Solutions for enhancing agricultural film production

Based in Adare, Ireland, Samco manufactures two families of agricultural films: soil bioplastics and one made from oxo-biodegradable resins, both for the agricultural sector. To upgrade its blown film extrusion lines used for producing these films, the company recently turned to Syncro, which supplied a Typhoon Y2-048 automatic air ring, a Skymex non-contact capacitive measuring system, and a Syntrol Infinity plant supervision system.

The Typhoon Y2-048 automatic air ring is distinguished by its lightweight yet robust carbon fibre chamber, which enhances airflow distribution. It features a set of customised lips specifically designed for biodegradable materials to optimise flow control and maintain bubble stability. Additionally, its lifting system ensures precision throughout the process, facilitating adjustments.

The Skymex non-contact capacitive measuring system enables real-time monitoring of film thickness without physically touching the material, thereby preventing any risk of contamination or damage. It ensures highly accurate measurements with a precision of ±0.4 microns at 2-sigma, allowing for producing ultra-uniform biodegradable films with a thickness of just 8 microns.

Finally, Syntrol Infinity is an intelligent supervision system that automates profile control and enhances process monitoring, reducing manual intervention while increasing the operational reliability and efficiency of the production line.

According to the manufacturer, these upgrades have led to a 30% increase in output while maintaining bubble stability and improving process reliability through automatic profile control. Additionally, they have enhanced film quality and increased line speed to up to 110 m/min, equivalent to a production rate of 180 kg per hour.