BP&R August 2012

British Plastics

and Rubber

bp&r

THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR BRITAIN’S POLYMER PROCESSORS

AUGUST 2012

App available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

Materials management on the move Latest developments Processing conductive in materials testing polymer compounds equipment

The plastic pipe revolution

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bp&r BRITISH PLASTICS &RUBBER www.britishplastics.co.uk EDITORIAL Editor: Leanne Taylor T: +44(0)1829 770037 E: leanne@rapidnews.com

SALES Advertising Sales Manager: Lisa Montgomery T: +44(0)1829 770037 E: lisa@rapidnews.com

ART

Conductive polymers spark promise in plastics We know that plastics are groundbreaking; that they are amongst the most versatile, adaptable and advanced materials that benefit, support and assist us in our everyday lives. But besides being practical and functional, plastics are also being used in the most modern, state-of-the-art applications that are pushing the boundaries of creative innovation and pushing scientific discovery to unprecedented levels.

Take conductive polymers, on which we have a special feature this issue.

When utilised for commercial purposes, conductive plastic composites are turning the latest in modern technology into something truly incredible. By protecting applications from the effect of Electromagnetic Interference and Electrostatic Discharge, they have a great deal of potential. The development of these materials is driving the invention of products that have a broader range of physical and electrical properties.

According to new research from CBI, the global demand for polymers for electrical and electronic applications is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9 percent to 23,293,511 tonnes in 2017, from a total of 15,601,841 tonnes in 2011.

The UK government has invested hundreds of millions of pounds in the

development of organic light emitting diodes (OLED) and printing electronics, with major manufacturers working on similar technologies.

This is where companies such as Cambridge-based Plastic Logic are breaking new ground. The company has developed a revolutionary plastic transistor technology that enables electronics to be manufactured on flexible or plastic sheets, the first to fully industrialise the mass production of plastic electronics solutions on a commercial scale.

Plastic Logic is exploiting its unique technology across a wide range of applications and markets. Not content with just producing flexible plastic displays for the e-reader market, it leverages its R&D and manufacturing resources to allow partners such as OEMs, system integrators and device manufacturers utilise its proprietary plastic electronics technology.

You can read more about Plastic Logic’s achievements in our feature starting on page 14, which includes a market overview from the CBI, the latest in plastic electronic applications and a guide to processing conductive polymers.

Enjoy the issue.

Leanne Taylor - Editor

Production & Design Manager: Samantha Hamlyn T: +44(0)1829 770037 E: sam@rapidnews.com Production: adrian price T: +44(0)1829 770037 E: adrian@rapidnews.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions Manager: Tracey Nicholls T: +44(0)1829 770037 E: tracey@rapidnews.com

PUBLISHER Mark Blezard T: +44(0)1829 770037 E: mark@rapidnews.com British Plastics & Rubber is available on free subscription to readers qualifying under the publisher’s terms of control. Those outside the criteria may subscribe at the following annual rates: UK: £80 Europe and rest of the world: £115 British Plastics & Rubber is published monthly (10 times/year) by Plastics Multimedia Communications Ltd, Unit 2, Chowley Court, Chowley Oak Lane, Tattenhall, CH3 9GA T: +44(0)1829 770037 F: +44(0)1829 770047 © 2012 Plastics Multimedia Communications Ltd While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained within this publication is accurate the publisher accepts no liability for information published in error, or for views expressed. All rights for British Plastics & Rubber are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

ISSN 0307-6164 Incorporating Polymer Age and Rubber and Plastics Age.

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The new app will allow users to read know how magazine ‘on the go’

The app offers a comprehensive search facility

THE BIG STORY

The new app for plastics processors: every smart phone should have one

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the ed to s in f e r an be ecification lts c u s e ct sp R s exa user’

his month sees the longanticipated launch of Plastribution’s App for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices; a unique materials, technical and commercial solution that has been tailor-made for UK plastics processing businesses.

Plastribution’s Managing Director, Mike Boswell, said: “working methods in plastics have changed greatly over the last few years: There is an increasing need to access information irrespective of the IT platform, often resulting in the need to make quick decisions in the processing environment on issues such as materials selection and processing conditions.

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Our newly created App enables people to do just that. It gives the user that extra operational flexibility and speed of response. It also allows us at Plastribution to help our customers further.”

App Development Plastribution market research confirmed that an office and desktopbased materials information system is often seen by many plastics processing businesses as cumbersome, inflexible and time consuming.

Feedback established from UK plastics processors suggested that many companies would prefer to have the option to interact with their supplier ‘live’ and in situ; around the clock and beside the moulding press or extruder.

The new Plastribution App has been therefore developed for that purpose and is available free through the Android and iOS network. It is able to access an extensive database that allows the user to search for the required materials in a number of different ways: The search menu A total of seven primary searches are offered through the App: - By Material – e.g. ABS - By Brand – e.g. Vistamaxx - By Manufacturer – e.g. Total, Cardia; Ducor, Premix etc - By Application – e.g. packaging; construction

- By Processing Method – e.g. injection moulding - By Colour – e.g. Natural, Clear, Black, White or custom colour - By Filler – e.g. Glass Fibre In addition to the ‘self-service’ feature of the App, more detailed customer needs can be met via the ‘Contact Us’ page on the phone, which gives users the options to: - Request call-backs or meetings - Request samples or quotations - Request technical support - Request material processing guidelines.

Literature on the move The Plastribution App also keeps its users in touch with Plastribution’s ongoing news and polymer materials portfolio, particularly as expressed in the pages of the company’s ‘know-how’ magazine.

A new edition of Plastribution’s knowhow magazine will once again be available at the end of September 2012. App users will be able to read their know-how copy online and on-thego, as well as receive the printed edition.

To download and use the new App, please search the Apple App store and/or contact Plastribution direct.

further information: www.plastribution.co.uk

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on the cover

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App available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.

bp&r Materials management on the move

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bp&r BRITISH PLASTICS &RUBBER

contents AUGUST 2012

on the cover The new app for plastics processors: every smart phone should have one This month sees the longanticipated launch of Plastribution’s App for the iPhone, iPad and Android devices; a unique materials, technical and commercial solution that has been tailor–made for UK plastics processing businesses.

See page 4

20-25 REGULARS ]FEATURE FROM THE FRONT LINE TESTING AND INSPECTION Latest developments in materials testing equipment

26-27 FEATURE

Conductive polymers spark promise in plastics

8-13 FEATURE MATERIALS HANDLING Equipment for cool running even when the temperature is hot

14-19 FEATURE

RECLAMATION & RECYCLING

34

INJECTION MOULDING

38

RUBBER

40

ENGINEERING MATERIALS

42

SOFTWARE

43

BUYERS’ GUIDE

44

PURGING New purging compounds for injection moulding machines and extruders

3 EDITOR’S LETTER

33

Editorial Correction

29-32 FEATURE PIPE AND PROFILE The plastic pipe evolution

36-37 FEATURE RECLAMATION AND RECYCLING: RWM PREVIEW

The interview on pages 16-17 of July’s issue of BP&R contained an error stating chlorine has been eliminated from the production of PVC. This is incorrect. PVC contains 57 percent chlorine and this accounts for its versatility in a range of end-use applications and superior performance within these applications.

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A look ahead to what UK plastic recyclers are offering at RWM 2012

conductive polymers Processing conductive polymer compounds

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lletiser The robot pa

materials handling

news

The new automatic packing system

Aluminium silo from Barton

Silo sizing tool aids plant planning Barton Fabrications, the UK’s largest aluminium silo manufacturer, has developed a free on-line silo capacity calculator to assist customers in the initial stages of plant planning.

Launched as part of the company’s new-look website, the planning aid includes a guide to storing materials in the food and/or plastics industries and guidance on ATEX compliance.

Commenting on the initiative, Mark Barton, Managing Director at Barton Fabrications said: “We have been using the silo capacity calculator successfully inhouse for many years. Recognising the benefits to customers it is now available, free of charge, via our website.

“The tool allows entry of height, diameter and material variables to calculate approximate silo working volume and capacity. More complex aspects of silo design are also taken into account, such as discharge cone angles and ullage space. We have ensured the planning tool is both simple to use and intuitive to allow customers to check silo capacity using basic dimensions.”

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further information: www.bartonfabs.co.uk

Bagging system upgraded to automatic operation Several manual bagging systems at Albis (UK) Limited’s Knutsford site have been centralised and upgraded to automatic operation by Nottingham-based Chronos BTH. As well as distributing branded products, Albis also compounds its own blends of technical and engineering thermoplastics. Previously these various compounds were manually bagged on dedicated packers on each extrusion line.

The new centralised automatic packing systems are based around a Tubular Form Fill and Seal system (T-FFS).

Tote bins of product from the individual extrusion lines feed compounds via a feed bin into a gross weigher located above the T-FFS packer.

An important part of the system is the ability for simple clean down to prevent cross contamination between different products. For this installation, the T-FFS

produces bags with a k-seal to create a 20 or 25 kg block-bottom bag, then an integral top air vacuum system removes excess air from inside each bag. These integral features combine to assist automatic palletisation of the filled bags by a robot palletiser, with Chronos BTH’s unique slide gripper palletising head. The robot palletiser positions its own empty pallets and slip sheets, before palletising filled bags. The loaded pallets are then conveyed to an automatic stretch wrapping system.

The new automatic packing system has been integrated with the Albis SAP systems. This allows all packing requirements, including bag weights and product specifications for the bag labels, to be automatically downloaded. Packing data from the NXT weighing controller provides Albis with information for stock control and production purposes. further information: www.chronosbth.com

L-R Lee Thomas and Renato Moretto shake on the new agreement

TH Plastics sign UK distribution agreement with Moretto Ancillaries’ solutions provider, TH Plastics, has signed a major agreement with Moretto Plastics Automation, to distribute its innovative plastics machinery in the UK. With its headquarters in Italy, Moretto was established in 1980 and has grown into one of Europe’s largest companies, represented in 52 countries around the world.

Founder and Chairman of Moretto, Renato Moretto, said: “We are delighted that TH Plastics has agreed to become our UK distributor. We have watched their growth and innovation in the marketplace with great interest over the last few years.

They have a highly knowledgeable and technical team, with innovation and customer service at the heart of their solutions offering - a perfect fit for our ethos at Moretto. We are looking forward to a long and successful relationship and helping British companies move forward with more efficient, cost saving technologies.”

Managing Director of TH Plastics, Lee Thomas, said: “The whole team is thrilled with this agreement. Moretto is already a well-established brand in the UK and renowned for their quality and innovation.

With a vast range of machinery to draw on, from innovative drying technology to gravimetric dosing and feeding systems; and an aggressive pricing structure, this will promote greater competition in the marketplace.

“Our team of technicians are familiar with their equipment so we will be able to provide the high level of customer support and knowledge that Moretto expect of

their distributors. I am particularly pleased that Moretto promotes integrated solutions as this has long been our specialism at TH Plastics and it will make it easier for us to provider our customers with a full turnkey service. This agreement is good news for the UK plastics industry, providing manufacturers with cost effective solutions to increase productivity and reduce energy costs.” further information: www.thplastics.co.uk

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Genesis Process Solutions feeds a new system to Hubron Genesis Process Solutions, UK agents for feeding specialists, Brabender Technologie, has completed a contract to overhaul and replace a feed system at Manchester-based Hubron International.

With an annual capacity of over 35,000 tonnes and exports in excess of 85 percent, Hubron International is one of the world’s largest suppliers of black masterbatch. One of the five production lines at its Manchester factory consisted of a range of four feeders from different manufacturers – including Brabender - so Genesis were awarded the contract to upgrade the line.

This consisted of upgrading the controls on the existing feeder, a gravimetric Flexwall 79 classic feeder and supplying a Brabender Belt feeder along

The new touch

materials handling

news

screen controller

with two Flexwall plus feeders. The system is a carbon copy of other lines. A large proportion of black masterbatch consists of carbon black, a material that is notoriously difficult to maintain good flow rates in some feeders. Because of the way a Flexwall feeder works - a flexible trough manipulated by external paddles – maintaining mass flow is said to be relatively easy.

All of the feeders use the latest in Brabender feeding control - the ISCPlus system - with both the inverter and control modules mounted on the feeder, allowing easy bus connection and therefore reducing cabling costs during installation.

The total system is being controlled via Brabender's new touch screen controller, the OP12, which features a large touch screen display and very easy to use graphic-based controls. further information: www.genesisps.co.uk

AB Systems adds to product portfolio after successful year Following its most successful year, Buckinghamshire-based AB Systems, providers of integrated ancillary solutions for the plastics industry, has announced the addition of four new Italian suppliers to its portfolio.

