Eurotech E-C40 Laboratory-Scale Co-Extrusion Cast Film Line
| Brand | Eurotech |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | E-C40 |
| Layers | 1–5 |
| Max. Web Width | 1200 mm |
| Min.–Max. Thickness | 0.01–8 mm |
| Application Scope | Lab-scale R&D and Pilot Production |
Overview
The Eurotech E-C40 Laboratory-Scale Co-Extrusion Cast Film Line is a precision-engineered, modular cast film system designed for controlled development and validation of multilayer polymeric films under laboratory or pilot-production conditions. Unlike conventional blown film lines, the E-C40 employs a chill-roll quenching process following die extrusion, enabling rapid solidification, superior dimensional stability, and exceptional surface finish—critical for functional barrier layers, optical films, medical packaging substrates, and advanced battery separator prototypes. Its core architecture integrates three independently driven extruders (configurable up to five), a static or dynamic feedblock manifold, a precision T-die with manual or motorized lip adjustment, and a multi-zone temperature-controlled casting drum (±0.5 °C uniformity). The system operates on a closed-loop temperature and speed synchronization protocol, ensuring reproducible melt flow behavior across variable resin viscosities—from low-MFI LDPE to high-viscosity engineering thermoplastics such as PA6, EVOH, and ionomers.
Key Features
- Modular co-extrusion capability supporting 1–5-layer architectures with independent metering, pressure monitoring, and melt temperature control per extruder
- T-die width adjustable from 100 mm to 1200 mm; equipped with hardened steel lips and differential thermal expansion compensation for consistent gauge profile
- Casting drum diameter: 600 mm; surface finish ≤0.2 µm Ra; cooling capacity: −10 °C to +80 °C via integrated chiller unit with PID-regulated zones
- Integrated web handling system including electrostatic pinning, edge-guiding sensors, non-contact IR thickness gauging (optional), and dual-winding stations with torque-controlled tension management
- PLC-based HMI interface with recipe storage, real-time process parameter logging (extruder torque, melt pressure, die temperature, drum speed), and exportable CSV data streams
- CE-compliant mechanical design with full safety interlocks, emergency stop circuitry, and ISO 13857-compliant guarding for operator protection during setup and operation
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The E-C40 accommodates a broad spectrum of thermoplastic polymers—including but not limited to PP, PE (LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE), PS, PETG, PC, TPU, and biodegradable resins such as PLA and PHA—enabling formulation screening, layer adhesion testing, and barrier performance evaluation. All wetted components contacting polymer melt are constructed from AISI 440C or Nitronic 60 stainless steel with nitrided surfaces to resist abrasive fillers and halogenated additives. The system meets ISO 9001-certified manufacturing standards and complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, PED 2014/68/EU (for heated zones), and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. Optional configurations support GLP-compliant audit trails and 21 CFR Part 11–ready electronic signatures when paired with Eurotech’s validated SCADA module.
Software & Data Management
Control and data acquisition are managed through Eurotech’s proprietary CAST-LINK v3.2 software suite, installed on an industrial-grade embedded PC. The interface supports synchronized acquisition of >32 analog/digital channels at 100 Hz sampling rate, with timestamped metadata (operator ID, batch code, ambient humidity/temperature) embedded in each dataset. Users can define custom alarm thresholds, generate SPC charts for critical parameters (e.g., melt pressure deviation >±3%), and export raw time-series data in HDF5 or ASCII format for third-party rheological or structural analysis. Firmware updates are delivered via secure HTTPS channel with SHA-256 signature verification; configuration backups include cryptographic checksums to ensure integrity across lab-to-fab technology transfer workflows.
Applications
- R&D of multilayer food packaging structures (e.g., PE/EVOH/PE) with quantifiable oxygen and moisture transmission rate (OTR/MVTR) correlation to layer thickness distribution
- Development of thin-gauge (<50 µm) release liners for pressure-sensitive adhesives using silicone-coated PET base films
- Process window mapping for novel polymer blends—especially immiscible systems requiring precise shear history control during layer formation
- Qualification of additive masterbatches (e.g., antimicrobial, UV-stabilized, conductive) under realistic shear and thermal histories prior to scale-up
- Training platform for polymer processing engineers in academic institutions and corporate innovation centers, aligned with ASTM D20.20 and ISO 1133 methodologies
FAQ
What is the minimum achievable film thickness with the E-C40, and what factors influence repeatability at sub-50 µm levels?
The system achieves stable production down to 10 µm (0.01 mm) with amorphous polymers under optimized melt temperature, drum speed, and air-knife settings. Repeatability depends on extruder screw design (vent vs. non-vent), melt homogeneity, and static charge dissipation—addressed via optional corona treater integration.
Can the E-C40 be validated for GMP-compliant material qualification studies?
Yes—when configured with IQ/OQ documentation packages, calibrated transducers traceable to NIST standards, and CAST-LINK’s 21 CFR Part 11 add-on module, the system supports formal validation per ICH Q5E and ASTM E2500.
Is retrofitting for additional extruders or inline rheometry possible post-purchase?
All mechanical and electrical interfaces follow Eurotech’s CAST-OPEN architecture; field upgrades to 5-extruder configurations or optional online capillary rheometer integration require only certified service technician deployment and firmware reconfiguration.
