Microex Cast Desktop Film Casting Line by EUROTECH
| Brand | EUROTECH |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | Microex Cast |
| Screw Diameter | 17.5 mm |
| Film Width | 100 mm (max) |
| Thickness Range | 10–1000 µm |
| Output Capacity | 1 kg/h (max) |
| Layers | Single-layer |
| Drive Power | 3 kW |
| Control Interface | 7-inch Touchscreen HMI |
| Connectivity | LAN + USB data export |
| Optional | In-line gel detection system |
| Compatible Materials | HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, PP, PA, PMMA, TPU, EVOH, EVA, Biopolymers |
Overview
The Microex Cast Desktop Film Casting Line is a compact, benchtop-scale extrusion-casting system engineered for precision laboratory-scale development and quality assurance of thermoplastic films. Designed and manufactured in Italy by EUROTECH, this integrated unit combines a micro single-screw extruder (17.5 mm screw diameter), flat die (100 mm wide), water-cooled chill roll, precision traction unit, and motorized rewind station into a space-efficient footprint ideal for R&D labs, QC departments, and polymer formulation centers. It operates on the principle of melt extrusion followed by quenching and solidification on a temperature-controlled roller surface—enabling reproducible fabrication of free-standing films with thicknesses ranging from 10 µm to 1000 µm. Unlike conventional pilot-scale lines, the Microex Cast delivers industrial-relevant processing conditions—including controlled melt temperature profiles, precise line speed regulation, and uniform die gap adjustment—at a fraction of the floor space and energy consumption.
Key Features
- Integrated 17.5 mm micro extruder with AC servo-driven torque-controlled motor and segmented barrel heating zones (±0.5 °C stability)
- 100 mm wide precision-machined flat die with adjustable land length and interchangeable die lips for optimized flow distribution
- Water-cooled chrome-plated chill roll (diameter: 150 mm) with independent temperature control (10–80 °C range) and surface velocity synchronization
- High-resolution traction and rewind system with closed-loop tension feedback (0.1–10 m/min, ±0.2% repeatability)
- 7-inch industrial-grade touchscreen HMI with intuitive process parameter mapping, real-time trend logging, and recipe management
- Laboratory-ready connectivity: Ethernet (LAN) for remote monitoring and USB port for raw process data export (CSV format, timestamped)
- Modular architecture supporting optional add-ons including in-line gel detection via high-resolution optical scanning and automatic defect flagging
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Microex Cast supports a broad spectrum of thermoplastic resins commonly used in packaging, barrier film, medical device, and sustainable materials research—including polyolefins (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyamides (PA6, PA66), acrylics (PMMA), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), and certified biopolymers (e.g., PLA, PHA). All wetted components comply with ISO 80000-1 and ASTM D3835 standards for polymer processing equipment. The system’s control firmware supports audit-trail-enabled operation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated software configurations. Mechanical design adheres to CE Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EN 60204-1 safety standards.
Software & Data Management
Process parameters—including barrel zone temperatures, screw RPM, melt pressure (optional sensor), chill roll surface temperature, line speed, and traction tension—are continuously logged at 1 Hz resolution and stored locally on the HMI’s internal memory. Data can be exported via USB in comma-separated values (CSV) format for post-processing in MATLAB, Python (Pandas), or statistical analysis platforms such as JMP or Minitab. The embedded controller supports up to 99 user-defined recipes with version tagging and access-level permissions (operator, technician, administrator). Optional software packages enable integration with LIMS environments via OPC UA or Modbus TCP protocols, facilitating traceability across GLP/GMP-compliant workflows.
Applications
- Rapid prototyping of monolayer functional films for barrier property evaluation (O₂/CO₂/H₂O transmission testing)
- Formulation screening of polymer blends and nanocomposites under controlled shear and cooling histories
- Development and validation of biodegradable film processing windows for compostable packaging applications
- Correlation studies between extrusion parameters (e.g., melt temperature, draw-down ratio) and final film morphology (DSC, XRD, SEM)
- Calibration support for inline spectroscopic sensors (NIR, FTIR) used in commercial cast film lines
- Training platform for polymer processing engineers on melt rheology, crystallization kinetics, and solidification behavior
FAQ
What is the minimum film thickness achievable with the Microex Cast system?
The system is calibrated and validated for stable production down to 10 µm using low-viscosity grades of LDPE and PP under optimized cooling and traction conditions.
Can the Microex Cast produce co-extruded multilayer films?
No—the standard configuration is strictly single-layer. Co-extrusion capability requires retrofitting with a dual-feed manifold and second extruder module, available as a factory-engineered upgrade path.
Is technical installation support provided upon delivery?
Yes—EUROTECH-certified field service engineers perform on-site commissioning, mechanical alignment verification, thermal profiling, and operator training as part of the standard delivery package.
Does the system meet regulatory requirements for pharmaceutical packaging development?
While not classified as GMP equipment per se, its documented calibration procedures, data integrity features, and material contact compliance make it suitable for early-phase pharmaceutical film feasibility studies under ICH Q5E and Q5F guidelines.
