Strictly-Extrusion

The extruder specialist Cincinnati Extrusion GmbH, Vienna views continuous improvement to all machine components as one of its main tasks. By presenting innovative, optimal concepts, Cincinnati is always able to meet the constantly changing and ever more demanding requirements of the processing industry. The machine manufacturer has just introduced a new, optimized version of its “argos plus“ parallel twin screw extruder series. The improvements include an extended processing unit, a new screw design and advanced heating and cooling units.

Extruders of the “argos plus“ series are specially well suited to processing PVC compounds with high filler content commonly used in pipe production. They are equipped with a special high-performance drive, and the effective length of the screw has been extended by 2 D to 28 D. Similar to conical extruders, the “argos plus“ series’ optimised screw geometry provides a pre-heating and compression zone, which ensures considerably gentler and more effective plasticizing of the compound. This is achieved by a declining screw pitch between the material feed and the vent opening, which provides continuous compression. Another advantage of the improved screw geometry is that it prevents the undesirable process interruptions, for example through enclosed air, which are a common problem in processing resins with a high filler content.

The screw coating has also been considerably improved, so that the plastic material slides more easily along the screw. Along with the other improvements mentioned above, this ensures a substantial extension of the processing unit’s service life.

Of course all the other well-known and proven features of these parallel twin-screw extruders are also incorporated into the new series: the reliable 4-shaft drive, the efficient “apc“ air cooling unit and the automatic closed-loop “INTRACOOL“ screw temperature control system.

Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (NYSE:GLK) today announced the introduction of Firemaster® 520, a higher reactivity flame retardant for rigid polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foam applications. Firemaster 520 was developed in close consultation with foam manufacturers who need to change their formulations to accommodate alternative blowing agents that are quickly replacing HCFC, which is subject to phase-out under the Montreal protocol.

In cooperation with two leading European Blown film line suppliers, Vetaphone has developed and tested its new CP-PROFI / CAN interface for corona treatment. The PROFIBUS & CAN interface allows all Vetaphone CP Corona generators to be connected to the standard communication systems used by line manufactures. The operation of the Corona Plus system is implemented according to EN 50170 DIN19245 and to the same scheme and programming required for production lines.
In lines such as converting, coating, laminating and extrusion lines all important parameters of the Vetaphone Corona Plus treatment and production data can be presented on the main operator panel in a graphical way, complete with drawings of all machine parts.
The Corona Plus system is often an additional part of the complete production line, but with the new interface options, the two leading European line manufacturers have integrated the Vetaphone Corona Plus system in all production lines running PROFI and CAN.
Movement of all mechanical parts, such as treater heads and/or NIP rollers, can be monitored and controlled. Error messages and maintenance hints can be displayed in different languages. Data for different production runs can be stored, and set up can be controlled from the main control panel. A further advantage is that the generators can be installed inside air-conditioned machine control cabinets, and access to the generator is not necessary any more, everything is done by the intelligent interface.

Advanced Elastomers Systems, L.P. (AES) has announced that Jeff Davis has been named general manager of AES effective September, 2002. He joins AES from ExxonMobil Chemical, which acquired ownership of AES earlier this year. Davis replaces former President and CEO, Graham Wildsmith who joined AES in 1998, after nearly 28 years with Monsanto and Solutia.

The production of Schwarz Extrusionswerkzeuge GmbH at Wolfratshausen will be closed effective December 31, 2002. Its activities will be transferred to the headquarters of Greiner Extrusionstechnik in Kremstal/Austria. At this site the company’s extrusion die production will be continued as an independent second brand under the name of “Schwarz Werkzeugsysteme” beside Greiner’s product range. Battenfeld Extrusionstechnik is withdrawing from this business to pave the way for unrestricted future exploitation of Greiner’s full synergy potential and internal resources. Schwarz Werkzeugsysteme will continue to provide its full range of services to customers. Moreover, Schwarz Werkzeugsysteme will continue to extend its activities under the roof of Greiner. Greiner Extrusionstechnik has offered employment at the new production site to some of the Wolfratshausen employees. For the remainder a redundancy compensation plan will be implemented.