. With the collaboration of customers from the film industry, the line will be used to develop new applications for Ultramid® polyamides. It will also be used for research, product development and material testing for Ultramid® film products.
The line can produce cast and blown films with up to seven layers. The size and flexible configuration of the combined system enable it to simulate production conditions. The line is ideal for the production of test quantities and application testing for new film products.
"Ultramid® helps our customers to develop increasingly sophisticated film structures," says Hermann Althoff, Senior Vice President of BASF's Global Polyamide & Intermediates Business Unit. "The new coextrusion line will enable us to develop new film applications for specific market needs in partnership with our customers."
The line can be used for cast or blown films depending on the requirements. It extrudes symmetrical and asymmetrical films 20µm to 250µm thick and up to 750mm wide at a speed of up to 50 meters per minute. Blown films can be air-cooled and additionally cooled with water if required. Cast films are cooled on a chill roll with an adjustable temperature of between 20°C and 130°C.
High-quality Ultramid® products for technical plastics, films, fibers, and monofilaments
Using Ultramid® in flexible packaging solutions means that less packaging material is needed. At the same time, optimum protection is provided for the product. So Ultramid® helps to increase shelf life. Reductions in the amount of packaging material used also help protect the environment and saves money.
With over 60 years' experience, BASF is the leading supplier of high-quality polyamides and polyamide intermediates for technical plastics, films, fibers and monofilaments. Its product range includes Ultramid® B (polyamide 6), Ultramid® C (polyamide 6/6.6 copolymer) and Ultramid® A (polyamide 6.6). BASF also offers technical support.
BASF operates Ultramid® production plants in Ludwigshafen/Germany, Antwerp/Belgium, Freeport/Texas/USA and São Paulo/Brazil.
About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of €72.1 billion in 2012 and more than 110,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com .P-13-478