The company already supplies the UK and Irish markets with chillers and materials handling equipment from SB Plastics and NovaFrigo Engineering.

The additional products comprise of granulators and shredders from Adler, vibroscreens and separators from Erimaki, silos and bulk material handling from Lorandi and conveyor belts from O.M.P. “The new product lines complement our existing agencies and should enable us to offer a solution to practically any problems our customers have,” commented Managing Director, Jeff Day.

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further information: www.ab-ltd.co.uk

The new gravimetric feeder

TSM launches gravimetric feeder TSM Control Systems, a specialist supplier of gravimetric blending and controls to the plastics industry, launched its new Opti-Feed in-line gravimetric feeder at the Plast 2012 show in Milan.

The new feeder is said to deliver precise in-line dosing of pellets, regrind and powder, delivering maximum material savings.

TSM states its unique design incorporates a patented dosing cylinder, which combined with the stepper motor, ensures that the colourant is metered

evenly and accurately. The dosing cylinder eliminates any pulsation during metering into the main plastic stream, thus offering maximum control of the process and the end product.

Other benefits are said to be less downtime and more efficient use of expensive colouring agents, consistent output quality and direct cost reduction. It also requires lower torques for metering larger quantities of materials, and output capacity ranges are possible from 5 gr/h to 25 kg/hr. further information; www.tsm-controls.com

Screen separators for sieving plastic powders A leading global manufacturer of natural-based ingredients for markets including personal care, health care, polymer additives and lubricants has purchased two bespoke Vibrecon Circular Screen Separator to sieve powders when processing speciality chemicals and plastic powders.

The screening process occurs after the chemical powder is fed into the sieve via a steel chute. The Vibrecon Separator screens the powders, removing any agglomerates or oversize through a 3.3mm aperture mesh. The approved sized product is then transferred onto the next stage of its process after screening whilst the oversize product is ejected off the stainless steel top deck back into the process so it is not wasted.

The Vibrecon’s bespoke design benefits from a tool-free operation for dismantling and reassembly for ease of use and increased safety; pneumatic air suspension units for increased stability and reliability; a flange mounted vibratory motor to ensure low maintenance and running costs; as well as the unit being dust tight as it is totally enclosed.

The group have purchased a series of Vibrecon separators from Gough Engineering for use in the sieving of speciality chemical and plastic powders within its facilities across the UK.

The Vibrecon screen separator for plastic powders

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.goughengineering.com

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materials handling

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news New UK tech centre offers inhouse testing and validation Motan Colortronic states its completely revamped UK Tech Centre will enable it to provide further enhanced facilities for both new and existing customers.

To date, Colortronic UK has invested £500,000 in the comprehensive centre, which provides facilities for testing and evaluation of materials and demonstration and training of all the Colortronic products.

The new Tech Centre is said to offer customers a unique way to simulate the handling of their specific granules, flakes and powders.

“We continue to encourage our customers to submit their specific requirements and materials for testing at our extensive two-acre site, where they are also able to view first hand our customer

Motan’s UK Tech Centre

support and spare parts facilities,” stated Karl Miller, Managing Director.

The Centre is organised around pneumatic conveying, dosing and blending systems, drying of materials, granulation of parts, heating and cooling processes and moisture and accuracy analysis.

The company states this also allows

development and testing of new ideas and systems for the needs of the plastics processing and recycling industries, or where heating and cooling processes are used. further information: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

Kokeisl dosing technology integrated into Zeppelin's scope Bulk materials handling provider, Zeppelin Systems, has integrated Kokeisl dosing systems into its product range.

"The Kokeisl technology matches perfectly with our portfolio as it covers a wide range of applications," said Rochus Hofmann, General Manager of Zeppelin Systems. "In spite of its high accuracy the design of the systems is uncomplex and rugged.�

Safe and reliable discharge of bulk solids from silos, containers and other bins is in the focus of the technology.

The design of the dosing equipment, which is based on orifices, is characterised by a wide range for dosage.

The Kokeisl Fluidisator lifts bulk solids slightly while separating them from the

Equipment for cool running when the temperature is hot Seasonal shifts in ambient climatic conditions, such as increased humidity and temperature, can have a debilitating effect on the processing of many plastics.

Under such conditions it pays to put extra care into materials drying, conveying and loading. Stable production during the summer months is also essential for those processing high value polymers such as ABS, PC, PA and many other technical polymers.

Wittmann is offering a new product in its Primus line of peripheral equipment for plastic processors, which it claims will enhance performance during fluctuations in temperature.

The new Gravimax B14 gravimetric blender has a maximum throughput up to 80 kg/h and also comes equipped with the unique RTLS dosing method for highest precision of every batch.

Wittmann states one of its exisiting products in the range, the Drymax Aton segment wheel materials dryer, offers a stable dew point of less than -40°C, even under the harshest ambient conditions. Its Drymax ES40 and both its two-desiccant bed dryer models, Drymax E30 and E60, offer average throughputs of approximately 15 kg/h and 30 kg/h (ABS) respectively.

All Wittmann dryers are designed with energy management and permanent analysis of ambient condition parameters in order to enable highest energy efficiency.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.wittmann-group.com

nal Functio e h t f o diagram stem sy Kokeisl

hopper wall, ensuring smooth flow even in case of changing flow rates.

Thanks to gravity, bulk solids with poor flow characteristics are easily discharged.

The freely moving Kokeisl dosing slide valve allows infinite regulation of discharge quantities (1:25,000). Short dosing times combined with highest accuracy are ensured by the control software, which was specially developed for this system.

Kokeisl dosing systems are reportedly built of a limited number of components, which facilitates cleaning. Only the Fluidisator, which is equipped with an external drive unit, protrudes into the product chamber. All surfaces in contact with the product are made from stainless steel; the gaskets comply with the FDA regulations. Consequently wet cleaning and frequent change of products can be realised without problems. further information: www.zeppelin-systems.com

new 14 The B max v a r G i

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conductive polymers

For the best range of Performance Engineering Thermoplastics and Conductive Polymers

The new grades are designed for use in miniature components. ŠTicona

news

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Ticona launches two new grades for E&E applications Ticona Engineering Polymers has extended its Vectra portfolio of halogenfree liquid crystal polymers (LCP) to include a new range of high flow, high performance thermoplastics for use in modern electronic portable devices.

"Ticona polymer scientists developed two new Vectra LCP grades to address the latest trends in E/E requirements to fill the thin walls of miniature, complex moulded components found in smartphones, tablets, ultrabooks and other communication devices," said Edson Ito, Global Product Marketing Manager.

Vectra FIT70 for compact camera modules (CCM) and Vectra FIT72 for thinwall connectors are 35 percent glass- and mineral-filled LCPs. Both grades provide high flow and improved flatness and are designed to meet specific customer requirements.

Vectra LCP is used by customers to make halogen-free connectors, bobbins, switches and relays that meet Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) and European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directives. In addition, customers and OEMs are striving to accelerate the production of green and safe products.

Developed countries rely on innovation to compete with emerging economies in electronic polymers market Developed countries are focusing on advancing their polymer application technology as countries such as China and India continue to out-produce their richer counterparts, according to a new report by market analysts, GBI Research.

The report* predicts that newer applications for polymers will drive growth in the developed regions of Europe and North America, even though the rate of growth will not be substantial at global level due to the smaller market size for these innovations.

In contrast, the Asia-Pacific market is the largest for polymers for electrical and electronic applications, and this is expected to continue with impressive growth over the next few years. This area, with China in particular, has emerged as a manufacturing hub for petrochemical products due to relatively low production costs. This factor, combined with an improvement in living standards, led to the region accounting for 50.9 percent of the global electronic polymers demand in 2011.

Overall, the global demand for polymers for electrical and electronic applications is expected to increase at a

compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9 percent to 23,293,511 tonnes in 2017, from a total of 15,601,841 tonnes in 2011.

Manufacturers in developed countries are typically unable to compete in the AsiaPacific region because of low labour costs.

Accordingly, these countries are relying more and more on the development of more advanced polymer applications.

The UK government, for example, has invested hundreds of millions of pounds in the development of organic light emitting diodes (OLED) and printing electronics, with major manufacturers working on similar technologies.

These innovations have huge potential, yet their success depends on their efficiency and acceptance in the market and, as these applications do not have a particularly impressive track record, GBI Research does not expect these applications to out-perform more traditional encapsulation and insulation applications of polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) in the coming years. * Electronic Polymers Global Markets to 2017 – North America and Western Europe Focus on Innovation While AsiaPacific Benefits from Low Cost Manufacturing further information: www.gbiresearch.com

further information: www.ticona.com

The global demand for polymers for electrical and electronic applications is expected to increase by 2017

01270 501713 | www.lati.com

Thermally conductive plastic provides design freedom Baleno, a high-end LED lighting manufacturer, has selected Stanyl Thermally Conductive (TC) from DSM for its complete range of LED retrofit lamps.

Stanyl TC is a new series of grades with thermally conductive properties that replace ceramic, metal, and aluminium to deliver better heat dissipation for LED lamps, emotors, circuits, processors, and coil bobbins. Stanyl is a high-performance polyamide 46 that is said to retain its mechanical properties at high temperatures up to 220°C. The Baleno ‘Revolution’ range consists of LED retrofit lamps said to offer a high efficiency and long lifespan replacement for traditional incandescent lamps. The use of thermally conductive Stanyl TC is said to enable styling that strongly differs from the designs of commonly marketed LED retrofit lamps. By using plastic instead of the aluminium, a unique look and feel is possible, while improving the performance of the LED lamp.

For lighting applications using LEDs, thermal management is the main challenge, followed by mechanical and electrical performance. DSM states Stanyl TC was developed specifically to meet these needs, as well as enabling the production of unique designs, which, compared to traditional plastics, are said to deliver excellent cooling of the lamp while securing electrical safety.

Bas Bergmans, Commercial Director at Baleno, explained: "We selected the Stanyl TC grade above several other premium alternatives, because after testing we recognised its unique thermal management characteristics that resulted in a longer life span of our LEDs, thus creating better lamps. At the same time, the material allowed us to make the lamp safer by excluding the risk of electrical conductivity; improve the design freedom inside the lamp; reduce the cost; shorten production lead time; and improve the overall performance of heat dissipation, dimmability and light output.”

Stijn Meijers, Global Segment Team Leader Lighting at DSM, commented: "As the first thermally conductive plastic to combine strong mechanical performance and high thermal management properties, Stanyl TC offers lighting producers and designers an opportunity to replace commonly used metals in LED retrofit lamps, whilst providing the necessary thermal dissipation." further information: www.dsm.com

New composite added to range of conductive hybrid plastics ElectriPlast Corporation has launched ElectriPlast-PBT/NiC, a new electrically conductive, resin-based material that has been engineered to meet demanding electro-magnetic shielding, thermal and mechanical properties.

Composed of PBT and nickel-plated carbon fibre, EP-PBT/NiC is resistant to solvents, cuts traditional component weight in half and is able to withstand temperatures to 215°C. It was developed in conjunction with Tier One suppliers

looking to improve physical and performance characteristics.

"Our newest composite, EP- PBT/NiC, is a result of extensive research and development and many collaborative hours with our OEM clients," stated Herbert Reedman, CEO of ElectriPlast.

"The material is flame resistant, can withstand high temperatures and corrosive environments and provides superior shielding while outperforming aluminium with a 50 to 60 percent reduction in weight.” further information: www.electriplast.com

A retrofit LED lamp from the Baleno Revolution range

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conductive polymers news

01270 501713 | www.lati.com

The logic behind

plastic electronics As the technological revolution gallops on, and we become increasingly dependent on mobile and portable devices, their development and evolution are naturally positioned at the forefront of R&D agendas due to their lucrative commercial potential. One company that is pioneering the development of plastic electronic technology for flexible displays is Cambridge-based Plastic Logic, which was the first business to fully industrialise the mass production of plastic electronics solutions on a commercial scale.

BP&R takes a look at the company

Flexing colour display © Plastic Logic

behind the technology.

S

ince researchers from the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge University founded Plastic Logic, the company has remained at the forefront of research and investment into next generation plastic electronics.

The company has developed a revolutionary plastic transistor technology that enables electronics to be manufactured on flexible or plastic sheets.

According to Plastic Logic, the electronic plastic displays have the thickness of a sheet of paper, which is flexible and conformal, as well as benefitting from a patterning process that allows millions of transistors in each backplane, providing a very high level of detail in the finished product.

Plastic Logic is exploiting its unique technology across a wide range of applications and markets. Not content with just producing flexible plastic displays for the e-reader market, Plastic Logic leverages its R&D and manufacturing resources to allow partners such as OEMs, system integrators and device manufacturers utilise its proprietary plastic electronics technology.

