May 22, 2007

Davis-Standard, LLC Introduces Large Gusseting Unit for Ag Films

To support the growing wide industrial and agricultural film markets, Davis-Standard, LLC has developed a new gusseting unit for blown film bubbles up to 60 feet (18 meters) in circumference. The unit simplifies installation and minimizes overall tower width by reducing the space required for the support and retraction mechanism. The unit’s advantages are seen in widths from 100-inch to 220-inch (5,588mm) roll face upper nip assembly. The 60-foot (18 meter) unit shown is also engineered with a modular design consisting of seven sections that conveniently fit into shipping containers for product protection and reduced shipping costs.

“We designed this unit with size requirements, installation time and shipping economics in mind,” said Rick Keller, Vice President of Sales for Davis-Standard’s Converting Systems Group. “It’s a good addition to our large-scale blown film line for the agricultural films market including 80-inch (2,032mm) multi-layer dies and 8-inch (200mm) extruders.”

Unique to the gusset is an articulated adjustment mechanism that is mounted directly on the upper nip frame. This design replaces traditional separate steel supports beyond the tower structure, eliminating excess building width. Operationally, the upper nip mounted arm swings under the nip unit, which is used for motorized adjustment of the gusset’s top position. This gives customers a processing range from full depth gusseting to complete retraction without requiring additional plant space or bulky adjustment equipment. The tetrahedral-shaped gusset is fabricated from multiple tubular steel skeleton sections, covered in a special hardwood with careful attention to the face/side transition edges and the top of the blade.

For more information, contact Rick Keller at kellerr@bc-egan.com.