Strictly-Extrusion

New PC-based software can scan an unlimited number of strands of tubing, monofilament or coated wire to measure OD while also providing flaw and strand-break detection. Products can have up to four different nominal ODs. New MultiScan software from Beta LaserMike in Dayton, USA, detects missing profiles or strands and also gives lump and neckdown reports. Compatible with most of the company’s analog gauges, it performs up to 2000 scans/sec. The software even comes preconfigured on its own Pentium III processor.

A new automatic thickness profiler for blown film turns small nozzles of cooling air on and off to adjust thickness around the bubble. Future Design Inc. in Brampton, Canada, introduced the SCT Profiler over a year ago in Europe and is now offering it in the U.S. as well. It has been used so far on seven 10- and 20-in. dies. It can be retrofitted on any Saturn model air ring, but not those with an oscillating die because the hardware attaches under the air ring. It has to be used with an oscillating hauloff instead.

A new web-guide controller offers a single, user-friendly control panel with text and help messages, whereas the previous generation required several control stations and gave only a digital readout. The new DO 2000 operator panel was launched early this year by Erhardt + Leimer Inc., a German maker of web control systems. It offers flexible control of up to eight web-guiding frames, sensor positioners or oscillating frames on cast-film lines. The DO 2000 has a graphical LED display.

A company specialising in reel-related equipment for the web processing industries has opened in Northwich, UK. Webtek offers a full design and manufacturing service across a range of products from web inspection to core restorers. Design, manufacturing, spares and service will be co-ordinated from Automatic Handling Europe’s facility in Northwich. Included in Webtek’s range is the SR100 series of torque-activated chucks; air shafts in either steel or aluminium in either lug or continuous strip configuration for narrow width slitting; and shaft extractors and inserters. The company is also offering a core restoration service. Webtek’s web inspection system has been available for some time, and can be used to detect many kinds of common defects in webs of film, paper, steel and other products.
Contact 01594 560040, webtek102@aol.com.

Klockner Pentaplast GmbH, Germany has taken majority shares in the British film manufacturer G-Plas, Wales. A new founded Film-Service-Center for the production and storage of film will efficiently serve the British market. The management of G-Plas will continue its work, in close cooperation with Pentaplast.

Tessenderlo, the Belgium Chemical and Plastics Group, has purchased John Davidson Pipes Ltd., one of the largest distributors of pipes in the UK. The company employs 85 people at 14 branch offices with a turnover of EURO 32 million. John Davidson Pipes will be part of the Dyka Group which already operates 10 depots in the UK. Dyka has made a turnover of EURO 515 million in 2000 and is part of Tessenderlo’s plastics processing unit.

Italian machinery maker Maris SpA is moving into North America, opening its first overseas office in Baltimore in June. Maris America Corp. will launch with a testing, parts and service facility for the company´s twin-screw extruders. According to vice president Luciano Gallino, the company could also expand to assembly and some production.

Thermo Haake, Germany has taken over the British manufacturer of twin-screw extruders PRISM. Both companies belong to the Thermo Electron Corporation, USA. Main purpose of this merger is a higher competence at Thermo Haake by joining know how in the field of compounding technology.

Applied Extrusion Technologies Inc., USA, plans to tighten supply of oriented polypropylene film by acquiring some production assets of QPF LLC´s Streamwood facility for US$15 million and dismantling them. Once the capacity is taken out of commission, it would be the first time in five years that there has been a healthy supply/demand balance in the OPP film market, according to AET.

SML-Maschinengesellschaft, Austria has signed a cooperation agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan on 24th April. Both companies want to bring in their production know-how in the field of High-Tech cast film systems with a width of 4.500 to 6.000mm. The companies will jointly make one’s debut at the K 2001 fair in Dusseldorf, Germany.