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Flexible displays is an area that the broader technology industry is increasingly interested in, and Plastic Logic is in discussion with several third-parties, including device manufacturers, about licensing its technology.

Plastic Logic was the first business to fully industrialise the mass production of plastic electronics solutions on a commercial scale, opening the world’s first organic electronics manufacturing facility in Dresden, Germany in 2008.

Now capable of mass production of ultra lightweight, high-quality rugged plastic 10.7” displays, this factory achieves production yields of plastic electronic products comparable to those achieved in the LCD industry.

Plastic Logic has also broken new ground with what is possible with plastic electronic displays. The company now has the ability to make both colour and monochrome displays, as well as demonstrate animation. Furthermore, Plastic Logic’s devices are incredibly hardwearing, with lifetimes said to be over five years and more than ten million page updates.

Testament to this, the technology is said to be so robust that it could withstand even the harshest treatment. “At Plastic Logic, we’ve developed ultra-thin, ultralightweight, rugged displays that can be bent, dropped, trodden on, or even cut in half and still work,” said Indro Mukerjee, CEO of Plastic Logic.

The company is championing the use of its plastic technology in electronic devices that are traditionally expensive to repair if the glass screens are broken, after it recently commissioned research into the cost of damages to businesses.

“Our technology is ideal for replacing glass-based displays of all sizes in these apparently fragile devices. As a result, we believe that businesses would dramatically cut the cost of clumsiness and improve business performance and productivity,” he concluded. further information: www.plasticlogic.com

01270 501713 | www.lati.com

For the best range of Performance Engineering Thermoplastics and Conductive Polymers

Processing conductive polymer compounds

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he development of conductive compounds allows the substitution of metal parts in many industrial applications. The advantages of employing conductive plastics include weight and cost reduction, easy extrusion or injection of products with complex shapes and adaptable formulation to increase efficiency, as high conductivity is not needed for every application.

Nevertheless, conductive compounds have some limitations, which must be taken into account. The most important is the use temperature, which is low in comparison to metals. Some applications in which conductive compounds can be used include EMI Shielding, which consists of protecting an electronic circuit from external electrostatic fields and Electrostatic discharge (ESD), which takes place when two objects with different electrical potential are in contact. Static charge can be discharged in a controlled way by increasing the surface conductivity of plastics parts.

To obtain conductive compounds (101 – 106 Ω/sq) there are two possibilities: 1. Polymer blends including between 1520 percent of intrinsically conductive polymers (ICPs) and 85-80 percent of a low melting polymer such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The disadvantages of these polymers are their low viscosity; they degrade easily with temperature and their cost is very high. Therefore, the option of including conductive particles is more realistic at an industrial level.

2. Conductive compounds including carbon or metal-based particles in the formula. High electrical properties can be obtained and adapted to the final application.

This article aims to describe the most influencing processing parameters to obtain the optimum electrical conductivity with a carbon-based conductive compound.

Table: One step versus conventional film extrusion

PP + 4% CNT

Surface resistivity (Ω/sq)

Compound

2,02x102

Two-step

2,2x108

TWO STEP

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ONE STEP

1,7x105

The most important property of a conductive particle is the specific surface and the aspect ratio. As a general rule, the higher the specific surface and the aspect ratio are, the higher the particle efficiency.

The most common example is the difference between carbon black and carbon nanotubes.

A microscopic carbon nanotube

Conducting compounds can be obtained by means of incorporating conductive particles into the polymer matrix. These compounds allow the substitution of metallic parts, which means a weight reduction of as much as eight times that of some metals. Today there is an increasing desire for making electrically active compounds, such as their use in portable consumer devices and appliances and electronics in vehicles. The main applications are to protect parts using electrostatic shielding and electrostatic discharge.

Processing conditions are a very important factor when achieving good electrical properties, as getting the right dispersion and distribution of conducting particles during the compounding process and applying the right injection moulding conditions can increase the electrical properties of a part. Begoña Galindo and Luis Roca, from the Compounding Department at Aimplas, explain to BP&R the best conditions for processing conductive polymer compounds.

The percolation threshold of carbon nanotubes is much lower than the percolation of carbon black. This is because carbon nanotubes have a higher specific surface area and high aspect ratio.

Therefore, low percentage of carbon nanotubes is needed to ensure the formation of the conductive net. The main objective during processing is to achieve this conductive net, meaning that conductive particles must be close enough to allow the electron transfer.

Processing Steps Processing conductive compounds consists of different phases: • Compounding: conductive formula is developed • Quality control: electrical resistivity measurement • Injection moulding or extrusion → ensuring conductive net Processing conditions are very important to achieve good electrical properties.

Electrical resistivity can vary several orders of magnitude depending on the processing conditions. Conductive compounds can be optimised knowing the influence of processing parameters on the final conductivity.

Compounding Process The objective is to obtain a proper dispersion and distribution of conductive particles within the polymer matrix. A homogeneous compound is critical to achieve reproducible injected or extruded parts.

Processing parameters that influence on the electrical properties are:

ctive Condu help s r e polym devices t c e t pro biles as mo such

The technology is being used in portable technology, such as laptops

• Extruder type: A co-rotative twin-screw extruder is the most suitable extruder available on the market due to its high mixing capacity.

• Screw configuration: Mid-high shear stress is needed to disperse conductive particles. Therefore, the screw configuration must have large number of kneading blocks.

• Screw speed: Better electrical properties are achieved working at medium screw speed.

• Temperature profile: High screw profile temperatures increase the melt flow index improving the wettability and dispersion of conductive particles.

Injection Moulding The objective of the injection moulding process is to achieve the conductive net within the polymer matrix. Several processing factors must be taken into account: • Injection speed: This is the most influencing factor. High injection speed gives lower surface conductivity, however, better volume resistivity and electromagnetic reflection is achieved working at lower injection speeds. Injection speed can change the final conductivity in several orders of magnitude.

• Mould Temperature: High mould temperature improves volumetric resistivity by giving time to the conductive particles to reorganise the conductive net.

• Injected part thickness: Lower thickness improves electromagnetic shielding properties.

• Working with masterbatch: The melt flow index of the conductive masterbatch must be similar to the one of the dilution polymer.

conductive polymers feature

01270 501713 | www.lati.com

In case it is not possible to develop a custom masterbatch, processing aids like erucamides can be used in case of polyolefins.

Film Extrusion Conventional film extrusion process in a single screw extruder can be optimised in a “one step process”. The one step process consists of adapting a film extrusion die in a co-rotative twin-screw extruder.

Comparing a film produced in a one step process with a conventional extrusion process, the electrical conductivity can be improved in three orders of magnitude.

Table 1 (opposite) compiles the results obtained with a polypropylene filled with four percent carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

Surface resistivity is improved in the one step process.

Conclusion Processing conditions of conductive compounds have high influence on the final electrical properties. During compounding a good particulate dispersion must be achieved to guarantee the homogeneity of the compound.

Extrusion and injection moulding parameters must be controlled to achieve optimum electrical properties. The same formulation can change the electrical properties depending on the processing parameters.

With regards to formulation, nanocomposites are an alternative at industrial level. Some benefits are: low percolation threshold (low percentage is needed) and lower influence on the mechanical properties of the neat polymer.

Furthermore, prices tend to decrease. further information: www.compoundingpolymers.com www.aimplas.es

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The Ray-Ran Density

testing & inspection

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news Advanced density measurement system proves a success Ray-Ran Test Equipment Ltd has revealed its newest instrument, the RayRan Advanced Auto Density Measurement System, has proven to be a huge success.

The gradient column method is said to accurately determine the density of small solid specimens in any form: sheet, film, granules or powder etc.

Based upon the proven three column density gradient, the new Ray-Ran system consists of three glass tubes housed in a perspex water jacket, which has an integral heater controlled by a digital temperature controller to hold the temperature to 23°C. A pumped filling system is connected to the side of the main unit and is supplied as standard.

Also supplied is an automatic column clearing device, which clears the three columns of floats and samples without disturbing the column. A sight has been added to the system to accurately

determine the position of the sample or float. The height is determined by means of an encoder that is linked to the microprocessor, which automatically calculates the density of the sample.

The principle test is that each glass tube is filled with two miscible solutions.

The resulting mixture varies at a linear rate with the lowest density at the top of the tube and the highest at the bottom.

Calibrated glass marker floats of a precisely known density are introduced into the column and sink to a point where their density matches that of the solution.

The column can now be calibrated using the positional encoder and microprocessor system.

Samples of unknown density are introduced into the column and allowed to reach equilibrium. The encoder can now determine the measurement of the height of these samples and the resultant density value will be displayed on the LCD screen,

Measurement System

without the need for graphs and user measurement of the height.

It can be supplied in either three or six column models with an optional microprocessor-controlled filling system and cooling for the bath where the ambient temperature is higher than 23°C. further information: www.ray-ran.com

The density kit inside the PW

The PMB moisture analyser

further information: www.adamequipment.com

Extrusion dies allow precise measurement of flow properties Aptifirst Ltd has supplied specially designed extrusion dies to a major polymer research and development organisation to allow precise measurements of the flow properties of polymeric melts to be made using a capillary extrusion rheometer.

Both dies were made to very tight tolerances from tungsten carbide by electron discharge machining (EDM), and were designed to fit the customer's Kayeness capillary extrusion rheometer.

One of the dies had a conical profile, with a 3.00mm diameter entrance, 4.00mm diameter exit and was 10mm in length.

Another had a 2mm parallel bore, machined to a tolerance of ±0.0035mm, with a length of 30mm.

Capillary rheology is a valuable tool in the study of processing characteristics of materials as it can act as a process mimic for extrusion, injection moulding and, recently, for a rapid manufacturing firect writing process. Samples may be taken of the extrudate and tested further, for example by various thermal analysis techniques, tensile testing, microscopy and others, to build a picture of how the act of processing effects the structure and properties of the extrudate.

Roy Carter, Aptifirst's MD, said: "We have a very great depth of knowledge of the science of rheology, and in the design and application of rheological testing instruments, especially capillary extrusion rheometers, and are very pleased that we could apply our skills to provide our customer with the especially designed dies for his research programme."

Aptifirst also supplies accessories for capillary extrusion rheometry and on-line monitoring, including die swell and shear heating measurements and devices for measuring the pressure coefficient of viscosity, a parameter which can markedly affect the processing performance of some materials. further information: www.aptifirst.com

The conical tungsten carbide die

Plastic testing equipment proves to be the right balance for manufacturers Adam Equipment, manufacturers and distributors of precision balances and scales, is receiving requests from plastic tube manufacturers who rely on technology to test the moisture content of products and the density of plastic raw materials.

The company, which is headquartered in the UK, states manufacturers are requesting its PW analytical balance, PMB moisture analyser and density kit for processing, as using these three products in tandem reportedly improves efficiency and accuracy over traditional testing methods used in the manufacturing process.

Previously, manufacturing workers had to calculate the density of raw material using the traditional method of measuring the sample material: figuring out the volume, weighing the sample, dividing the volume by the mass and finally coming up with the density. It was a process that was not only complicated and tedious; it was far less accurate, especially when the shape of the raw material is irregular.

When using the Adam PW with the density kit, the process becomes much more reliable and precise. Since the density kit allows testing of solids and liquids, even the density of samples with

densities less than those of water can be determined. In these cases, the plastic sample normally would float on water, which is the most commonly used reference liquid. With the PW and density kit, the manufacturer can use water, ethanol or paraffin as the reference.

Either substance has a lower density than water and allows the sample to sink.

The density kit is installed on the floor of the PW’s enclosed weighing chamber.

The kit’s beaker holds the reference liquid and may be reused to test as many samples as needed. The user simply selects the density application from the built-in menu options. If using a reference liquid not already programmed into the balance, the user can enter the density for that reference liquid. The balance software calculates the density automatically.

After the density is determined, the material must be tested for moisture content. Anything greater than 0.15 percent could cause bubbles inside the plastic tube during the forming process, compromising the integrity of the final product. By using the PMB moisture analyser, accurate results are provided to 0.01 percent moisture content. The PMB can store several test routines with different times and temperatures, and unlimited test results using the internal memory and the USB flash drive port.

Hengtong Optic-electric Co., Ltd. one of the largest communications cable suppliers in the world, find the density kit very useful for their manufacturing operations. “Using the kit eliminates extra work during the plastic tube manufacturing process, because workers don’t have to rely on the traditional method of testing density,” said Wei Dong, Purchasing Manager.

