With the next generation of its 6-up SmartCast stretch film line, SML focuses on compact design, maintainability and film performance. The concept targets efficient production of a wide range of formats, from 2-inch hand rolls to machine rolls, 60 kg jumbo rolls and films with folded edges. The company unveiled the new line at the K trade fair. The redesigned 3 m layout uses a parallel arrangement of extruders that places motors, dosing units and filters next to each other to accelerate access for maintenance and service. Pre-assembled extruder modules aim to simplify installation. Small electrical components are consolidated in an E-container, removing connection boxes from hot zones around the extruder. On the casting section, the SmartCast is equipped with a 1,800 mm chill roll featuring a chrome-plated Smart 3.0 surface. The surface finish reduces cleaning effort caused by paraffin and other deposits during production. The larger contact area allows gentle cooling that supports high elongation with superior tear propagation. It also offers the fastest cooling for SuperStiff products. The coreless winding concept has been further developed to improve winding quality on the inside of the roll at optimised production speeds, to reduce post-production shrinkage and to enable rapid switches between coreless winding and winding on rigid cores at the touch of a button. Changeovers can be made without waste.
Line design and maintenance
The new 3 m line concept adopts parallel-oriented extruders with motors, dosing units and filters arranged side by side to streamline routine access. Pre-assembled extruder modules shorten installation time on site. An E-container houses small electrical components so that separate connection boxes are no longer required in thermally exposed areas around the extruder section.
Chill roll and film performance
The SmartCast configuration includes what SML describes as the largest chill roll currently used for stretch film, at 1,800 mm in diameter. The chrome-plated Smart 3.0 surface is designed to mitigate paraffin and other deposits, reducing cleaning frequency. The extended wrap on the chill roll facilitates gentle cooling, which supports high elongation combined with superior tear propagation. The setup is specified to provide the fastest cooling for SuperStiff products.
Coreless winding and changeovers
SML has advanced its coreless winding technology to enhance resource efficiency. Winding quality on the inner layers of the roll is improved at optimised production speeds, and post-production shrinkage is reduced. A key functional update enables switching between coreless winding and winding on rigid cores at the touch of a button. This changeover method eliminates waste and supports consistent, efficient production.
