BP&R August 2013

British Plastics

and Rubber

bp&r

THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR BRITAIN’S POLYMER PROCESSORS

AUGUST 2013

International Trade Fair No. 1 for Plastics and Rubber Worldwide

k-online.de IML for plastic packaging

A new era for blow moulders

In-mould internal welding

comment

bp&r BRITISH PLASTICS &RUBBER www.britishplastics.co.uk EDITORIAL Editor: Leanne Taylor T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: leanne@rapidnews.com

SALES Group Advertising Manager: Lisa Montgomery T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: lisa@rapidnews.com

ART

Manufacturing sees a reverse of the tide

SAM HAMLYN T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: sam@rapidnews.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: subscriptions@rapidnews.com

PUBLISHER expansion and investment in equipment According to a recent report by YouGov and facilities. The effect is likely to have and Business Birmingham, British positive reverberations throughout the manufacturers are expecting to hire industry, with many smaller more staff to cope with an expected surge in demand caused by a “reshoring” manufacturers likely to feel the benefits of the companies they supply seeking to of production to the UK. bring their supply chains Rising costs overseas closer to home.

(59 percent), and simpler “policy-makers need to Commenting on the transport and logistics (51 percent), were make sure the UK is a report, Ms Lee Hopley, amongst the most widely competitive location for Chief Economist at EEF, the manufacturers’ cited factors by the 41 investing in modern organisation, said: “There percent of respondents machinery and are many reasons for a who reported that the UK innovation.” shift back to Britain, is becoming more including improving the attractive as a security of supply chains, manufacturing the focus on innovation and quality and destination compared with locations the rise in employment and transport abroad. costs in emerging economies. But The research supports evidence of whatever the reason, policy-makers need the re-shoring trend, which is seeing to make sure the UK is a competitive manufacturers respond to rising costs in location for investing in modern countries like China by bringing machinery and innovation, if we are to production back to the UK. Since China’s capitalise on this trend.”

WTO accession in 2001, real wages paid If you are benefitting from business in the manufacturing sector have risen by returning from overseas back to the UK, almost 200 percent in US dollar terms. we’d like to hear from you. Please get in For the plastic industry, the positive touch via leanne@rapidnews.com effects of re-shoring are being felt particularly in the injection moulding and Enjoy the issue. tooling industries, where companies are reporting strong sales. This is leading to Leanne Taylor — Editor an increase in staff hires as well as

Mark Blezard T: +44(0)1244 680222 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 Rapid Plastics Media Ltd, Unit 2, Carlton House, Sandpiper Way, Chester Business Park, CH4 9QE T: +44(0)1244 680222 F: +44(01244 671074 © 2013 Rapid Plastics Media 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.

Associated organisations

THE BIG STORY e the Plastics Mov eme of th e th World’ is how S K this year’s

This year’s K Show is expected to attract around 3,100 visitors

Plastics move the world Plastics move the world – particularly in connection with the major challenges faced by our modern society. Incredibly versatile, The build up to K 2013 is lightweight, safe, GATHERing momentum. Here, durable, economic and the team from the Messe impressively DÜsseldorf provides a energy-efficient – their special report on the theme with multitude of of this year’s show, which positive will be presented in the properties, are form of a dedicated polymers indispensible in exhibition area. most areas of our daily lives. The material’s success story is far from over, as it moves into new areas of application all the time. Plastics move our lives in more ways then one, both in the figurative and the literal sense. Around 3,100 exhibitors will document this enormous potential at K 2013, the largest international tradeshow for plastics and rubber, which runs from 16 – 23 October in Düsseldorf, Germany.

During the show there will be a dedicated exhibition area that will revolve around the theme “plastics move the world”.

The area is designed to illustrate the many improvements already attributed to plastic products today and their potential contribution to future challenges, for example by protecting global resources.

The display, which will take place in hall six, takes a broad approach to the meaning of the word ‘to move’. It includes not merely the direct contributions of plastics to different areas of mobility, but also emotional aspects, for example their effect on art and design, as well as their potential for solving future bp&r problems such as demographic growth, increasing energy consumption and climate change. The display will be hosted

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in a special area, which will provide a combination of information, interaction, show elements and presentations.