“Since our plastic tube requires us to use ethanol as a reference liquid, that created another problem. Previously, we had to buy new ethanol to make sure its density was accurate, but now we can test the density of the ethanol any time.”

testing & inspection

news Mecmesin ensures top quality caps for mineral water One of Portugal’s oldest and most famous mineral water companies, Água de Luso, is using five Mecmesin Tornado digital torque testers to ensure the quality of the tamper-evident caps on its PET bottle packaging.

At the Água de Luso bottling plant in Luso, Portugal, bottles are routinely tested for correct closure torque. Capping machines must cap bottles at a torque that provides a quality-assured, leakpreventing seal but allows consumers easy access to the bottle’s contents. No bottler wants leakage: production is affected, product is wasted and retailers will complain. Worse still, a degraded product could become a health hazard to the consumer, with ramifications for company image and sales.

in ue tester The torq o s u L e gua d use at Á

A quick, easily performable torque test provides an effective solution. Mecmesin's 10N.m Tornado digital torque tester is a compact, portable, easy-to-use instrument that offers packaging manufacturers such as Água de Luso line-side pass/fail and tamper-evident (slip and bridge torque) testing capability.

Before Água de Luso purchased the Tornados, torque testing of bottle caps was performed using a less accurate, analogue gauge-based manual testing device. The Tornado's digital torque capture technology, combined with clear intuitive controls, easy-to-read pass/fail parameters and an on-board memory to keep statistical results, offers far greater accuracy and ease-of-use. further information: www.mecmesin.com

The poster details the thermal properties of polymer materials

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Thermal properties of polymer materials at a glance In the manufacturing and processing of thermoplastics, elastomers, rubbers and thermosetting materials, knowledge of their thermal properties is very important.

Various thermal analysis methods are employed by manufacturers, processors and users in areas such as materials development, incoming goods inspection and quality assurance. These methods can also be used for process optimisation and component failure analysis.

The analysing and testing unit of the Netzsch group has published a poster entitled “Thermal Properties of Polymer Materials”, which provides information on glass transition temperature, melting enthalpy, melting temperature, decomposition temperature, modulus of elasticity, thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat, thermal conductivity and density and is available free from the company’s website. further information: www.netzsch.com/tpop

Tinius Olsen launches new melt indexer Testing equipment group, Tinius Olsen, recently made available its new, significantly upgraded MP1200 melt indexer, unveling it first at Medtec UK, and then again at PDM in London.

The MP1200 extrusion plastometer uses three-zone temperature control to give increased levels of accuracy and thermal stability. Three platinum RTD sensors ensure that the temperature of the furnace can be maintained to within 0.1˚C, with a resolution of 0.01˚C, and to allow for a temperature variation of 0.1˚C along the barrel.

Ease of use is made possible by an integral touch screen control panel whose user-friendly operator interface is based upon Tinius Olsen’s popular Horizon software. The MP1200 has basic data analysis and also includes easy USB connectivity to a printer, for direct printing of results, or to a PC, which when running Tinius Olsen’s Horizon software gives direct machine control and powerful SPC capabilities.

Generous insulation makes the MP1200 cool to the touch. A convenient die release enables simple orifice removal for cleaning. A built-in mirror allows easy inspection of the barrel. An efficient weight design with taper ensures safer loading and unloading. Leveling of the base is said to be simple and robust.

An optional specimen cutter is available for manual or automatic tests.

The MP1200 can be used to conduct Procedure A or B test and it conforms to ASTM D1238 and D3364, ISO 1133, BS 2782, DIN 53735, and JIS K7210. further information: www.tiniusolsen.com

P1200 The M xer de in melt

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testing & inspection feature

Latest developments in materials testing equipment Materials testing is a critical issue for plastics compound and masterbatch producers who must fulfil customer requirements and demonstrate that their products satisfy prescriptive specifications. Laboratories continually strive for accuracy and reproducibility and new developments such as automated features and industry standard software can help meet these goals.

Compounders’ laboratories are frequently called on to test a wide variety of materials and materials testing laboratories must keep up with new materials and changing application requirements. The expanding application areas for thermoplastics now result in new performance requirements.

BP&R spoke to Zwick’s Marketing Manager, Alan Thomas, about some of the new developments in testing rheological and mechanical material properties such as melt index, tensile strength and heat deflection temperature, which are commonly measured in testing laboratories for generating materials performance data and performing quality control as well as for developing new compounds or troubleshooting.

Universal testing machines Zwick’s Proline and Allround electro-mechanical testing machines can be used for a wide range of tests including tensile, compressive, bend, peel, tear, shear and cyclic testing procedures. The load frame capacities range from 5kN to 2000kN. “It is important to ensure that customers purchase a testing machine with adequate force capacity to accommodate both their current and future testing requirements. Materials are getting stronger and serious consideration regarding this aspect of the equipment specification needs to be covered. It should be noted that lower test forces can be catered for by utilising lower capacity load cells in conjunction with the machine’s main cell,” said Thomas.

The use of an appropriate extensometer is also critical when needed to determine materials properties such as modulus, yield stress and percentage elongation at the point of specimen failure.

Performing different types of tests, especially for filled composites, can involve frequent equipment changes, but using a testing machine with two test areas can minimise this issue.

Thermal testing Since thermoplastics do not have a definite melting point that precisely marks the transition from solid to fluid, analysis of the slow softening they undergo as temperature increases is an important element in determining quality and performance. Two key tests that measure this are Vicat softening temperature and heat deflection temperature (HDT).

The Vicat softening temperature describes the point at which a 1mm² circular indenter or cylindrical punch, is able to penetrate 1mm into the sample at applied loads of 10N and 50N. HDT is the temperature at which a standard test bar deflects a specified distance under a load. It is most often utilised to determine short-term heat resistance and distinguishes between materials that may sustain light loads at high temperature versus those that lose their rigidity over a narrow temperature range, explained Thomas.

Melt index testing Zwick recently introduced two new plastometers with new automated features that streamline the test process and improve laboratory efficiency. The Aflow extrusion plastometer for determining the melt mass flow rate (MFR) and melt volume flow rate (MVR) has been designed for high throughput environments. Automated features that improve speed and reliability include automatic parameter control and force control, which automatically adjusts test loads up to 50kg. “Automatic parameter control is particularly useful for polymers with an unknown MFR, where operator influence in the determination of parameters could lead to reductions in measurement accuracy,” continued Thomas.

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Testing automation Experts agree that automation is becoming increasingly important in plastics materials testing. Automated features, such as sample handling and data collection, as well as transfer and analysis, improve laboratory efficiency as well

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Image 1: Single column tensile machine Image 2: Video extensometer Image 3: Extrusion plastometer

as increase measurement accuracy and reduce test variability. Any human operation is subject to variation and the potential for error, making the obtained data more variable and less reliable. Automation optimises laboratory throughput and resource allocation, minimising time between tests and enabling operators to focus on more complex tasks, explained Thomas.

Zwick introduced its roboTest H system for carrying out automated Charpy or Izod impact tests on plastics at or below room temperature. It automates delivery of the sample to the specimen support, specimen alignment and pendulum release. The roboTest H system also incorporates a tempering magazine, which brings samples to the appropriate temperature for testing and eliminates the potential for thermal changes induced by human handling.

In the roboTest system, the entire test sequence and results are recorded by the software. In addition, it may also be configured with instrumented or non-instrumented pendulums according to the testing standard. With an instrumented pendulum, the fracture mode (complete, partial, hinged and non-break) can be detected automatically. Options such as customised measuring systems and bar-code readers for specimen identification can be added to the system. further information: www.zwick.co.uk

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The purging compounds can be used to clean screws and barrels

news

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New purging compounds for injection moulding machines and extruders Two specific grades of purging compound, Asaclean, have been launched to optimise injection moulding and extrusion production processes, especially in the automotive sector with applications in PMMA, PC and other polymers.

The new types have chiefly been developed for the automotive market, to offer high purging power combined with high cost-saving potentials. This also makes them well suited for PMMA and PC applications in other sectors.

‘Asaclean new M’ is a PMMA-based grade that has been specifically developed for polymer changes to PMMA and for PMMA colour changes. It can be used in all corresponding applications in a temperature range from 180°C – 320°C. ‘Asaclean PT, is a special grade for all polycarbonate applications, as it is based on PC. It is also said to be particularly effective in polymer changes to PC and PC colour changes. It can be used in a temperature range from 200°C – 360°C. Asaclean PT also reportedly exhibits very good results by purging PET. Both grades are non-abrasive and non-corrosive. They are suitable for colour and material changes and sealing, as well as for purging very complicated hot-runner systems. Asaclean is said to be an easy and efficient way to powerfully and quickly clean screws and barrels of injection moulding and extrusion machines.

Using the new purging compounds, it is possible for processors to save time and money due to reduced machine downtime, scrap and waste. Loss of raw materials is kept to a minimum, colour changes are reportedly handled easily and adjusting of temperatures, pre-drying and mixing is not necessary. Asaclean has a very low residue formation, it is neither abrasive nor corrosive and it is not harmful to health.

The Velox Group distributes Asaclean purging grades in the UK and Europe. further information: www.velox.com

d Mouldshop UK Chem-Trend an pplying moulders say they are su nd with highela in UK and Ir compounds quality purging

purging

For the Best Range of High Performance Purging Compounds

Piles of purgings show colour change

Celebrating 10 years in purging compounds Celebrating their 10-year partnership anniversary, Chem-Trend and Mouldshop UK say they are strengthening their position supplying moulders in UK and Ireland with high-quality purging compounds.

The use of highly specialised processing materials such as purging compounds helps to optimise manufacturing efficiency, thereby increasing productivity while at the same time improving a company’s bottom line.

However, keeping up to date on the latest materials and their processing methods represents a challenge. Therefore, ChemTrend is developing leading products to meet the needs of the thermoplastic industry, as well as the unique needs of Mouldshop customers and their processes.

Chem-Trend has developed a comprehensive range of process chemicals for the thermoplastics industry in the form of its Lusin product line, including purging compounds, release agents, anti-corrosion agents, mould cleaners, surface cleaners and surface degreasers.

Lusin Clean ready-to-use purging compounds help to solve process related

problems with colour and material changes and eliminate “black specks”, not only in the cylinder, but also in the hot runners.

By introducing a new line of NSF food approved products for the food and packaging industry in the UK and Ireland, Chem-Trend and Mouldshop are extending their portfolio for customers relying on NSF certificates.

“In Mouldshop UK, Chem-Trend has a reliable and strong partner for the UK and Ireland, who offers a high level of thermoplastic and mould know-how,” said Georg Samoilov, European Distribution Manager, Thermoplastics, for Chem-Trend.

Lusin® is a trademark of Chem-Trend. further information: www.mouldshop.com

The Lusin range of products from Chem-Trend

08454 700 701 | www.mouldshop.com

Purgex provides rapid colour changes when moulding caps and closures Manufacturing plastic caps, plugs and other closures can require frequent colour changes for injection moulders. This can lead to excessive downtime, high scrap rates and wasting otherwise usable resin in order to purge the previous colour from the system. Changing from a dark to light colour is typically the most troublesome for moulders.

Purgex commercial purging compounds (CPC) are chemicalmechanical formulations used to change colours faster and more thoroughly compared to using in-house resins and regrinds to purge. Purgex also removes inclusions and contaminants (e.g. black specks).

The results are reduced downtime, lower scrap rates, and less use of virgin resin when purging injection moulding machinery. This also decreases overall operating costs while increasing

Purgex Caps-Closures

productivity for manufacturers of plastic caps and closures.

All Purgex grades use ingredients that are non-toxic and USA-FDA approved for food, pharmaceutical and medical plastics use. Purgex is safe to use in hot runner systems with gates as small as 75mm and

has a variety of grades available to clean filled or unfilled resins from machinery at processing temperatures ranging from 138°C to 316°C. further information: www.PurgexOnline.com

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A part of the plastic piping system used in the Olympic Park. Credit: MoDiP The MoDiP museum hosts the Plastics in Gold exhibition until November 2012.

Credit: MoDiP

Plastic piping system wins Olympic gold Above ground drainage products from Polypipe Terrain feature in a new exhibition celebrating plastics’ contribution to sporting achievement and the part they have played in London 2012’s sustainability agenda.

The ‘Plastics for Gold’ exhibition at the Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP) is part of the Cultural Olympiad and has been awarded the London 2012 Inspire Mark.

Polypipe Terrain’s Hydromax Siphonic roof drainage system and Fuze Gravity Drainage for soil and waste management, both produced from HDPE, Domus Ventilation system manufactured from PVC and polybutylene-based under-floor heating systems feature in the display, alongside an array of plastic products ranging from a canoe paddle to a stadium seat and rowing pogies.

