Electric actuator EDI®

electromechanicallineardifferential

Overview
EDI® lip adjustment systems provide manual, thermal (Autoflex™) and motorized (Prodigi™) options to control die lip gap for extrusion and coating dies. Systems are designed for integration with gauge control (APC) to improve gauge uniformity and reduce scrap while enabling fast, repeatable corrections.

Manual lip adjustments
Manual adjustments use hand tools to tighten or loosen adjustment threads for coarse set-up and field corrections. The method is simple, robust and compatible with multiple mechanical configurations.

• Push‑Only: single thread, large movement per revolution (~1.0 mm/rev).
• Differential Push‑Only: two‑thread system for finer movement (~0.2 mm/rev).
• Differential Push‑Pull: two‑thread with pull feature to assist opening at lower pressures (~0.2 mm/rev).

Autoflex™ thermal adjustments
Autoflex™ systems use controlled thermal expansion/contraction of adjustment blocks (heater + air cooling path) to make fine local lip corrections. They pair with processor gauging/APC to reduce variation and increase yield. Each adjustment point has an individually controllable heater block to change the die lip gap.

Autoflex™ VI and VI‑R features

• Low‑mass translators for faster heating/cooling response.
• Centerlines available: 21.0 mm (0.827"), 25.4 mm (1.000"), 28.6 mm (1.125") — other spacings on request.
• Stainless steel cover to limit drafts and residue on adjustment components.
• Low profile, close approach to the nip.
• Optional VI‑R modular design allows removal as a complete assembly for maintenance.

Autoflex™ VI‑RE features
US Patent 10,518,459

• ~43% increased stroke versus previous designs without added response time, expanding correctable process variation range.
• Operable with convective or forced‑air cooling.
• Heater wiring routed to junction box via quick‑disconnect for maintenance.
• Module sets with 3 or 4 adjustments for targeted access to wear parts.

Prodigi™ motorized lip actuators
Prodigi™ replaces thermal bolts with motorized actuators connected to the adjustment threads to deliver precise remote linear movement. Actuators operate away from the hot die and support rapid APC corrections from a remote interface.

Performance highlights

• Development trials: initial thickness variation ~±25% reduced significantly within ~44 seconds after engagement.
• Near‑target gauge across the die achieved in ~3 minutes with APC using Prodigi™, compared with ~12 minutes using conventional thermal actuators.
• Benefits include faster stabilization, lower scrap and highly repeatable cycles.

Benefits and typical applications

• Faster, more precise local control of lip gap (manual, thermal or motorized options).
• Improved gauge uniformity and increased product yield.
• Modular options for easy maintenance and retrofit.
• Typical applications: barrier films, breathable hygiene films, optical/thermal films, CPP/Cast/Stretch/BOPE/BOPP, hot‑melt/liquid coating for extrusion and laminating.

Technical specifications

• Product family: EDI® Lip Adjustment Systems (Manual, Autoflex™, Prodigi™).
• Adjustment centerlines: 21.0 mm (0.827"), 25.4 mm (1.000"), 28.6 mm (1.125"); other spacings on request.
• Manual coarse movement: ~1.0 mm/rev (push‑only).
• Differential two‑thread fine movement: ~0.2 mm/rev (push‑only or push‑pull variants).
• Autoflex™: heater + air cooling path per adjustment block; low‑mass translators for improved response.
• VI‑RE: ~43% increased stroke; module sets (3 or 4 adjustments); quick‑disconnect heater wiring.
• Prodigi™: motorized actuators for remote, precise linear adjustment; rapid correction times demonstrated in trials.