Extrusion equipment manufacturer, Reifenhäuser GmbH & Co (D-53839 Troisdorf) has developed improved technology for the production of free-foamed PVC sheets. In free-foaming production, the foaming of the polymer is achieved by the addition of a foaming agent and starts immediately after the discharge of the melt from the sheet die. According to the company this offers the possibility of producing thicker (up to 20 mm) and lighter (0.5 g/cm3) sheets which previously had only been achieved by the "Celuka" inward-foaming process. Reifenhäuser claim that their free-foam process is simpler and the capital cost lower, as the costly and complicated sizing process is not necessary.

READER SERVICE: Press release (English), with pictures: PIE-No. 39101.