Polypipe Terrain, the commercialsector-focused business from Britishowned plastic piping supplier, Polypipe, supplied 95 percent of the plastic aboveground drainage pipe work in the Olympic Park and its inclusion in the exhibition highlights how plastic pipes have helped London 2012 achieve its aim to host the most sustainable Olympic Games to date.

“Plastics are the most used group of materials in the world, yet they are seldom given a second thought,” explained Susan

Lambert, Head of MoDiP at The Arts University College at Bournemouth. “This exhibition explores the ways plastics can contribute to delivering a zero waste games, foster multiculturalism, and inspire people to take up sport and develop active and healthy lifestyles.”

Polypipe was the first plastic piping systems company to be awarded the Carbon Trust Standard and employs a virtually waste-free production process.

The carbon emission of its contribution to the Olympics was kept low by the local manufacture of most of the products only 30 miles from the Olympic Park.

Adam Turk, Commercial Director at Polypipe Terrain, said: “We feel very honoured to be among the companies invited to contribute to the prestigious and fascinating Plastics For Gold exhibition.”

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “Plastics for Gold is encouraging people to understand the role of plastics in sport and their contribution more widely to London 2012. I am proud that with the help of partners such as MoDiP, we are delivering our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost understanding of design for sport and how plastics can contribute to sustainability.” further information: www.modip.ac.uk/exhibitions/ gold/

CRP selects high heat-resistant PFA for pipe fittings Corrosion Resistant Products Ltd. (CRP) of Littleborough, United Kingdom, recently started commercial production of large diameter pipe fittings (up to 14 inches) for the chemical processing industry that are lined in DuPont Teflon PFA fluoropolymer resin.

These new, larger-sized fittings from CRP include a 90-degree elbow that is unique in terms of its use of PFA for the lining. CRP states it uses Teflon PFA as it provides the highest resistance to permeation of all of the fluoropolymers and is the material of choice for the most aggressive conditions. Typical plants demanding large diameter fittings lined in PFA include vinyl chloride monomer plants producing PVC, chlor-alkali process plants and sites producing silicones, elastomers, solvents and chloro-methanes.

Responding to market requirements, CRP has worked to increase the size range of pipe-fittings lined with Teflon PFA from six inch (DN150) to 14 inch (DN350) — a four-fold increase in product scale.

"It is no small achievement to create the ability to transfer mould 25 kilograms of PFA, to get it to where it needs to be and then cool it, all with the lowest melt flow rate PFA," explained Michael Bruemmer, Sales and Marketing Director at CRP. "We have found Teflon PFA 350T-J to be the most reliable consistent material for this process, having great thermal stability, resistance to stress cracking and a generally very forgiving character in use.

Moreover, with a translucent polymer the results look great and speak for themselves."

Ivo Erren, Sales Representative at DuPont Fluoropolymer Solutions, stated: "Teflon PFA 350T-J and Teflon PFA 450HP have become the materials of choice for PFA lined products in both corrosive and highly permeating environments. It's almost universal chemical resistance combined with its smooth surface provides excellent cleanability making it a winner." further information: www.crp.co.uk www.dupont.com

pipe & profile

news

Rewind line

pipe & profile

news

New twin screw extruder line for PVC pipe market Milacron has recently expanded its line of TP Series Parallel Twin Screw Extruders to include the TP75, a machine with a smaller, 75mm screw diameter.

Designed to excel in the full range of pipe diameters for the PVC pipe market, Milacron states TP Series Parallel Twin Screw Extruders provide both high torque capability and throughput rates that exceed market expectations.

With the TP75, the series now includes five models meeting throughput needs of up to 5,000 lbs/hr. The TP75 reportedly extrudes smaller products while still offering minimal screw deflection to optimise the homogeneity of the melt and maximise the productivity of the extruder.

"Previously, smaller pipe and profile applications would have required a conical twin screw machine. Now, PVC, WPC and other materials can be processed on this smaller parallel twin screw," said Mike Puhalla, General Manager of Global Extrusion at Milacron.

TP75 features include air- and oilcooled barrels, with optional gearbox oil quality monitoring and a high wear package with a tungsten screw and barrel. further Information: www.milacron.com 5 TP7 The der u extr

Fully automated off-line coiling

High demand for off-line coiling technology In response to the growing demand for greater automation in the downstream activities of pipe manufacturers, Pipe Coil Technology (PCT), based in Newcastle, UK, has continued to develop and refine its fully automated off-line coiling technology.

Off-line coiling separates the production of finished coils from the extrusion process meaning less downtime, lower waste and lower labour costs per coil. Higher extrusion speeds are also obtained by winding directly onto master reels instead of coiling ‘on-line’. Coils are then wound ‘off-line’ by transferring product from the master reel to finished coil lengths at speeds four times that of extrusion line speeds using a fully integrated automatic coiling system.

To date, the US market continues to be the most receptive, with some of the world’s biggest pipe manufacturers realising the substantial benefits in both cost and performance that off-line coiling technology offers. However, with increasing demand on manufacturers to

be more globally competitive, PCT has seen a sharp rise in interest within the European market.

“This innovative system has proven it can increase extrusion speed by up to 100 percent whilst reducing labour costs by up to 75 percent,” said Iain Wallace, PCT. “Manufacturers with two or more extrusion lines producing similar sized products are beginning to realise the tremendous flexibility and efficiency offline coiling can offer them. The ability to produce 100 coils an hour also enables users to carry minimum stocks of finished coils in all lengths and sizes while a bulk reel of pipe takes up a third of the space of completed coils.”

PCT have further automated the process by offering an integrated robotic arm to transfer finished coils from the coiler to a conveyor belt, which can either transport finished coils to a storage area or onto an automated pallet dispensing and wrapping system. further information: www.pipecoil.co.uk

The Fort Offices, Artillery Business Park, Oswestry, SY11 4AD.

WANTED PVC

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uPVC clear, prime, reprocessed, regrind, pulverised or scrap uPVC window profile, white and jazz in any format uPVC pipe in any format PVC either flexible or rigid redundant stocks PVC resins PVC composition raw materials

Please call 01691 664256 / fax 01691 664235

email enquiries@vinylgb.co.uk

ed e us ill b ating w s e pipe ct h The e distri in th r to sec

Rehau invests in UK pipe production Polymer pipework specialist, Rehau, has officially opened what it says is the first UK facility to produce pre-insulated pipework for the district heating and biomass sectors at its factory in Blaenau, North Wales.

Representatives from DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change) joined local MP Elfyn Llwyd and Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM at an event to showcase the new facility.

Up until now, the whole of the UK market has relied exclusively on imports of this type of pipework so, by investing in UK production, Rehau states it is not only significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the Rauvitherm pipe it supplies, but is also promising improved service levels and a more flexible and responsive customer service.

Rehau has seen sales of Rauvitherm more than double over the past year, driven by the booming UK biomass and district heating markets and, more recently, by the impact of the Renewable Heat Incentive.

Martin Hitchin, Rehau’s Chief Executive, said at the official opening: “Despite the fact that it is a global group, Rehau has long had a policy of producing locally wherever possible and this investment is very much in line with that.”

The Rauvitherm pipe produced at Blaenau will be exactly the same specification and quality as the pipework that Rehau has been importing from its facility in Germany since 2010. The carbon savings over the German-produced pipe will be ongoing and are expected to increase significantly as demand for the product continues to surge in the UK. Rauvitherm is a pre-insulated PE-Xa pipe constructed with layers of PEX insulation and a robust HDPE outer jacket, which is longitudinally watertight. It is popular in the UK market because of the high degree of flexibility it offers which simplifies and speeds up installation. further information: www.rehau.co.uk

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pipe & profile feature

The plastic pipe Plastic pipes are used in some of today’s biggest construction programmes

evolution

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s the Plastic Pipes Group celebrates its 50 year anniversary, its message is clear; plastic pipework should be seen as an equal, not an ‘alternative’ to so-called traditional materials. Despite being around for over 50 years, many within the industry still perceive plastic pipework as a ‘new’ solution and this needs to change.

The reality is that with continued technological advances over the last five decades, the market share for plastic pipework has steadily increased year on year and today 53 percent of all new buried pressure and non-pressure installations in the UK are in plastic materials. With a bigger market share than so-called ‘traditional’ materials, plastic can no longer be considered a ‘new’ material.

Plastic pipework systems are now used in projects across a variety of sectors every day for a full spectrum of applications including rainwater drainage; soil and waste pipework; hot and cold water internal plumbing; pipework for radiator heating systems and underfloor heating; underground drainage and sewerage; pipework for land drainage; ducting for cabling and communications alongside highways; pressure pipes for water and gas mains distribution; water management systems and sustainable drainage systems.

Plastics

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ystems water s g in d n a dem or many option f

The use of plastic systems within some of today’s biggest construction projects, including the Shard, Olympic Village, replacement of Victorian water mains and the Hindhead tunnel, serves to demonstrate the credentials of plastic pipework and should help to encourage widespread acceptance of plastic solutions.

Sustainability is another key issue that surrounds the use of plastic pipework; plastic has notoriously been stamped as not being environmentally friendly, when in fact it is a highly sustainable material that can be made from up to 100 percent recycled material. The plastic pipe industry has heavily invested in making

plastic piping products sustainable and reducing carbon footprint while maximising performance.

Plastics represent a changing landscape within the pipework industry and manufacturers continue to develop innovative products that meet today’s complex requirements, with plastics’ share of the market growing year-on-year.

Plastic pipework systems have been around for over 50 years and the industry needs to embrace a future where plastics sit alongside other materials as an established, proven and viable option. further information: www.plasticpipesgroup.com

FROM THE FRONT LINE With the Bank of England expecting zero growth for 2012 and the Eurozone falling at the fence in the second quarter despite German growth, there has been an intense focus on the need for UK manufacturers to get into the still growing markets of Asia and This month, Philip Law, Latin America.

Whilst not Director of Public and Industrial Affairs at the everyone would share BPF, looks at the potential Bill Cash’s extreme comment in the Daily that overseas markets hold Telegraph (13th August) for UK plastics companies. that “trading with the With a number of upcoming European Union is like trade shows providing a trading with a bankrupt platform for the company”, there's demonstration of British certainly reinvigorated and intensive focus on expertise in a range of the need for UK industry areas, there is manufacturers to shoestill opportunity for horn themselves into international trade despite the still growing markets economic turbulence. of Asia and Latin America.

Indeed there was a major opportunity to do this staged by UK government on August 10th at the 'Global Business Summit on UK Advanced Engineering Excellence' at Lancaster House, London. Taking advantage of the profile provided by the Olympics and the presence in London of so many CEOs from overseas firms, UK’s achievements in this £200 billion turnover sector were fully showcased. Peter Davis, BPF’s Director General, represented the UK plastics industry at the event, where the automotive and aerospace industries particularly featured throughout. The 450 attendees were addressed by

the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, who opened the Summit, and later by BIS Secretary of State, Vince Cable.

It’s fashionable to knock the government for not doing enough but they have to be given credit for exploiting an opportunity. Peter Davis thought the Summit was “impressive, cashing in on the wave of goodwill from the Olympic Games.”

BPF itself is providing three major opportunities for the UK plastics industry at the turn of the year. We are taking trade fair stands at ‘PlastEurasia’ (Istanbul, 29th November – 2nd December 2012), ‘Arabplast’ (7th January – 10th January 2013) and ‘Interplastica’ (29th January – 1st February 2013).

In fact we have just started recruiting for the Moscow fair and interested parties should contact Angela Fredericks at the BPF on afredericks@bpf.co.uk or through 0207 457 5000. At its previous edition in January this year it attracted over 20,000 visitors and 550 exhibitors. Companies coming with the BPF can secure a grant of up to £1000.

All markets have their pluses and minuses and distinctive risk profiles, but Russia is really worth looking at. Its GDP is growing at around 4 percent and there was 6 percent increase in plant and equipment over the last year. There are some 3200 plastics processors in Russia consuming 4.5million tones of plastics raw materials.

With the buzz from the London Olympics still in the air be aware that that Russia will be organising the 2014 winter Olympics and Para Olympics at Sochi, near the Caucasus and 12 new dedicated sports venues are to be constructed.

Additionally in 2018 Russia will host the FIFA world Cup. This will involve the construction of 13 new stadia, infrastructure upgrades to roads, railways and airports and the construction of a wave of three-star hotels. We have a lot of expertise to deploy.

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reclamation & recycling

100% Recycled Nylon 100% Prime Properties

news A quacking good show for bottle recycling UK recycler, EcoPlastics, used a giant floating duck made entirely out of used plastic bottles to spread the message about the importance of recycling.

