TDO (Transverse direction Orientation)

Marshall and Williams Plastics is a recognized global leader and innovator in plastics orientation
and casting equipment. Founded in 1920, Marshall and Williams built tenter frame systems for
 the textile industry and was the first to adapt this technology to orient plastic film and sheet.
Transverse direction orientation of plastic film and sheet is accomplished by heating the web
 and stretching it in the transverse (or cross) direction on a tenter frame. The tenter frame
 consists of two horizontal chain tracks, on which clip and chain assemblies ride, enclosed in 
an oven.

• Typically three heated zones: pre-heat, stretch, and anneal
• Adjustable rail widths
• Advanced clip design for a wide range of applications
• Designed to process a wide range of materials, widths & thicknesses
• Used in film, sheet, netting or nonwovens
• Commonly processed materials include PS, PP, PET, PLA, PTFE, PETG, PVDF, and others

 TDO -

The Transverse Direction Orienter (TDO) is used for taking up the film coming from

the preceding component in the stretching line. The film is stretched transversely and

delivered as an end film (in thickness and width) to the subsequent component.

Chain-

The chain transports the film through the TDO and stretches the film in transversal

direction.

For safety reasons, two persons are required to start chain travel in operating mode.

They have to actuate the switches located at both ends of the TDO simultaneously.

Thus, TDO inlet and outlet are under personal control during start-up of the chain.

Drive System-

The transport system is driven by motors, which are located at the outlet.

Chain Clips -

No. of chain clips form a long chain, 

used for taking up the film coming from

the preceding component in the stretching line.

The film is stretched transversely and

delivered as an end film (in thickness and width)

to the subsequent component. 

Components – Lubricating System

To ensure an operation with minimum friction and wear, the transport system is

equipped with lubricating systems for the chain rails (sliding track lubrication) and for

the chains (bolt lubrication).

TDO Operating Modes

There are three operating modes:

• Production

• Service

• Maintenance

The operating modes ensure that it is safe to work on the machine. Each operating

mode makes different functions available.

Jogging Mode-

In Service Mode, the TDO chain can be moved forward at very low speed using the

foot switch. This is used when inspecting the chain and positioning the clips.

Jogging Mode is available when all interlocks are fulfilled.