Additionally, the theme area will also feature lectures as well as daily discussion panels (except for Sunday and the last day of the exhibition) with experts from science and industry. For example, on the second day of the trade show, Bertrand Piccard, renowned pioneer in the are of solarpowered aircraft, will present his project, Solar Impulse. The craft is currently on its longest mission, crossing the USA from San Francisco to New York using only solar energy. In 2015, he plans to complete a non-stop flight around the globe with a solar-powered aircraft.

The daily discussion panel will also deal with complex issues such as marine debris, which threatens oceans and coasts. Due to the fact that international K 2013 visitors and exhibitors attend these discussions, they will be delivered alternately in German and in English. further information: www.k-online.de

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on the cover

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bp&r AUGUST 2013

International Trade Fair No. 1 for Plastics and Rubber Worldwide

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THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR BRITAIN’S POLYMER PROCESSORS

k-online.de

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bp&r BRITISH PLASTICS &RUBBER

contents AUGUST 2013

on the cover Plastics move the world Incredibly versatile, lightweight, safe, durable, economic and impressively energy-efficient – with their multitude of positive properties, polymers are indispensible in most areas of our daily lives.

See page 4

24-25 FEATURE K Show: At a glance Spotlight on the upcoming global plastics event

26-30 FEATURE

3

Temperature Control

EDITOR’S LETTER

NBM blows moulding costs out of the (chilled) water

Manufacturing sees a reverse of the tide

12-15 FEATURE Masterbatch and Additives New additives said to add value to plastics

17-19 FEATURE Injection Moulding

REGULARS INDUSTRY NEWS

08

Engineering Materials

36

Reclamation and Recycling

40

From the Front Line

42

CURRENCY CORNER

43

SOFTWARE

43

BUYERS’ GUIDE

43

32-34 FEATURE Blow Moulding The new era of stretch-blow moulding systems for PET bottles

38-39 FEATURE Composites UK composites industry backed with £11m Government funding

38

New in-mould internal welding process joins the gaps

20-23 ]FEATURE In-Mould Labelling The role of IML in the plastics sector

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Industry News

news TH Plastics and Campetella join forces for UK distribution Ancillaries’ solutions provider, TH Plastics, has announced it has joined forces with supplier of automation and robotic systems, Campetella Group, to exclusively distribute its products in the UK. Italian-based Campetella specialises in both custom-made and technologically advanced robotic solutions for the plastics industry. Marco Marconi from Campetella’s export sales department commented: “TH Plastics is known for its true turnkey solutions that help to drive efficiency, waste reduction and energy conservation and we are delighted that it has agreed to distribute Campetella solutions as part of that offering.”

Managing Director of TH Plastics, Lee Thomas, said: “We had a great response at the recent Plastics Design and Moulding exhibition showcasing our new Campetella offering, with many new and existing customers excited about what the

Winning design has a sting in the tail A student’s cartridge-based syringe system designed to help the victims of disasters in developing countries has won a prestigious innovation award and praise from top plastics industry experts.

Chris Natt, a student at the Royal

systems can do to help their businesses.

“2013 is proving to be another successful year for TH Plastics, as we continue to offer manufacturers cost effective ancillary solutions which can help to save both time and money and increase productivity. I’m delighted that Campetella will now be part of that offering going forward.”

s and p lastic TH P tella Grou tion u e p ib r m t a C he dis t e e agr ment agree

further information: www.thplastics.co.uk

College of Art, secured £1,000 plus a placement with high-performance materials supplier, Bayer MaterialScience, at its headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany, for his ‘Project Sting’, after winning the Design Innovation in Plastics

Chris Natt’s winning design, Project Sting

(DIP) 2013 award - the longest running student plastics design award in Europe.

Chris designed a hypodermic syringe that replaces the traditional three-part syringe commonly used for vaccinations with a system incorporating innovative features including a re-usable master element accommodating a vaccine cartridge and a flexible diaphragm to dispense the vaccine. In addition, the syringe reduces the spread of infection by preventing accidental needle puncture of the skin, and it also includes anti re-use features. One of the judges, Dr Robin Kent, Managing Director of Tangram Technology and a plastics processing and materials specialist, said: “Chris Natt is a worthy winner. His innovative use of plastics enables a new design for clean and effective drug delivery.”

