Strictly-Extrusion

CHICAGO, June 22, 2009: A new surface coating now available on flat dies from Extrusion Dies Industries, LLC (EDI) withstands most attacks from the corrosive hydrochloric acid (HCl) generated in the course of extruding PVC, the company announced at NPE2009 (Booth N85007).

Called DuraCoat™, the coating is inert when exposed to harsh chemicals, according to Gary D. Oliver, vice president of technology. While EDI is exploring possible uses with a range of other corrosive plastics, it is recommending DuraCoat for dies used to produce PVC foam, film, and sheet. The thermal degradation of PVC caused by heat and shear during extrusion generates HCl byproduct that can inflict extensive damage to dies with conventional surfaces.

“This new coating forms an extremely thin film on the steel surface of the die that has no effect on even the most intricate features machined into flow surfaces,” said Oliver. “The low friction coefficient of the coating provides improved slip release in comparison with that of standard chrome plating.”

DuraCoat exhibits exceptional hardness, very high melting and oxidation temperatures, and insolubility in most acids and bases, Oliver added.

The coating has been successfully applied to tooling in the injection molding industry and has already been used by EDI customers producing vinyl residential siding (post-formed from sheet) and foams, according to Oliver. “On two occasions, one customer mistakenly processed the PVC at a very slow rate, and the extended residence time for the polymer caused enough burn and HCl out-gassing to ruin standard chrome plating and make it necessary to rework the die,” he said. “But the die in this case was DuraCoat-coated and withstood both burn-outs without damage.”

Plastic Engineering Associates Licensing, Inc. is pleased to announce the development of the world’s first PLA Production Foam Extrusion Die.

The special PLA foam die developer is Jim Fogarty (Chem. Eng., WPI 1961). Jim has been designing foam extrusion dies since the early 1960’s, mainly for polystyrene foam. Jim is also the inventor of Turbo-Screws® technology foam feed screws.

“The market needs a foam extrusion die for PLA. All of the foam dies in the industry have been made for polystyrene foaming and as most people in the foam polystyrene industry know, PLA is definitely not polystyrene. It is such a viscous polymer and furthermore, has such low shear thinning properties that it just made good sense to develop a die specifically for PLA. We will be offering the die to the market in conjunction with our Turbo-Screws® technology feed screws for PLA foam production.” Fogarty stated.

Plastic Engineering Associates Licensing, Inc. is a Florida corporation headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. It owns the exclusive patent rights to 7 U.S. and over 50 foreign patents on the Turbo-Screws® technology. For more information visit www.turboscrews.com and www.pea.cc

Novosystems WB 4000 dosing system with an even broader range of applications: from the smallest amounts right up to high performance extrusion with eccentric screw technology

Seevetal, 23th June, 2009: liquid colors continue to be very popular as material suppliers make full use of energy and polymer cost savings potential. In addition to saving money, liquid colors offer the additional production benefits of high color consistency, low dosing amounts and rapid color changes. Novosystems says that due to these advantages, producer demand for liquid colors continues to rise for injection molding, extrusion and PU manufacture. Reason enough for Novosystems to radically redevelop their whole program of mixing and dosing technology - resulting in a completely new system.

The basis of the new system is the WB4000 dosing device. This makes reliable and clean feed of liquid colors in a closed system possible. Easy calibration enables color changes in seconds, not possible in the same way with Master batch. In addition to the use of a peristaltic pump, the WB4000 also features an eccentric screw head option, greatly extending dosing range. This allows for very large dosing volumes of up to 60 l/hr as required for extrusion processes. What’s more, the eccentric screw head makes technical operation up to pressures of 40 bars possible. Material delivery via eccentric screw results in a very linear feed for the whole range of the feed volume and highest dosing accuracy. A further benefit for special requirements of commercial operation is the delivery of color via pipes up to distances of 8 – 10 meters. This is useful when color containers are not set up directly next to the manufacturing cell or where a steep incline has to be overcome. Last but not least, a special quick-release system allows rapid changing of the eccentric screw attachment.

Total Process Control

The dosing device includes an injection molding and an extrusion mode with regranulate management as well as monitoring of dosing volume and remaining material. Mixing and dosing data is logged by the WB4000 and backed up to databases. Additionally, the module can be integrated into existing IT infrastructure via LAN cable, Blue-Tooth and WLAN. Users have the option of entering commands for the correct recipe via a PDA handheld device or a central PC or notebook. Novosystems also offers special software for these control options, designed to handle up to 100 pumps.

