Sonoco Plastics invests in molding tech for films and tapes
Key takeaways
- Sonoco Plastics invests €850,000 to expand extrusion and injection molding capacity at its Troisdorf, Germany, facility.
- The upgrade will increase production of 3-inch plastic winding cores, endwalls, and components used in film and tape applications.
- The company says the investment will reduce lead times and meet rising demand for high-precision cores with tight dimensional tolerances.
Extruded cores for films and tapes (Image credit: Sonoco Plastics).Sonoco Plastics will increase the capacity of its Troisdorf, Germany, facility with an €850,000 (US$971,575) investment in extrusion and injection molding technology.
The financing will support the production of 3 inch (76 mm) plastic extruded winding cores, endwalls, and related components for film and tape applications.
“Demand for high-precision 3 inch cores continues to grow, and this investment helps us respond with more capacity and faster turnaround,” says Curtis Bares, global director of sales and marketing at Sonoco Plastics.
“By reinvesting in production at Troisdorf, we’re reducing lead times for customers while continuing to deliver the consistent quality and tight tolerances they depend on for reliable winding performance.”
Film and tape for demanding uses
Sonoco Plastics says its cores and endwalls are engineered to ensure the performance of films and tapes across demanding applications.
For the film market, the company can produce injection-molded cores of up to 2,265 mm in length. This is said to improve tight dimensional tolerances and to provide precise core geometries in terms of roundness and straightness.
It also uses injection molding for endwalls and plugs to support performance in film converting and winding operations.
Also for films, Sonoco Plastics provides extruded cores “in nearly all lengths” with secondary knurling technologies available for surface finishes. Cores are offered in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), ABS/styrene acrylonitrile, PS, high impact PS, PE, and PP, with sizes including 3 inch (76 mm) and 6 inch (152 mm).
Targeting the production of narrow-width wound materials such as tapes, Sonoco offers precise injection-molded and extruded winding cores. It says they are designed to meet surface flatness requirements.
“Cores are available in a range of dimensions and materials, including PE, PP, PS, and ABS, enabling mechanical characteristics from rigid to high-impact.”
Last year, Sonoco consolidated its metal packaging and rigid paper containers businesses under one structure and sold its ThermoSafe business unit, which specializes in temperature assurance technology, to Arsenal Capital Partners for US$725 million.