Chris has already applied for a patent for the novel concept, and can now apply for support from the DIP mentoring scheme, newly introduced in 2013 to offer post-award support to all the finalists with the goal of helping them take their design ideas closer to commercial realisation.

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further information: www.designinnovationplastics.org

Growth on the cards for UK manufacturers More than a quarter of UK manufacturers say they are benefitting from current trading conditions, with a third stating that they expect their business to expand over the next 12 months.

The figures come from the latest Close Brothers Business Barometer, a quarterly survey that polls SMEs over a range of industries about their views on financial and economic matters.

Steven Gee, Managing Director of the Manufacturing Division at Close Brothers Asset Finance, said: “These figures would seem to show that manufacturers have a cautiously optimistic outlook about the economy.

“Encouragingly, our survey also demonstrated that employees within the manufacturing sector have begun to see an increase in their pay packets, with a third of firms awarding rises over the last year,” Gee added.

When asked about their greatest business concern, 40 percent of manufacturing firms in the SME sector said that it was poor cash flow, followed by competitor products or services at 24 percent.

Gee added: “While there are genuinely some positive signs of growth, there are clearly still hurdles to overcome. It’s disappointing that despite the fact that three quarters of manufacturers told us they have heard of asset finance, so many still feel that their cash flow is a big worry.

“Manufacturers often have a lot of ‘hidden’ cash lying in their company’s assets that can be released using a form of asset finance called Sale and HP Back.

“This cash injection can be used to improve cash flow, purchase new assets or fund business expansion. It’s an extremely viable option and one that can allow a business to take full advantage of any opportunities for growth that come their way,” concluded Gee. further information: www.closeasset.co.uk

MaterialS handling company gets a flavour of Spain Genesis Process Solutions has recently been appointed the UK and Ireland agents for the Sinfimasa range of screw conveyors.

“We are delighted that Sinfimasa has chosen us as their UK and Ireland agent,” commented Phil Cameron, Sales Director at Sandbach-based Genesis Process Solutions. “The range is priced at a level that will make us competitive with other manufacturers with delivery times which is, if experience is anything to go by, probably better. What makes this arrangement so attractive to us is that we are now able to offer clients a complete system – Krause Flexible Silos, Sinfimasa screw conveyors and Brabender loss-in-weight/volumetric feeders.”

Sinfimasa screw conveyors are manufactured in Spain from where the screw conveyors are sold throughout Europe to the plastics, food, chemical and cement industries. The range starts at

Peter Davis will retire in 2014

Genesis Process Solutions has recently been appointed the UK and Ireland agents for the Sinfimasa range of screw conveyors

75mm diameter rising to 600mm diameter and handling rates from 100kg per hour up to 30 tonnes per hour. The range is available in mild or stainless steel and is ATEX certified. further information: www.genesisps.co.uk

BPF Director-General to retire in 2014 Peter Davis OBE, the Director-General of the BPF, is to retire from the Association at the end of June 2014.

The President of the British Plastics Federation, Mike Boswell, informed the BPF Council and staff that both Mr Davis, along with Finance and Administration Director, Alan Davey, will retire from the Association at the same time.

“Peter and Alan have given sterling service to the BPF and industry. Although a year away, it is important we have a plan for finding their successors,” commented Boswell.

The President said that the Council had set up an Appointments Panel to undertake this task.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.bpf.co.uk

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MASTERBATCH AND ADDITIVES

– 0161 624 2114 www.colourmaster.co.uk

news Antimicrobial additives for the protection of plasticised PVC Sanitized AG, a producer of antimicrobial protection for plastics, has launched two new advanced additives designed for the protection of plasticised PVC used in indoor and outdoor applications.

In addition to effective and long-lasting antimicrobial action, Sanitized says the two products offer a range of applicationspecific benefits including longer life cycles, improved weatherability and thermal stability, as well as higher resistance to UV and yellowing.

The first of these new products, Sanitized PL 12-32, is a formulation with excellent water resistance and UV stability, which make it highly suited to outdoor applications such as awnings and tents, says the company.

The second new product, Sanitized PL 12-33 is characterised by high thermal stability, regardless of elevated temperatures that may be necessary during processing, with the ability to retain product transparency. Sanitized says its properties make it perfect for indoor applications such as flooring and furnishings.