Premiere: Deployment of Gravimetrics for Dosing Liquid Colors

Novosystems have developed two really innovative features: gravimetric management of liquid color dosing via software and scales. According to Novosystems, gravimetric dosing of amounts up to 50 kg is possible. The system calibrates itself: gravimetric dosing also results in even more accurate dosing with minimal variation in comparison with volumetric dosing with automatic adjustment. This new process means optimal consumption while maintaining high color quality, especially with very small amounts of color. Secondly, optional integration of the gravimetric technology via a handheld computer or WLAN – previously the standard for volumetric measurements is now possible.

To sum up: the different demands of plastic production processes and the whole issue of production volumes – from the deployment of liquid colors for laboratory extruders or micro injection molding through to high volume extrusion – Novosystems has taken all of these requirements into account when designing the WB4000. High-tech dosing of liquid colors for increased potential and significantly more flexibility when coloring plastics.

Aurora, IL, June, 15, 2009 — PTi’s new product line, aptly named GLOBALINE, will be unveiled at NPE2009. GLOBALINE was developed to fulfill the need in the global market place for a cost effective solution configurable as a compact unit (NPE version) for inline thermoforming or a full length configuration for producing roll stock. The GLOBALINE will emphasize flexibility; allowing processors to efficiently produce smaller runs of sheet from key materials such as PP, PS, PET and polylactic acid, the bioresin known as PLA.

Dana Hanson, President of PTi, said “The GLOBALINE has been engineered to cut delivery times and costs, with lead times trimmed 30%-40% and a price tag that’s much lower than custom designed machines.” “Incorporating a patent-pending, linear bearing mounted frame infrastructure, among other features,” Hanson says, “mechanical system installation can take only two to three days.”

“The GLOBALINE brand is available in two unique platforms distinguished by finished product widths of 1.0 or 1.5 m (40 or 60”),” stated Hanson. “Depending on the application and the customer requirement, the GLOBALINE can be configured for a range of production outputs between 300 - 1750 kg/hr (650 - 3900 lbs/hr). All GLOBALINE systems are available in mono-layer or co-extrusion formats for A/B, A/B/A, A/B/C, and more.”

GLOBALINE is a key part of PTi’s worldwide strategy for expanding in regions such as Russia, Eastern Europe, South America, China and India, said John Chalmers, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Rigid Packaging, particularly for food and medical applications is a growing market in those countries”, he said. “We appreciate that in developing markets customers aren’t able to dedicate their production to one particular product. GLOBALINE will allow them to run multiple products efficiently on one machine. We’re taking a proactive stance to develop a machine that’s going to address the needs of these developing markets.”

GLOBALINE features pre-engineered, compact, components that are configurable to customer specific production requirements. The modular design offers many unique features such as:

- Integral Ratchet Actuated Gap Positioning and Display (patent pending)

- Integral Ratchet Vertical Nip Height Positioning (patent pending)

- Linear bearing mounted frame infrastructure for precise retraction and ease of installation (patent pending)

- Universal anti-stat coater for top, bottom and both side coating applications (patent pending)

- Pivoting extruder base via a unique hydraulic jacking system for ease of screw removal and maintenance

- Touch screen controls featuring on line tutorial instructions for start-up and shut down sequencing as well as AutoRamp™ automatic - line coordination control

- Individual roll drives

- Quick style electrical plug-ins throughout for ease of installation and maintenance

- Mechanical system installation in 2 - 3 days

GLOBALINE also has applications in markets where extremely short production timelines and cost reductions are the rule rather than the exception. Being a pre-engineered system, the cost is reduced and lead times / speed to market are greatly improved. GLOBALINE’s pre-engineered modular lines can provide solutions for:

- Rapid start-ups with cost containment. Perfect for Contract Packagers or for larger companies needing small, versatile machinery for use in pilot lines for new product development, rapid product deployment or market testing

- JIT(Just In Time) production needs — GLOBALINE is ideal for smaller quantity, decentralized production lines

For more information on GLOBALINE, contact jchalmers@ptiextruders.com or visit www.ptiextruders.com

The TSM loss in weight (continuous) gravimetric blenders provide a “dosing” solution for blending and extrusion control for up to 7 components and up to 3000 kg/hr. Having constantly improved these systems over the years, the TSM loss in weight blenders now give total reliability, excellent precision and advanced process control options to ensure consistent product quality. Not only do TSM provide continuous throughput measurement, the option is also available to maintain the extruder throughput at the desired level, i.e. Kg/hr control.

Optional haul off speed measurement can be added to ensure that the weight per length is controlled to the desired specification (yield control). This ensures that the product being produced is maintained at the desired thickness without operator intervention. This mode can be extended to weight per area control through entry.