As part of the Regents Canal Art Festival in London, the company sponsored the ‘Rubbish Duck’, made from more than 2,000 plastic bottles collected from the Thames and Regents canal, to highlight the importance of our waterways and their upkeep.

Jonathan Short, MD of ECO Plastics, commented: “We are delighted to be part of the Rubbish Art project and wholeheartedly support the artists’ vision in highlighting the environmental impact of pollution on our waterways.

“We consume 600,000 tonnes of plastic bottles every year, but less than half of this is collected for recycling. Not only is this a huge loss of valuable resource, but a real barrier to our zero waste society ambitions. Rubbish Duck is a symbol of the high value of what we

Pictured with Recycled Polymers new FIMIC auto screen changer are from left to right- Antonio Canaia, Inventor of the Auto Screen Changer, Paola Crea, International Sales Manager for Fimic, Erica Canaia, Director of Fimic, and Grant Gerry, Managing Director of Recycled Polymers.

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‘Rubbish Duck’ took to the water to highlight the importance of recycling

throw away – not only should we take care not to litter, but also make the most of our waste. Plastic bottles should always be recycled, never binned,” Mr Short concluded.

Following the event, Rubbish Duck will make its way back to the EcoPlastics plant

Birmingham recycler first in UK to invest in new screen changer Recycled Polymers of Birmingham has announced the signing of a contract to buy the first FIMIC automatic screen changer to be installed in the UK for use in compounding recycled polypropylene compound.

The FIMIC equipment is manufactured in Italy and is the result of 15 years of innovative development.

The machine represents a new investment cost of over £100k and is designed to replace the traditional hydraulic screen changer. The key features of this innovative add-on are continuous running of the extruder without reductions in flow and an ability to handle up to five times more contamination without production loss.

The screen changer works on a sweep arm, which automatically rotates when a pre-set back pressure is reached and sweeps the contamination off the screen and voids it to the floor.

Grant Gerry, Managing Director of Recycled Polymers, said: “I have been looking at this system for some time and have read of the success that companies

in Hemswell, to be disassembled and reprocessed for use in future plastic bottles. further information: www.ecoplasticsltd.com

in the USA have experienced. Recycled plastic feedstock for compounding is increasingly difficult to source without a lot of contamination- our job is to add value in producing as pure a pellet as possible for our various customer specifications and I am confident that this investment will enable us to more than adequately meet this challenge.”

Recycled Polymers launched their business in October 2011 and have grown very rapidly in the first eight months. They now have two compounding lines running and a 550 tonnes a month capacity.

Andrew Selby, Executive Chairman, added: “We have taken an option on two more of these screen changers and we are adding a third compounding line and a granulating and washing plant by the year end and are expanding our Birmingham plant into a 30,000 sq. ft. unit with a 12,000 tonnes annual capacity. Building a business in these difficult times is a challenge, but investing in leading edge enhancements such as the FIMIC auto screen changer, will give us a competitive edge and add to our ISO 9001 certification of quality production.” further information: www.recycledpolymers.co.uk

Plastic waste will be turned into sustainable resins

www.ultrapolymers.co.uk

Companies announce strategic partnership to enhance global recycling efforts Cheshire-based 300 Recycling has announced it is collaborating with NextLife, a US manufacturer of plastic resins, which will expand collection and processing of plastic waste found throughout the United Kingdom.

NextLife converts plastic waste into sustainable resins. As part of the company’s strategic growth strategy, it intends to utilise its proprietary technology to produce and distribute the cleanest post-consumer resins manufactured.

NextLife and 300 Recycling will focus on their respective core competencies.

“This strategic partnership allows NextLife to process more material from around the world, extending NextLife offerings to the UK and Europe,” said Robert Dishman, EVP of Global Supply Chain for NextLife. “We plan to work together to create new product offerings and recycling opportunities in the United Kingdom.”

300 Recycling is involved in all aspects of plastic recycling and niche recycling services. The company utilises collection expertise to provide plastic recycling services that would not exist otherwise.

Recycling programs developed by 300 Recycling are designed to create the highest value and use for plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfill.

Ian Glassbrook, Managing Director of 300 Recycling Ltd, commented: “300 Recycling welcomes this exciting opportunity to collaborate with NextLife.

The partnership with NextLife will enable 300 Recycling to offer our clients a real closed loop process, turning their waste into a resource for new products with NextLife’s sustainable resin solutions.” further information: www.NextLife.com www.300recycling.com

01925 750320

WEEE recycler achieves 98 percent fridge recycling Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycler, EnvironCom, has announced that it is now achieving a 98 percent recycling rate for its fridges, thanks to the innovative work it is doing in recycling PUR foam, the insulation material found inside the appliances.

Traditionally this material has been incinerated or landfilled, but in what the company states is an industry first, EnvironCom has uniquely identified a manufacturing use for it, enabling the company to divert more than 2,200 tonnes of PUR foam from landfill and achieve the highest fridge recycling rate in the UK. Environcom has installed specialist equipment to enable it to prepare the PUR foam for manufacturing.

EnvironCom CEO, Sean Feeney, explained: “Many of the half a million fridges we receive every year from our retail partners and local authorities are in excellent condition for reuse, and can often easily be given a new lease of life by our teams of expert engineers. However, a percentage of them cannot and so we have been looking at how we can exploit

a Spirit of Partnership

Environcom has achieved the highest fridge recycling rate in the UK

them for their raw materials, in order obtain maximum value and to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

“As a result, we have been able to identify a manufacturing use for a material which until now has provided little value but presented a big environmental problem. And because we want to do the right thing we are sharing this innovation with others in order that, as an industry, we can all achieve best practice. It’s a winwin for everyone.” further information: www.environcom.co.uk

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100% Recycled Nylon 100% Prime Properties

RWM 2012: a PREVIEW The K-bag will make its debut at this year’s RWM show

This year’s RMW show will feature over 700 exhibitors

This year’s RWM exhibition, which takes place 11th-13th September at the NEC Birmingham, looks set to be even bigger and better than ever, with around 700 exhibitors and an even stronger emphasis on knowledge sharing, with over 100 free seminar sessions led by expert speakers across six seminar theatres. Here we preview some of the exhibitors from the plastics sector who will be at the show, displaying a range of recycling equipment and machinery, sorting and separation technology, as well as some innovative recycled products.

Lightweight bag to make debut at recycling show Cromwell Polythene, a supplier of sacks, bags and speciality products for the storage and collection of waste and recyclables, has been awarded the UK license to market the K-bag, a lightweight bag that is easy to open, making it more hygienic and of particular benefit to the physically impaired.

The K-bag will make its debut on Cromwell’s stand at this year’s RWM exhibition at the NEC (stand number 19R69).

The company will have sole distribution rights among local authorities and the waste management sector for Kbag technology, typically used in the manufacture of bags made from thinner gauge material, such as kitchen caddy liners or those used in supermarkets for bagging loose fruit, vegetables and bakery products. Unlike some conventional bags, however, those with impaired vision or dexterity can easily open K- bags.

The K-bag has many other applications, including those where users wear disposable gloves. “It’s common to see people finding it difficult to open bags made from thinner gauge materials and having to resort to blowing into the bag or

licking their fingers, neither of which is particularly hygienic, especially where food or waste is involved,” said James Lee, Cromwell Polythene’s CEO. “There are many other instances where hygiene is paramount or physical impairment may be an issue.”

With the K-bag, Cromwell will work with its production partners to develop a range of products, including compostable bags for organic waste, as well as thicker sacks for heavier duty use. The technology can be applied to most bags, though it is especially useful with thinner materials, which, characteristically, have been subject to ‘blocking’, a condition in which two layers of film adhere to one another, apparently fused, and are difficult to open. further information: www.cromwellpolythene.co.uk

further information: www.rwmexhibition.com

bpi.recycled products will be demonstrating its polythene waste recycling ability at RWM

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bpi.recycled products reveals RWM plans bpi.recycled products, Europe’s largest polythene recycler and a manufacturer of refuse and recycling sacks, has announced it will promote its recycling capabilities as well as its range of waste management solutions at RWM 2012.

In particular, visitors to the bpi.recycled products’ stand (Stand 19T34) will be able to learn more about the business’ ability to help customers to dispose of their polythene waste in a greener, more sustainable way. bpi.recycled will be using RWM to highlight its current campaign to secure more transit packaging waste, such as pallet stretchfilm, pallet shrinkfilm and pallet stretchhoods, from the warehousing and distribution sector. This waste is then recycled and used to create a wide range of 'second life' products including outdoor furniture, building films and refuse and recycling sacks.

In addition, staff on the bpi.recycled products’ stand will also be promoting the business’ flagship ‘Green Sack’ range of ultra-green refuse sacks. Manufactured entirely from 100 percent recycled polythene waste, Green Sacks not only help to divert waste from landfill and conserve resources, but all of this material comes from UK sources and is recycled at UK facilities for a lower carbon footprint.

Commenting on bpi.recycled products plans for the event, Sian Miles, Environment and Materials Director at the business, said: “At bpi.recycled products, we’re committed to offering our customers recycling and waste management solutions that ultimately help to reduce their impact on the environment. We’re looking forward to demonstrating the extent of this commitment, our state-ofthe-art recycling capabilities and our comprehensive product range at RWM 2012.” further information: www.bpipoly.com

www.ultrapolymers.co.uk

01925 750320

a Spirit of Partnership

Luxus shows sustainability professionals how to tackle plastics waste at RWM UK technical plastics waste recycler, Luxus, will be showcasing its ‘closed’ and ‘open loop’ recycling services for plastics waste on stand 19T55 at RWM 2012.

These specialist services have been developed to enable local authorities, manufacturers and, more recently, major retail logistics businesses, to minimise their environmental impact and reduce waste disposal costs. It also offers confidential waste recycling for obsolete, damaged or discontinued products.

Malcolm Odlin, Purchasing Manager at Luxus, explained: “Sustainability professionals have increasingly recognised that our services have enabled them to boost recycling rates, prevent unnecessary landfill taxes and have helped them to meet stringent legislative goals, while providing the opportunity to generate revenue too.

“Each year, however, over half a million tonnes of plastics is used to manufacture new products and yet half still ends up in landfill. We want to work closely with sustainability professionals to help tackle increasingly varied plastics waste streams

RWM PREVIEW

Much plastic waste is still destined for landfill

Malcolm Oldin, Purchading Manager at Luxus

to produce high quality, innovative polymers - so closing the ‘loop’ to achieve zero landfill.

“We’re also backing the British Plastics Federation (BPF) in its call to reform the packaging waste recovery note (PRN) system. The BPF is proposing a target for waste reprocessed in the UK (PRN) and a separate target for exports of waste (EPRN). The proposed reform of the system would enable better focus on the creation of quality products to be marketed by UK reprocessors, while still facilitating exports abroad without

penalising the UK recycling sector. We’re well placed to help local authorities and manufacturers make this important shift if this is adopted.”

Luxus has a technically advanced compounding and laboratory facility in the UK for processing rigid plastic scrap and film. It’s able to sort, shred, clean, granulate and extrude most types of plastic including HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, PP, PC, PS, ABS, and PA etc. further information: www.luxus.co.uk

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injection moulding

Engineering Passion

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news Stäubli’s Demonstration Vehicle will tour the UK in August and September

Calling all companies interested in SMED, quick mould changing, quick mould clamping and IMM productivity There are many solutions to improving productivity and profitability in an injection moulding shop, but frequently selecting those that will yield the most benefit can prove challenging. Stäubli’s quick mould changing demonstration vehicle is an excellent opportunity to review a range of innovative and effective systems first hand.

Stäubli’s Demonstration Vehicle includes presentations on products and systems that reduce mould changeover times, improve operational efficiency and are an important step in the move towards the achievement of SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Dies).

It provides visitors with interactive displays and a ‘hands on’ opportunity to review the latest mould connection and clamping technology for plastics companies. Experienced Stäubli personnel are on board to discuss specific requirements and demonstrate possible solutions to help save money.

“The main message we are hoping to spread is we can help companies become more profitable by becoming more efficient,” said Spencer Wills, Plastic Industry Specialist at Staübli UK. “Mould change can be made quicker, simpler and safer with the benefit of high payback.”

Demonstrations include a number of specific applications featuring the latest Stäubli technology now being used to speed up mould changing. Applications such as pre-heating, temperature control, core pulling, tool changing, sequential injection as well as mechanical, hydraulic and magnetic mould clamping systems.

Stäubli’s flexible quick mould change systems are designed to integrate with existing installations to optimise productivity. The four main focus areas are: mould loading tables and trolleys, quick mould clamping, mould connecting circuits and parts handling.