Plastisols, coatings or foams employed in many flexible PVC products are very sensitive to attacks from microbes.

Especially in outdoor applications, the extra-cellular enzymes in such microbes can break down plasticisers – and other

Sanitized PL 12-32 and PL 12-33 are said to protect against the unwanted effects of microbes, like bacteria, mold fungi, mildew, yeasts and algae

additives that are susceptible to them.

The result is that PVC products become stiff and brittle, cracks begin to form and they subsequently decompose over time.

Sanitized says by applying these new additives product stability can be successfully increased.

Sanitized PL 12-32 and PL 12-33 are said to protect against the unwanted effects of microbes, like bacteria, mold fungi, mildew, yeasts and algae – all of which can cause material destruction, unsightly stains, cross contamination, odour development and biofilm formation.

Introducing the two new products,

Maria Toscan, Product Manager, Polymers at Sanitized AG said: “No single substance is perfect for all applications, as each has its benefits and limitations. By combining benefits and reducing limitations, we are able to offer our customers a clear choice of application-specific solutions that fully meet their needs and provide a guaranteed highest antimicrobial efficacy.” further information: www.sanitized.com

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Plastics get a makeover with ‘special effect’ masterbatch London-based ADDmix has launched a range of ‘special effect’ masterbatch tablets that the company says enable users to apply effects during injection moulding, extrusion and extrusion blow moulding processes.

Rafael Kilim, Director at ADDmix said the special effect is achieved by using large-sized masterbatch tablets.

“Mixing a combination of the large masterbatch tablets with the raw material without the need for any dosing equipment will deliver a consistently random effect on the moulded product.

For precisely repeatable effects, ADDmix can also supply specialist dosing equipment,” Kilim commented.

The type of effects that can be achieved are said to include wood, marble, camouflage and multi-coloured.

ADDmix will be showcasing its new products at K 2013 in Düsseldorf, as part of the British Pavillion, stand 5B42.

Products made using the new special effect masterbatch tablets will be on display at K 2013

further information: www.addmix.com

news Production facility for polymerbound rubber additives opens Rhein Chemie has officially opened its first Russian production facility in Lipetsk where the company is to produce Rhenogran (pre-dispersed, polymer-bound additives) for the rubber processing industry.

The product range includes accelerators, sulfur donors, antioxidants, and crosslinking activators for the manufacture of tyres and technical rubber products such as extruded profiles, hoses, and seals for the automotive industry.

Rhein Chemie says Rhenogran helps rubber processors by making production more safe and cost-effective as well as significantly increasing the quality of rubber components and improving their long-term functionality and durability. The product is dust-free, thus significantly reducing the need for occupational safety and cleaning measures.

Rhenogran is said to be renowned for its optimal miscibility in the processing of rubber additives in the mixture. It spreads quickly and completely in the rubber matrix, thus enabling active crosslinking substances to unleash their full effect.

This reduces dosing amounts and prevents chemicals from blooming, says Rhein Chemie.

Compared to powder, Rhenogran is said to generally reduce mixing time by 30 to 50 percent. Optimal dispersion of chemicals makes it possible to meet the highly exacting quality requirements demanded today, especially by OEMs. further information: www.rheinchemie.com

Rhein Chemie opens production facility for polymer-bound rubber additives in Lipetsk, Russia

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OMNICOLOR MASTERBATCH DISTRIBUTOR Colourmaste r is celebratin g 35 years in co lour masterbatch supply

MASTERBATCH AND ADDITIVES

Official UK

Masterbatch supplier celebrates a colourful 35 years Oldham-based Colourmaster is celebrating 35 years of supplying masterbatch to the plastic moulding and extrusion industries.

The company, which is the official UK distributor for the Clariant Omnicolor range of universal masterbatches, is celebrating it’s milestone under the same owner that originally founded it, Eddie Maker.

Commenting on the successful partnership that has been established with Clariant, Maker said that he was “delighted” that the company is continuing to use Colourmaster as its preferred partner to supply its products to the UK plastics industry.

“Colourmaster has been supplying customers with Clariant masterbatch

products for many years,” Maker said.

“Our commitment to Clariant means that we will continue to hold stocks of the full Omnicolor universal masterbatch range and make them available to both existing and new customers into the future.”