An easy-to-service control module contains the weigh system electronics. The colour touch screen control panel is extremely user friendly and provides intuitive text prompts. As the job progresses, the operator can view material weights and kg/h throughput, and alarm incidents which are time and date stamped. Furthermore, the electronics design also allows TSM to get a rapid weight loss measurement from which we can get excellent control response, thus allowing the blender to react almost instantly to any change in line speed or screw speed. Additionally the newly added blockage/stall feature will detect a stalled screw or material blockage while an encoder will provide instantaneous dosing screw speed data. Moreover, the system also provides inventory reporting by component, total weight summaries and current order reports, all keyed with customer and material codes.

from Polimerica, Italy
Italian company Elav (Colines Group) presents Fast AdJust, a new instrument which manages all adjustments on the extrusion line by means of a jog shuttle. The device has a micrometric scale for the maximum precision and it is coupled with latest …

New automation technology and cost reduction techniques can help plastics producers survive.

ATLANTA, May 7, 2009/NPE 2009 – New Auxiliary Equipment / TSM Control Systems is now offering plastics producers new ways to weather the economic storm and improve their profit margins. New TSM technology focuses on, reducing production down time during order changes, reducing labor costs through cleaning automation, reducing raw material usage and avoiding unnecessary excess energy costs of scrap material reprocessing.

TSM has recognized that reducing production costs will be essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of many plastics producers. The TSM AUTO-CLEAN^TM available on TSM’s new OPTI-MIX^TM range of gravimetric blenders, provide real options for plastics processers to cut their production costs and survive .

“We feel the pain of plastics processors and understand the problems they face. We have seen clear evidence of a slowdown in plastics production as total bookings for purchasing new auxiliary equipment in the fourth quarter of 2008 were down 33% on average for the same figure over the previous five years (SPI, March 2009).”

“In order to combat this slowdown we have focused on development orientated around reducing our customers` operating costs, directly combating the recession. The reality is that we all must pull together to improve the efficiency of plastics processing in order to brave these difficult times.”

Processors can now reduce their virgin material usage with more accurate mixing and use more regrinds without the additional costs of having to re-pelletize materials thanks to TSM’s OPTI-MIX^TM technology. TSM’s patented OPTI-MIX^TM technology allows processors to reduce their raw material usage by increasing their regrind processing capability, while improving product quality. This unique mixing technique virtually eliminates variations due to bulk density by delivering consistent homogeneous mixing of materials of all densities. The mixing auger also creates a downward force to cram difficult regrind materials through the throat of the processing machine.

The AUTO-CLEAN^TM allows the entire TSM OPTI-MIX^TM blender to be automatically cleaned from floor level. The system automatically cleans the blender from the vacuum receiver to machine throat reducing production downtime and labor costs. The completely new TSM AUTO-CLEAN^TM allows fast automatic order changes and avoids any unnecessary safety risks associated with employees reaching elevated machines.

“We have already helped some of our current processors to achieve up to 20% reductions in their operating costs thanks to our new automation solutions. We want to help other processors recover from these hard times. It is simply a matter of processors understanding that we can and will help.”

All of TSM’s cost cutting solutions will be on display at NPE 2009, McCormick Place, Chicago between June 22^nd and June 26^th at TSM’s booth; number N85027.

TSM Control Systems, www.tsmcontrols.com.

Lightweight spray gun for the coating of plastic parts

Bangkok, Thailand, May 15 2009 - In the year 1907, the doctor’s son Tom DeVilbiss invented an atomizer for medicine for an easier way to apply medicine to the patients throat and nasal passages. Soon afterwards, the atomizer was adapted to industrial use and spray equipment was born. More than one hundred years later the Compact spray gun of Devilbiss sets again the benchmark for industrial spray coating. Spray-coated plastic parts, both profiles and injection molded parts, belong to the most important applications.

Over the last decades DeVilbiss, represented in Thailand by B.S.C. Teknik, introduced several ground-breaking manual and automatic spray guns: The legendary conventional spray guns JGA-558, MSA-512, JGX-502 and the GTI series are still very popular today. And they are still widely used even for large-scale production. Spare parts are still available.

Computational Fluid Dynamics for enhanced atomization

End users confirmed the need for a new lightweight “mid size” gun with the ability to provide ultimate industrial performance. In addition enhanced operator comfort was required. The newest family of manual spray guns was designed by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to enhance the atomization process and provide one of the highest transfer efficiency rates available today. The Compact spray gun is available as advanced Conventional,Trans-Tech and also HVLP gun, all in pressure, suction or gravity feed version.

What is Trans-Tech?

Trans-Tech simply means “Transfer-efficient Technology”. This atomization technology provides the familiar performance of the legendary JGA gun, yet fully complies with the Environmental Protection Act legislation in respect of being in excess of 65% paint transfer efficiency despite the same 2.0 bar (29 psi) gun inlet pressure. Moreover, by using the right air cap, the Trans-Tech can be instantly converted into an HVLP gun.

