Tervakoski Films Group has made its largest investment yet in a new capacitor film production line, which will feature state-of-the-art LISIM technology. This installation represents the first implementation of the most advanced capacitor film production technology in the Western Hemisphere.
Throughout the spring and summer of 2024, our dedicated project team made significant progress in constructing our LISIM line. The new LISIM line will be situated on the same factory lot as the current Svit production unit in Slovakia, creating significant synergy benefits for production.
Let’s dive deeper into the new technology.
What is the LISIM technology?
Traditionally, sequentially stretched capacitor film is first stretched longitudinally and then transversally to produce the desired film quality. This has long been the industry-standard technology for biaxially oriented film products.
LISIM® technology, developed by Brückner, utilizes simultaneous biaxial stretching, where the film is stretched in both directions (MD and CD) at the same time. With LISIM® technology, this is accomplished using delicate tenter clips and linear motors that smoothly stretch the film without any mechanical connections.
The name LISIM® is derived from the term “Linear motor simultaneous stretching”. Brückner’s unique LISIM® technology can produce extra-thin capacitor films with optimized film quality and the utmost flexibility in production – features that are highly valued by Tervakoski Films Group’s customers.
Construction of the first European LISIM line is well underway
The LISIM line is expected to substantially increase our production capacity, supporting the growing demand for high-quality capacitors in the power and smart grid, automotive, and locomotive industries. LISIM technology also enables the production of entirely new solutions.
“With LISIM technology, capacitor film thickness can range typically from 2 to 5 microns. These ultra-thin capacitor films meet the growing market demand, particularly in the e-mobility sector,” states Ondrej Jačanin, Manager of Base-film Production at Terichem Tervakoski, a.s.
Massive LISIM machinery will be installed in the Tervakoski Film production facilities in Svit, Slovakia. The factory’s original structure, dating back to the 1970s, has undergone comprehensive renovation, including stripping and reinforcing, to meet the stringent standards of contemporary industrial facilities.
“We are transforming an old factory premise into a modern production hall to accommodate the completely new LISIM technology,” Miloš Ondra, Maintenance Manager at Terichem Tervakoski, a.s. explains.
A robust new roof has been installed to support modern ventilation systems and other industrial building technologies. Additionally, the building’s floor has been fortified to accommodate the weight and demands of the state-of-the-art LISIM machinery.
“New slitting machines are also placed in this new building. Yet, approximately half of the building will remain empty for now, ready for our near-future growth,” Ondrej Jačanin describes.
The installation of the LISIM line will commence in autumn 2024, with production beginning in 2025.
R&D Director Vlado Monček, Maintenance Manager Miloš Ondra, Investment Manager Richard Radek, Base Film Production Manager Ondrej Jačanin.
Future Possibilities: Leading the way in the modern capacitor market
“Customer demand for high-quality capacitor films is rising, and we are ready to meet that demand. The LISIM line is something entirely new – there’s nothing like it in Europe,” R&D director Vladimír Monček at Terichem Tervakoski a.s. states.
The high durability of capacitor films can be efficiently achieved in thinner films by using the LISIM line.
“The LISIM line is a tool to respond to the increasing demand for thin and ultra-thin films. Advanced capacitor films are needed to answer the requirements coming especially from the automotive market. LISIM, in combination with our Tervakoski Film ECU, is a perfect platform capable of covering all the challenges coming from the market”, Vladimír Monček continues.
Tervakoski Film ECU is a capacitor film specifically developed for the automotive industry, which withstands ultra-high temperatures and harsh conditions exceptionally well.
“Tervakoski Film ECU can endure higher temperatures than before, without losing all the best qualities of PP films”, Rastislav Veles, R&D manager at Terichem Tervakoski a.s states.
Thinner, long lifespam capacitor films are also suitable for a wide range of technically advanced applications, offering high performance and durability.