Extrusion International 4-2026

32 Extrusion International 4/2026 and vertical directions,” Martin Kastner continues. This feature includes automatic start-up processes, collision protection between the roll stack and at die, and the ability to store production positions in the SMILE control system. The design complies with Calander standard DIN EN 12301-2021-12, ensuring safety without affect- ing the visibility of the smoothing roller gap. W650: new winder for thermoforming lm The FlexiPET concludes with the new W650 winder, a development that combines the best of two worlds. It offers the user-friendly roll handling of a cantile- ver winder – where the shaft remains in place during changes – combined with the large winding capacities of an A-frame winder (diameters of up to 1,500 mm and 2,000 kg roll weight). A movable winding shaft support ensures the production of perfectly straight- edged reels. The W650 basic version also includes semi-automatic cantilever operation with automatic cross-cutting via ying knife. Energy-ef cient asynchronous servo mo - tors with resolver feedback, combined with SML's in- house winding controller, enable precise winding from the rst layer. The W650 is fully modular and can be upgraded with optional modules for speci c require - ments, such as FFS winding or the processing of two webs on a single shaft. All these modules are currently installed on the demonstration line at SML’s Technology Centre. SML Maschinengesellschaft mbH Gewerbepark Ost 32, A-4846 Redlham, Austria www.sml.at PELLETIZING Twin-Screw Extruder TSE80 from SML (Copyright: KHP Karin Hackl) Maximum Process Stability and Pellet Quality for Next-Generation Production For decades, MAAG has set benchmarks in underwater strand pelletizing technology (USG). With the new M²-USG generation, the company introduces a system designed to deliver enhanced process stability, higher throughput, and consistently superior pellet quality. Design improvements combined with advanced sensor integration enable customers to achieve more reliable production and improved operational ef ciency. Focus on Reliability and Product Quality The new development is engineered to ensure maxi- mum system availability (>99% OEE) and highly stable production processes. Reduced downtime and mini- mized scrap rates help lower operating costs while im- proving overall plant pro tability. At the core of the system is the newly developed M²- USG cutting head, designed to simplify operation and maintenance while minimizing the risk of operator error. Maintenance procedures can largely be performed with- out tools, and cleaning times have been signi cantly re - duced, allowing operators to return to production faster. From Polymer Melt to Perfect Pellets MAAG systems are engineered to produce uni- form, cylindrical pellets with minimal fines. During the process, the polymer melt passes through a die plate, is cooled and automatically guided into the pelletizer. Precise control of process parameters is essential. Incor- rect settings can cause strand adhesion, unstable cutting conditions, and ultimately production interruptions. The M²-USG addresses these challenges with a series of tar- geted design optimizations, helping customers maintain stable, ef cient, and sustainable production.