Main features of all Compact spray guns

Enhanced Atomization.
through new designed passageways and air cap

No Baffle Design.
reduced number of parts minimizes the weight of the gun, making it easier to control and easier to maintain

Lightweight Design.
lighter than major competitive guns, it weighs only 412 grams.

Operator Comfort.
reduced trigger pull at increased finger room

B.S.C. Teknik supplies the whole range of ITW DeVilbiss and Binks spray coating equipment, from the newest Trans-Tech spray gun to spare parts for spray gun classics. The website contains online information about maintenance, troubleshooting and painting techniques.

Contact Information:

B.S.C. Teknik Co.,Ltd.
email info@bsc-teknik.com | www.bsc-teknik.com
tel 02-334 1507, 02-402 6212 | fax 02-334 2071
530/75 Moo 1, T. Preakkasamai, A. Mueang Samutprakarn 10280, Thailand

(Lincoln, Nebraska—May 14, 2009) The SmartBob-TS1 sensor is a cable-based, continuous level measurement sensor for bins up to 40 feet (12.2m) tall. The compact, rugged SmartBob-TS1 weighs less than 10 pounds  (4.5 kg) and is immune to airborne dust and filling noise that frequently prevent other continuous level devices from working reliably. Compatible with eBob software and consoles from BinMaster’s SmartBob inventory tracking system, the SmartBob-TS1 is designed to reliably measure powders, granules, pellets, plastic resins, and dry bulk solids as well as liquids in smaller bins, tanks and silos.

The SmartBob-TS1 offers convenient 4 to 20 mA outputs and the versatility of RS-485 or wireless communications via an optional built-in 900 MHz wireless modem. Measurements can be read remotely from a centralized SmartBob control console or from a PC using eBob software. Highly scaleable, both SmartBob2 and SmartBob-TS1 sensors can be combined in one network to accommodate bins both small and large bins, allowing for one up to 120 bins to be configured within a single SmartBob network.

SmartBob-TS1 can be mounted on flat or angled roofs up to 40° using a mounting flange specially designed for steep roofs often found on smaller bins used for feeding operations or process manufacturing. Accessories include a variety of mounting flanges to accommodate from 0° and 40° roof angles, pipe extensions to provide cable protection, a selection of probes suitable for a variety of materials, and a gearbox motor heater for when operating temperatures fall below 32° (0° celsius).

“At a list price of just $875 for the SmartBob-TS1 sensor, BinMaster makes it very affordable for many types of operations to improve safety and inventory management,” stated BinMaster vice president of sales Todd Peterson. “Plastics manufacturing, poultry feeding facilities and seed companies are just a few examples where the affordable, compact SmartBob-TS1 is saving operators valuable time measuring bins.”

For more information about BinMaster, visit www.binmaster.com

Frankfurt, 11 May 2009. The new Elaflon® PTFE universal hoses, developed by Elaflex-Gummi Ehlers GmbH (Hamburg, Germany) in partnership with ContiTech Schlauch GmbH (Korbach, Germany), are equipped with a seamlessly-extruded and smooth lining made of Teflon® PTFE 62. The fluoropolymer combines a high degree of flexural fatigue strength and stress crack resistance with high thermal stability and, in addition, is resistant to almost all media present in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. It is categorized by the American FDA (Food and Drug Association) in the USP Class VI, and, because the PTFE lining is electrically dissipative across its whole surface, the new hoses may also be used in Ex-Zone 0 and 1.
Because there is no cross-contamination or discoloration of media caused by the lining made of Teflon®, the Elaflon® PTFE universal hoses are also suitable for high-purity products, e.g. for the production of pharmaceuticals. The inherent non-stick properties of PTFE prevent the settling of residues – particularly when carrying highly-viscous media – and also facilitate cleaning of the hoses. These factors, as well as their fast dischargeability for cleaning purposes or during a media change, can create cost benefits during production.
The cured-on, multilayered outer coating of the Elaflon® PTFE universal hoses consists of a special adhesive rubber on the lining made of Teflon®, a highly tear-resistant and temperature resistant fabric reinforcement layer and a cover made of an electrically-dissipative, abrasion-, flame-, weather- and ageing-resistant grade of rubber. According to requirements, the hoses are available with a galvanized spring steel helix for enhanced anti-kink and shape stability. The hose thus maintains its shape during suction and non-pressurized operation and retains its circular profile even at tight bending radii.
The complete system is designed for an operational pressure of up to 16 bar and temperatures between –30 °C and 150 °C. The universal hose is compatible with EN 14420 standardized hose couplings and SPANNLOC or SPANNFIX hose clamps from Elaflex. These are available in different materials according to application area, including a Teflon® PFA (‘Ruby Red’) coating if chemical resistance is particularly required. Due to the electrical dissipation capability of the lining and the top layer, no connection of metallic parts is necessary.