The demonstration vehicle will be in the UK during August and September 2012. further Information: www.staubli.com/roadshow-uk

e a ‘hands on’ Visitors will experienc gy the latest technolo opportunity to review

Mould change can be made quicker, simpler and safer with the benefit of high payback.

www.kraussmaffei.co.uk Mould software keeps model railway specialist on track A Devon-based model railway manufacturer is using specialist software from Vero to overcome difficult moulding issues and reduce design times.

Fine, tiny detailing demanded by model railway enthusiasts requires mouldmaking tolerances in manufacturing scale models that are often tighter than those in the automotive industry.

Peco manufacturers the largest range of model railway track in the world, distributing its plastic injection moulded track and accessories to around 450 model shops across the UK and exporting to over 30 countries worldwide.

The products are made from a range of polymers including polythene for the track, ASA, acetal, nylon and HIPS. When a model is scaled down it becomes miniscule and can be extremely difficult to produce, but Peco’s New Products Development Manager, Paul Hitchcock, states using Vero Software makes it easier to achieve as it provides greater accuracy and saves 30 percent less design time than it did with the CAD/CAM system they used before switching to VISI in 2010: “With the number of modifications and changes we go through during manufacture the history tree of our previous system caused frequent problems. VISI provides concurrent design and manufacturing, meaning the design and toolpaths are easily modified.”

Paul uses Vero’s VISI Modelling, VISI Mould incorporating VISI Catalogues and VISI Electrode to design the mould tools,

The new machine recently installed at PTIC’s Telford centre

The software has been used to make the intricate parts for Peco’s model railways

having originally imported the product as Solidworks data. The track needs a bespoke tool design, so he merges it with a blank tool template, creates the cavities and adds ejector pins, guides and other standard components.

Tolerances for the track are extremely important, according to Peco’s Engineering and Development Director, Ben Arnold. “We produce a lot of insert moulded products with metal components that have their own tolerances. The tool has to sit very neatly and snugly around them to ensure there is no flash along the sides of the rails on the finished moulded track product. In that respect, some of the tolerances for our tools are tighter than those I worked with in the automotive industry.”

Rendere d image o mould tool an f 3D d track

further information: www.vero-software.com www.peco-uk.com

Polymer training centre gains new equipment The Polymer Training and Innovation Centre, a UK training academy for the Polymer Industry, has added to its extensive range of machinery with more than £150,000 of new equipment.

Thanks to a new sponsorship deal with suppliers Sumitomo Demag and Piovan, the Telford-based training centre has recently installed the equipment.

Sumitomo Demag has provided a 100/520-340 IntElect SMART all-electric injection moulding machine, while Piovan provided a water chiller, mould heater and hopper loading equipment to support the running of the machine.

Georgina Parker, PTIC’s Director at City of Wolverhampton College, said: “This is great news for the centre and means that

we will be able to deliver polymer training programmes to larger groups of delegates, as well as giving them the opportunity to experience an all-electric machine from one of the leading manufacturers of plastic injection moulding machines.

“We are extremely grateful to receive such fantastic sponsorship from our industry partners, which enables us to keep our prices competitive and provide real value to companies in the polymer sector in developing their staff.”

Managing Director at Sumitomo Demag, Nigel Flowers, said: “It is vitally important that our current and future polymer engineers and technicians are able to gain experience on the very latest technology, which is why we were very pleased to be able to support the PTIC with one of our latest machines.” further information: uk.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu

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news

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New talcing line for UK silicone rubber processor Blackburn-based Silicone Engineering is taking innovation to the next level with a new machine designed to reduce waste and improve the quality of silicone sheeting products.

The company states the new, bespoke, state-of-the-art talc coating machine will greatly reduce the amount of talcum powder used in the production of kSil solid silicone sheeting. Talcum powder is necessary because it provides a non-stick surface to the finished silicone.

Before installing the machine, talc was applied manually by hand to provide a non-stick surface to the finished silicone.

This technique, however, resulted in a significant amount of waste being produced and despite great efforts by workers, an even spread of talc was not always achieved.

Steve Hadlington, Technical Director at Silicone Engineering, said; “The new machine allows us to spread an extremely light coating of talc over the finished silicone sheeting, reducing waste and improving the appearance and performance of the material. When sold on to converters and gasket cutters, less talc on the silicone means less talc getting into machinery and around the facilities.

“In-house, we have seen the air quality improve significantly and we can confirm that this is because due to less dust in the air, which is making the factory much cleaner,” he continued.

The new machine will allow Silicone Engineering to produce a better quality and a cleaner finish to its solid silicone sheeting materials. This will also enable Silicone Engineering to give a uniformed finish to its sheeting across a 1.8m wide surface. further information: www.silicone.co.uk

line ting shee neering w e n gi The icone En il at S

Bridgestone decodes genetic sequence of rubber tree used in tyre production Bridgestone Corporation has announced that it has successfully decoded the main genome sequence for Hevea brasiliensis – commonly known as the rubber tree – a tropical tree native to Brazil and currently the only plant that can produce natural latex rubber as a raw material for industrial applications.

Latex is the natural rubber required for tyre production and a myriad of other important rubber products. The research breakthrough was accomplished in conjunction with Genome Informatics Laboratory in the National Institute of Genetics.

This new genome data is expected to facilitate development of improved breeding technologies and growing methods for Hevea brasiliensis/natural rubber. These technologies can reportedly enable the development of a better clone of the plant and improve the yield and quality of the latex produced. The data may also accelerate research applications in a variety of fields, including the development of a clone with superior disease resistance and stress tolerance.

The Bridgestone Group has been conducting basic research into molecular breeding of Hevea brasiliensis using genetic information, to enhance the productivity of natural rubber.

The Group is advancing initiatives in several fields for developing the natural rubber industry. For example, since February 2011, Bridgestone, the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and the Indonesian Technology Assessment and Application Agency have been partnering on international biotechnology projects aimed at increasing natural rubber production.

This type of research is not only expected to help increase the productivity of natural rubber, but also advance the use of genome science for industry.

Demand for tyres is expected to increase in tandem with the growth in automobile ownership worldwide.

Bridgestone states it is committed to effectively using the earth's resources as well as the advancement of 'reducing', 'reusing', and 'recycling' initiatives. In addition, the Group believes that in the future new resources for tyres should derive from sustainable materials.

Therefore, it aims to eventually develop tyres from 100 percent sustainable materials through research into biomaterials in several fields, including this latest research for enhancing natural rubber productivity. further information: www.bridgestone.com

A natural rubber tree

Unique composite technology said to lower production costs in automotive applications Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has introduced Rubore composite technology to its product portfolio.

Focusing on automotive applications, the manufacturing process allows the development of components that are said to offer significant weight savings and unrivalled total cost reduction only achievable through this method of production.

Rubore technology is an advanced production process used to create a three to five layer rubber-to-metal sandwich by applying a bonding agent to metal carriers and then vulcanising rubber to the coated metal. Already popular for anti-vibration applications for the automotive industry, a range of Rubore seals have been developed that includes five products for a variety of applications.

Head of Sales Engineering for the European Automotive Hub for Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, Axel Weimann, commented: “The real benefits of our patented Rubore composite technology

rubber

A Rubore Flat Seal

are apparent when you consider the total cost of production. Working with us, components can be designed or redesigned to integrate Rubore products.

This can lead to significant total cost savings when you consider reduction of handling, the ability to automate assembly and less logistics.

“Another big saving is given in many applications where due to compensation of roughness, the need for surface finishing can be alleviated. In addition, minimising component weight not only reduces material costs, but also contributes to the automotive designers’ objective to lower vehicle weight.”

Trelleborg states Rubore seals can optimise production processes by improving accuracy and lowering costs as well as reducing lead, handling and assembly times. More complex components can reportedly be designed that are lighter weight with improved product function. further information: www.rubore-seals.com

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engineering materials

Excellence in Nylon Distribution

Hexel’s technology was used by Corima for the bike wheels at the Tour de France

news Carbon fibre prepeg is a wheel success at Tour de France Corima, a manufacturer of carbon fibre bike wheels for road racing, supplied the Astana and Sojasun teams at this year’s Tour de France.

The Chrono wheels, which are made with Hexel’s HexPly prepegs and Primetex 12K carbon fibre reinforcements, performed well on the Tour de France roads.

Hexcel’s PrimeTex technology is said to allow light fabrics to be woven from higher K tow fibres (with weights as low as 200gsm possible using 12K fibre) while maintaining perfect quality and uniformity of reinforcement.

Hexel states its HexPly range of industrial resins enables the twin objectives of “industrial processability” (competitive and efficient cure cycles) and high performance to be achieved, meeting the high demands to which a wheel is subjected during the Tour de France challenge.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.hexcel.com

Neoprene seal reaches new heights in capital Kidderminster-based Beakbane has designed and manufactured what it says is probably the highest weatherproof seal in the country.

The fabricated neoprene-coated nylon seal is fitted to the distinctive mast at the top of the Heron Tower in the City of London. With its in-house design and manufacturing capabilities, Beakbane was able to provide a bespoke product, fully finished and ready to install in just two weeks.

Heron Tower is a 46-storey building incorporating offices, bars and restaurants in the heart of London.

The 28m-tall cylindrical mast that crowns the tower rises to 230m above sea level at its highest point and was manufactured in two parts to allow it to flex. The Beakbane seal is designed to protect the joint between the two sections from the weather and move with the joint as it flexes.

Beakbane’s customer was Jelt Constructive Building Ltd, which was responsible for providing the weatherproof membrane on the roof, and other weatherproof detailing, on behalf of main contractor Skanska.

Jelt’s managing director, Eamonn Smith, stated: “We took advice from Beakbane on the best material for the job and they came up with the bespoke design we needed to weatherproof the joint in the mast.”

The Heron Tower in London

Beakbane recommended a neoprenecoated nylon material to meet the performance requirements of the application and last in excess of 25 years.

This material was cut and fabricated to provide a sleeve that was fitted in place round the mast, joined by a Velcro seam and held firmly in position using a tensioned strap and twist fasteners that passed through eyelets on the seal. further information: www.beakbane.co.uk

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www.ultrapolymers.co.uk a Spirit of Partnership

software directory manufacturing management directory ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING

The sheet is said to have high optical clarity

Clear benefits for new polycarbonate sheet Bayer MaterialScience has introduced a new grade of polycarbonate sheet that is said to meet high standards in optical quality.

Bayer states although Makrolon Vista QX10 has an optical appearance comparable to glass, it weighs only roughly half and is more resistant to breaking.

Thanks to this optical clarity, Makrolon Vista QX 10 is said to be a choice material for automotive panorama roofs, rear windscreens, or transparent operating displays of white goods.

The sheet is said to be easy to process and can be finished in multiple ways, allowing digital and silk screen printing as well as laminations in safety glazing of machinery.

The material is said to meet all major international fire protection standards and is environmentally harmless. The Makrolon Vista QX10 sheet is available in a size of 3050 x 2050mm and a thickness of up to 12mm.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.bayer.com

Solarsoft Mattec Real-time MES (Microsoft Windows™ PC Servers & “Web Based”) Solarsoft Business Systems MEI Division (Europe) T: +44 (0)1909 479 886 E: andy.jewell@solarsoft.com Modules: Production Monitoring, “Drag and Drop”, Scheduling/Planning, “Family Moulding”, Preventative Maintenance, Bar Coding/Parts, Trace-ability, Operator Visual Aids, Process Parameter Profiling, Email/Tannoy Alerts, Stand-alone, “Drag and Drop” Scheduler, Standalone, SPC “Machine Analyzer”, Machine Energy, Monitoring, KPI Dash-boards, Visual Manufacturing (Large LED/LCD Displays), Automatic Data Import/Export Functions (for Integration to Manufacturing Systems &Other Software Packages).

Solarsoft iVP ERP SAAS Manufacturing Software (for Plastics’ Processors) Solarsoft Business Systems T: +44 (0)1909 479 886 E: andy.jewell@solarsoft.com Solarsoft’s iVP ERP (SAAS) software for the plastics’ converting industry covers the full range of back office operations from on-line and off-line sales and quotations to production planning, inventory management and finance through to logistics, ware-housing and distribution. It seamlessly integrates with Solarsoft-Mattec’s Real-time MES to provide a single system that offers a complete quote-to-cash solution for the plastics’ industry.

REAL TIME PRODUCTION MONITORING, SCHEDULING AND PROCESS MONITORING intouch T: 01604 646144 F: 05601 506253 E: enquiries@ intouchmonitoring.com Real-time production monitoring systems. Designed to be easy to use and providing affordable solutions to all sizes of businesses. Production monitoring, scheduling, reporting, data import/export, databases for parts, tools and operators, integration with other software packages.

