Reifenhäuser has completed construction work and installation work to fully modernize the largest research and development center for plastics extrusion technology. Inhouse and customer applications are further developed under real production conditions using the latest plastics extrusion technology and extensive know-how.

The center houses seven high-tech lines at the latest state of the art for the development of blown film, cast film, polishing sheet and nonwoven products. The new conference rooms directly adjacent provide a pleasant atmosphere for visitors and customers to view the test lines at close quarters. A special highlight: The conference rooms match the design and architecture of the main building – a miniature version, so to speak, with variable room layout equipped with modern media technology. One of the highlights is the digital connection between the lines and the Reifenhäuser Digital Business Platform. “Visitors more or less sit in the ‘control tower’ and can switch to any of the lines in the hall,” says Ewald Hamm, head of the Technology Center.

Visitors and customers can experience production in operation, conduct trials, and develop line layouts and recipes in tune with their requirements in consultation with the extrusioneers from Reifenhäuser. Sales director Eugen Friedel summarizes the underlying philosophy, “For us, listening carefully to the customer is just the start of a good consultation. We provide our customers with support until they can start up production with certainty and as agreed.“

Among the machines and lines at the new Technology Center, Reifenhäuser presents a world first: a laser measuring system that detects film topography to ensure extremely flat film. The system measures film flatness in a closed loop automatically and continuously optimizes production parameters. This guarantees both high energy efficiency and high process reliability. It achieves a visually excellent end product while significantly reducing the use of glue, raw materials, and ink. Customers who use EVO Ultra Flat in their production are certified by Reifenhäuser and receive a quality seal. “The technology has become a genuine competitive advantage for users,” says Friedel.