Many experts believe that despite its niche status, 9-layer film-extrusion lines will gain greater use among progressive companies that want to differentiate themselves and their products from competitors.

One such converter is Cincinnati-based Ampac Plastics, which has invested in 9-layer blown-film technology from Battenfeld Gloucester Engineering, Gloucester, MA. Ampac already has considerable experience in multilayer blown film, running 3- and 7-layer lines. The new line, scheduled to begin production this fall, is Ampac's 10th system overall and its fifth from Battenfeld Gloucester.

Ampac, which converts performance films for food, retail, and industrial packaging, has annual sales exceeding $100 million. It is adding a 9-layer line for two reasons, says Tom Geyer, vp-manufacturing. "It will give us greater flexibility with the structures we run. Ampac makes 7-layer film, but occasionally we need more layers to meet certain performance requirements." There is also the impact a 9-layer line has on customers. "It's a great selling point," he affirms.

Tom Crosson, Ampac director of sales for the Consumer Packaging Div., adds that 9-layer film can also compete successfully against more complex structures. "The more sophisticated blown film becomes," he says, "the more it displaces conventional packaging."

The bottom line, Geyer says, is that the 9-layer die/film line from Battenfeld Gloucester will significantly enhance Ampac's capabilities and contribute to business growth. "It will let us put new products in the market, help lower costs on existing products, and allow us to tackle demanding applications which previously were unreachable."