Strictly-Extrusion

Eriez Magnetics Pulse Technology Division will be launching its new Pulseparator in the next month. This metal separator detects and removes metal contamination from granules in free-fall, such as beneath hopper loaders or on the exit of granulators. Unlike magnets, the Pulseparator removes not only ferrous metals down to a 1mm size but non-magnetic, non-ferrous metals, such as copper, brass, etc. The separator is also unique in that it can handle both wet granules and those with a mineral content which other low cost equipment cannot process without false tripping. The diverter system employed is pneumatically operated to ensure the minimum of good product is rejected with metal contaminates detected. For full details of the Eriez Pulseparator and for more information on Eriez’ other products for prevention of metal contamination, including an extensive range of metal detectors and magnetic separators, contact Eriez Magnetics Europe Ltd: Tel 029 2086 8501; Fax 029 2085 1314 or e-mail eriez@eriezeurope.co.uk.

Uniek Inc., USA is closing an extrusion factory in Greenwood and moving the equipment to its main plant in Waunakee, Wis. 250 Mississippi workers will lose their jobs, while 175 jobs will be added in Wisconsin.

Flexafilms SpA, Italy has expanded its capacity with a new Battenfeld extruder to make thin PVC film for adhesive tape production. Flexafilms has four PVC film production lines, including the new machine.The new equipment, which should be in production by June, can process 3,300 pounds of material per hour.

Ravenscroft Plastics, UK has won a three-year contract worth in excess of £3 million to supply Tyco, USA with a complete range of profile extrusions for use in the electronics industry. The range was formerly produced by Critchley and was put out to tender after Tyco bought Critchley in March last year. Ravenscroft transferred all the plant and equipment into two factory units in Tewkesbury and retained many of the Critchley work force.

Daca Instruments, USA has developed a new device to extrude a micro-sized film from the company’s existing MicroCompounder. The company says that the MicroCompounder combines the intensive mixing of a twin-screw extruder with the small sample requirements of a batch compounder. The apparatus is a micro-scale, conical, twin-screw compounder that is designed to process 4,5cc of polymeric material. The new micro film attachment can extrude films to a maximum 12mm width using as little as 4,5cc material. The attachment comprises a film die and water-cooled take up roll. The opening of the die can be varied from 0-0,7mm. The speed of a chilled roll is controlled by a low speed DC motor. Daca Instruments adds that when the film is drawn from the die, the films become slightly narrower. The amount of narrowing depends on the type of polymer, the process conditions and the distance of the die to the take up roll. In addition, each edge of a cast film is likely to be thicker than the rest of the film due to the drawing process. The company claims that these features mean that it is a highly versatile instrument that is suitable for use in polymer research for polymer blends, additives and compounding. Attachments are also available for fibre spinning.

A new, paintable silicone release agent can be used either interally or externally and boasts excellent compatibility with organic coatings and adhesives. Dow Corning 204 Fluid from Dow Corning Corp., USA is said to be highly effective in molding, extrusion and calendering. In external use, it allows parts to be coated, painted or bonded with no special cleaning beforehand.