BASF starts a new test line for Ultramid packaging films

BASF has started a tailor-made polyamide co-extrusion line for packaging and technical films at its Ludwigshafen site, Germany. 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.
 
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"Ultramid helps our customers to develop increasingly sophisticated film structures. The new co-extrusion line will enable us to develop new film applications for specific market needs in partnership with our customers,” said Hermann Althoff, Senior Vice President, Global Polyamide & Intermediates Business Unit, BASF.
 
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.
 
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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 operates Ultramid production plants in Ludwigshafen (Germany), Antwerp (Belgium), Freeport, Texas (USA) and Sao Paulo (Brazil).