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NEW STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY AT AUTOTYPE
Autotype a world leader in high performance hard coated films for demanding applications such as membrane touch switches and touch screens. This is the technology for which Autotype was awarded a Queen's Award for Technological Achievement in 1985. The ever rising needs of these applications resulted in Autotype's decision to invest in a new state of the art coating line for films operating in critical areas, down to the challenging Class 1000 Clean Room standard. This allows Autotype to make coated films with the cleanliness and clarity of high quality glass, which is what the world markets now demand. Autotype’s customers expect technical excellence in product design, formulation and process capabilities. To meet these requirements the Autotype E-Machine facility combines clean room film coating and conversion in environmentally friendly conditions; in particular, a state of the art thermal oxidizer ensures that the line operates well inside all foreseeable environmental regulations. The coating heads and the dryer operate in Class 1000 clean room conditions or better. The coating hall itself, the roll storage and the conversion area are Class 10,000. The coating line uses fast change coating cartridges with a complete range of coating capabilities. Up to three coats can be applied in a single pass, as well as laminating to both sides of the web. Web thicknesses of up to 750 micron can be easily handled with continuous operation. The latest air flotation technology means critical coatings can be handled with minimal direct contact, while 200 drive units on the machine keep the web under perfect control throughout the line. All stages have been carefully planned with minute attention to quality. The finished rolls are stored in a cantilever racking system within the clean room and are converted and packed for customers without ever leaving the clean environment. The new E-Machine facility will also support the breakthrough advance in the telecommunications, automotive and appliance industries, which the IMD or In-Mold Decoration process represents. This involves taking a flat film, back printing with the appropriate designs and graphics, and molding it under heat or pressure into the top surface of a three dimensional part. The film provides the top surface of the part, with the graphics protected between the film and back injected resin, which provides the bulk of the part. Recycled resin can be used as it is not seen in the finished part and the overall process is a series of simple manufacturing steps. E-Machine will gradually come into full production over the next few weeks and will improve capacity by 30% for specialist hard coated films. The complete system will cover 1200 sq metres. Commenting on the new facility, Peter Levinsohn, Managing Director of Autotype said, “The driving force of Autotype is the application of advanced technology to provide improved solutions for our customers worldwide. This is a substantial technological investment, as well as a commitment to our highly skilled and experienced workforce. E Machine is proof of our dedication to stay at the cutting edge of progress in the challenging electronics and telecommunications industries, while remaining environmentally conscious and working in partnership with the local community.”
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