ProHelp EPM (for Microsoft Windows™ PC Servers) Mattec Ltd T: 01909 561544 F: 01909 560675 E: a.jewell@mattec.com Real-time Modules: Production Monitoring, ‘Drag and Drop’ Scheduling/Planning, Preventative Maintenance, Bar Coding/Parts Traceability, Operator Visual Aids, Process Parameter Profiling, Pager/Tannoy Alerts, Stand-alone ‘Drag and Drop’ Scheduler, Standalone SPC Machine Analyzer, Automatic Data Import/Export Functions (for integration to Manufacturing Systems and other software packages).

PlantMaster BMS Vision Ltd T: 01254 662244, E: sales.bla@visionbms.com Website: www.visionbms.com/ plastics.

Affordable and flexible MES system for the plastics/rubber industry. Real-time production monitoring features wireless data units and OPC Ethernet machine connections. “Drag & drop” job scheduling supports frame/insert level family tooling plus KAN BAN. ERP system integration, SPC/SQC, Touch Screen Data Units, Machine Maintenance, Operator Tracking, Traceability, DNC, Energy Monitoring, Bar Coding, Pager Alerts.

Easy to use systems from a €600m company with over 30 years experience.

SYSCON-PlantStar MTec Services Ltd T: 0114 2476267 F: 0114 2476267 E: mt@mtec-services.co.uk W: www.mtec-services.co.uk W: www.syscon-intl.com PlantStar systems provide customised, scalable applications that deliver real-time plant floor data from any machine, shift, and plant anywhere in your business.

Affordable systems available for all size of processor.

Browser-based software and hardware, and wireless ethernet technology make for highly versatile and configurable systems providing information wherever needed. Standard systems include real-time alarms, downtime & reject analysis, capacity scheduling, ERP integration and more. With options including SPC/SQC, Labour tracking and Scheduling, Family Tooling, Material traceability, bar-coding.

A listing in the Software Directory costs £140 per programme per year.

Call Lisa on 01829 770037 for details.

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BP&R buyer’s guide services

plasma surface treatment

mouldmaking

masterbatch

acquisition

WANTED

Injection Moulding businesses Are you looking to retire and/or sell out of your injection moulding business? We may well be interested, if you are not tied in to a long lease. If you're located in the West Midlands, we may well want to take on your key employees as part of the deal.

If interested, please contact, in confidence: Greg McDonald Goodfish Limited greg@goodfishltd.com (01543) 505 323

injection moulding

colour masterbatch

equipment ancillary

printers Contract cleaning Injection Moulding Extrusion • • • • • •

Hot Runners Nozzles Moulds Dies Filters Screws Cleaning service for processors Remove all polymers Tel:- +44 121 511 1203 Fax:- +44 121 511 1192 Email:- LesH@claytonholdings.com Web:- www.claytonholdings.com

extrusion flow analysis Fleming Polymer Testing & Consultancy Unit 326, Hartlebury Trading Estate, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 4JB T: 01299 253300 E: enquiries@flemingptc.co.uk W: www.flemingptc.co.uk Compuplast bureau service & distributor

mouldflow analysis

printers of plastic mouldings

TAMPO.SCREEN.FOIL Contour Marking Co Ltd Albert House, Gledrid Industrial Park, Gledrid, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5DG T: 01691 770093 F: 01691 770023 E: sales@contourmarking.com W: www.contourmarking.com

pad Total Print Ltd Specialist Pad Printers Station Road, Gedney Hill, Lincolnshire PE12 0NP T: 01406 330122 F: 01406 330123 E: info@totalprintltd.com W: www.totalprintltd.com

materials polymer distributors

testing/ consultancy Gammadot Rheology Testing & Consultancy Services Unit 5C, Leaton Industrial Estate, Bomere Heath, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 3AP T: 01939 291677 E: enquiries@gammadot.com W: www.gammadot.com Providing independant testing solutions to all your quality control, failure analysis & flow simulation data needs

Eclipse Colours Ltd Units 3E + 3F, Hillam Road Industrial Estate, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD2 1QN T: 01274 731552 F: 01274 738118 E: sales@eclipsecolours.com W: www.eclipsecolours.com Polymer Specific and Universal Colour and Additive Masterbatches. Fastmatch colour matching service.

1 mm Easysperse MicroPellets to 4 mm MaxiPellets.

Standards second to none.

conductive plastics and coatings

tool making design and manufacture of blow moulds

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Beaubury Precision Moulds Ltd 4 Telford Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP19 8DS T: 01296 434311 F: 01296 433276 E: blowmoulds@ beaubury.co.uk W: www.beaubury.co.uk

hot plate welding Branson Ultrasonics 158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.bransonplasticsjoin.com Machine Techniques Ltd Units 3-5, Sutton Court, Bath Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9EW T: 01858 434059 F: 01858 433638 E: davidchatterton@ymail.com W: www.mactec.co.uk

pulse staking H.T.E. Engineering Services Ltd 75, Dunboyne Business Park, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Ireland T: +353 (0) 1 8013261 F: +353 (0) 1 8013262 M: +44 (0) 7435 967632 E: patrick@hte.ie W: www.hte.ie

TBA Electro Conductive Products Ltd Fleming Polymer Testing & Consultancy Unit 326, Hartlebury Trading Estate, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 4JB T: 01299 253300 E: enquiries@flemingptc.co.uk W: www.flemingptc.co.uk Rheometry,TGA,DSC,MFI/MVR Impact

assembly

Unit 3 Transpennine Trading Estate Gorrells Way, Rochdale, OL11 2PX

T: 01706 647718 F: 01706 646170 E: info@tbaecp.co.uk W: www.tbaecp.co.uk

spin welding

fastenings and fixings

mould release Branson Ultrasonics 158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.branson-plasticsjoin.com

ultrasonic plastics assembly systems Branson Ultrasonics 158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.branson-plasticsjoin.com

InControl Ultrasonics Ltd (FFR Ultrasonics Ltd) The Swan Centre, 8A Swan Street, Sileby, Leicestershire LE12 7NW T: 01509 816507 E: enquiries@ffr-ultrasonics. co.uk W: www.ffr-ultrasonics.co.uk

control systems and equipment quality monitoring control Kistler Instruments Ltd T: 01256 741550 F: 01256 741551 E: sales.uk@kistler.com W: www.kistler.com Pressure transducers and associated monitoring/control equipment for new and existing injection moulding applications.

thermocouples

extruders and downstream equipment Cooper Plastics Machinery Unit 12, Harmill Industrial Estate, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 4FF T: 01525 850610 F: 01525 218008 E: cooperplastics@ googlemail.com W: www.cooperplastics.co.uk Extruders, water baths, hauloffs, fly knife cutters, conveyors/ tip tables, in-line punches, coilers etc. New and used.

Repairs, servicing or rebuilds.

UK agent for Lyons Electronics

www.britishplastics.co.uk

ultrasonic welding

We have a comprehensive directory of suppliers, products and services.

Is your company listed? should it be? let us know contact lisa montgomery on 01829 770037

injection moulding

In Partnership with PC Moulding & Automation

Telsonic UK Ltd

Units 14 & 15 Birch Copse, Technology Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7FH T: 01202 697340 F: 01202 693674 E: sales@telsonic.co.uk W: www.telsonic.co.uk Blog: www.telsonicuk. wordpress.com

vibration welding Branson Ultrasonics 158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.bransonplasticsjoin.com

chillers/ temperature controllers Motan Colortronic Ltd Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

www.pmmuk.net Tel: +44 (0) 1296 658 638 World Class Robotics from Max Robot

Elmatic (Cardiff) Ltd Wentloog Road, Rumney, Cardiff CF3 1XH T: 029 20 778727 F: 029 20 792297 E: sales@elmatic.co.uk W: www.elmatic.co.uk

dryers/ dehumidifiers Motan Colortronic Ltd Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

extrusion systems

co-extrusion die heads and systems Ridgeway Co-Extrusion Technology Ltd Unit 22, W & G Estate, Challow, nr Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 9TF T: 01235 760435 F: 01235 763021 E: frankh@ridgewaycoex.co.uk W: www.ridgewaycoex.co.uk Optimised monolayer die heads, coating die heads up to 4 layers, multi-layer die heads up to 7 layers, for pipe/tube sizes from 1 mm O/D up to 200 mm O/D; multiple tube die heads for mono and multi-layer products; multi-layer, multi-parison blow moulding die heads up to 7 layers; multi-layer sheet and profile dies up to 5 layers. R & D and product development projects; line conversions; turnkey system installations.

induction heating for platens and tools MF Induction Heating Unit 5, Martindale, Hawks Green, Cannock, Staffs WS11 7XN Replacement Coils New platens T: 01543 570642 F: 01543 574460 E: sales@mfinduction.com W: www.mfinduction.com BS EN ISO9001: 2000 registered.

BS EN ISO9001:2008

hot runner systems hot runner controllers

gravimetric/volumetric blending Motan Colortronic Ltd Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motancolortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

granulators Motan Colortronic Ltd Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

infra red systems heating equipment

CNC ASSEMBLY MACHINES Cannon Shelley UK agents for Belotti 5 axis CNC machines T: 01480 453651 F: 01480 52113 E: sales@cannon-shelley.co.uk W: www.cannonforma.com W: www.belotti.com W: www.shelley.biz

To advertise in this space contact lisa montgomery 01829 770037

materials handling and storage

PLASTICOLOR B A Thorne (Machinery) Ltd19A Imex Business Centre, Oxleasow Road, East Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 0RE T: 01527 584714 F: 01527 584784 E: bat@bathorne.co.uk W: www.bathorne .co.uk

hopper loaders Motan Colortronic Ltd Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motancolortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

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BP&R buyer’s guide printing machines silk screen and pad Mascoprint Developments Ltd Stags End Cottage Barn, Gaddesden Row, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 6HN T: 01582 791190 F: 01582 791199 E: info@mascoprint.co.uk W: www.mascoprint.co.uk

pad

DM Machinery Ltd Used Injection Moulding Machine Stockists 40 Thorne Lane, Wakefield West Yorkshire, WF1 5RR T: 01924 290206 E: sales@dmmachinery.co.uk W: www.dmmachinery.co.uk Plasplant Ltd Unit 4, Oakhanger Farm, Oakhanger, Bordon, Hants GU35 9JA T: 01420 473013 F: 01420 475152 E: plasplant@aol.com W: www.plasplant.com Rawmec (EEC) Ltd Rawmec Industrial Park, Plumpton Road, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 0EE T: 01992 471796 F: 01992 471797 E: rawmec@btconnect.com W: www.rawmec.com

www.pmmuk.net Tel: +44 (0) 1296 658 638 World Class Ancillaries from FASI

testing equipment Ray Ran Test Equipment Ltd Kelsey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 6RS T: 024 763 42002 F: 024 766 41670 E: Polytest@ray-ran.com W: www.ray-ran.com

hardness - IRHD and shore MAPRA Technik Co — BAREISS Unit D13 The Seedbed Centre, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TQ T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk

inspection & measurement MAPRA Technik Co – MARCEL AUBERT – DOSS – KAFER Unit D13 The Seedbed Centre, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TQ T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk

thermoforming equipment

TransXL International Ltd Thornhill, South Marston, Wiltshire SN3 4TA T: 01793 827666 F: 01793 823826 E: sales@transxl.co.uk W: www.transxl.co.uk

screen changers static control

hopper dryers

Industrial Plastics Ltd Unit 13 Canterbury Industrial Park, 297 Ilderton Road, London, SE15 1NP T: 020 7252 9600 F: 020 7252 9601 E: sales@ipl-london.co.uk W: www.ipl-london.co.uk

screws and barrels

mixing, feeding, drying Motan Colortronic Ltd Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

metal detection & separation equipment Motan Colortronic Ltd Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

nozzles & nozzle tips

secondhand and reconditioned ANGLO PLASTICS LTD

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Buy/Sell Used Plastics Machinery Rutland Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1HX T: +44 (0) 1276 470910 T: +44 (0) 7740 632907 E: information@ angloplastics.com W: www.angloplastics.com

Arrowquint Ltd Unit 5 Sanders Close, Finedon Road Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire NN8 4HQ T: 08450 655455 F: 08450 655456 E: sales@arrowquint.co.uk W: www.arrowquint.co.uk Static control solutions, equipment sales and rental, repairs and on-site servicing.

UK/Eire agent for Eltex – market leaders in static control systems.

Cannon Shelley Sales and service for thermoforming equipment T: 01480 453651 F: 01480 52113 E: sales@cannon-shelley.co.uk W: www.cannonforma.com W: www.shelley.biz