Brückner’s sliding chain track system conquers the BOPET world
BOPET films are produced since decades and are among the most frequently used films in the packaging sector and in technical applications. And roller bearing chain track systems have almost always been used in in the transverse direction orienter of stretching lines that produce them. Why? Because the second common transport system technology – sliding chain tracks – has consumed a considerable amount of lubrication oil in the past and was therefore suspected that tiny oil drops on the film may generate problems in converting steps, e.g. metallization of the film.
However, the permanently increasing production speeds in the BOPET industry brought roller bearing chain track systems to their limits, resulting in high maintenance efforts and costs, among other things. This was the time to harmonize three major developments in this area: advanced sliding materials, high-temperature lubrication oils and Brückner’s revolutionary new sliding chain track system FOK 8.8.
The benefits of this combination are obvious:
- A constant high-speed operation at 600 + m/min and in future even 700 m/min
- Higher output for thinner films due to continuous high-speed production
- Less wear and tear – significantly reduced maintenance
- Very low lubrication oil consumption, also for high-speed production
- Lower operating costs
Even Indian BOPET insiders are enthusiastic
As of today, in six Brückner BOPET high speed lines the sliding chain track system FOK 8.8 is in operation, in various regions of the world, including India, historically a major BOPET country. And more to come. The feedback we receive from customers is extremely positive and exceeds our expectations. The system runs extremely smooth, at a very low sound level and with significantly reduced maintenance effort.
Of course, both systems will also be used side by side in the future within the BOPET industry: roller bearing chain track systems for the production of either very thin or rather thick technical films, sliding chain track systems for manufacturing the complete range of packaging films – at top speed and with highest productivity! Brückner's decades of experience with sliding chain tracks make it possible.