In addition to colour masterbatches, Colourmaster is also a stockist of Clariant Cesa and Hydrocerol additives including blowing agents, UV stabilisers, laser marking additives and purging materials.

The company’s range also includes injection moulding and extrusion raw materials, covering most polymer types.

SteriTouch incorporates masterbatch into kitchen caddy Merseyside-based Coral Products has introduced an antimicrobial food-recycling bin to its range of products supplied to local authorities and says it is confident that this development will encourage the use of food caddies in the home.

Coral Products’ says that by incorporating SteriTouch universal masterbatch into the virgin polymers used at its injection moulding facility, kitchen caddies with antimicrobial protection will resist odours and staining associated with bacterial and mould growth, whilst also remaining effective against illness-causing bacteria such as E.Coli and Salmonella.

Ian Bellamy of Coral Products commented: “This addition to our range will help protect family members from a wide range of bacteria including E-Coli, MRSA and Salmonella, so ensuring a safer environment, and dispelling any health worries of food waste collection within the home.”

Antimicrobial masterbatch from SteriTouch can be incorporated during the standard moulding process, and requires

no change to manufacturing or any special treatment. As an inherent part of the end product, the effectiveness of the additive will reportedly neither wear off nor wear out over time.

further information: www.colourmaster.co.uk

further information: www.steritouch.co.uk

dy incorporates The new kitchen cad e itiv add an anti-bacteria

Colour-change masterbatch is not all it seems Chameleon thermochromic and photochromic masterbatch from UK-based LCR Hallcrest is a temperature sensitive masterbatch which changes colour as its temperature changes, or when it is exposed to UV light.

The masterbatch can be added to standard plastics for injection moulding and extrusion to create vivid colour changes activated by a change in temperature (thermochromic) or UV light (photochromic). It can be formulated to change with the heat from hands, mouths, or on contact with something cold, for example iced drinks or chilled foods.

LCR Hallcrest says it is suitable for use with polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, ABS and PVC, and can be dosed at between three to 10 percent according to the product thickness and the colour intensity required. The company manufactures two types of masterbatch — Chameleon EVA and Chameleon LLPE — both of which are supplied in pellet form.

For thermochromics, activation temperatures range from 0 — 65°C. A wide variety of changes are available, such as

green to yellow, purple to pink, red to yellow, blue to white, brown to yellow, or translucent to a colour.

Within these options there are then two variants: lighter colours with rising temperature (with reversal back to the original colour as the temperature lowers below the activation point) and darker colours as the temperature is cooled (again, reversing back to the original lighter colour when the temperature is raised above activation point).

Applications for the products are varied. “The masterbatch is often chosen simply to make it stand out competitively,” says LCR Hallcrest. It can also add a safety feature to an existing product. An awardwinning heat sensitive babyfeeding spoon is one example, where the colour of the spoon changes from blue to pink if the food is too hot. The spoon was used by Nestle for a promotion in Belgium, Denmark and Sweden and demonstrates how a thermochromic effect can warn of excessive heat in food. further information: www.chameleonplastics.com

MASTERBATCH AND ADDITIVES

– 0161 624 2114 www.colourmaster.co.uk

TOP: The temperature sensitive masterbatch changes colour ABOVE: Some of the products produced with the masterbatch include kitchenware and spoons

COUNTDOWN TO THE NEW DIMENSION

K 2013 / 16-23 October 2013 Düsseldorf / Germany / Hall 09, Booth C05

13 CHOOSE THE NUMBER ONE.

bp&r

MASTERBATCH AND ADDITIVES

Official UK

OMNICOLOR MASTERBATCH DISTRIBUTOR

news No shock: TPU innovation is far from static BASF Polyurethanes has developed a new antistatic additive for the plastics industry designed to combat the problem of electrostatic charging that can cause the failure of electronic components and computer chips and potentially ignite combustible gases, vapours and dusts.

“On the surface of a polymer, which is at first electrically neutral, charge may be generated by contact with another surface and subsequent rapid separation. Without suitable dissipation, this charge can neutralise in an uncontrolled and abrupt fashion,” said Anja Oltmanns, Head of Sales and Technical Service Compounds for Antistatics and Nonwovens at BASF Polyurethanes GmbH. To address this problem, BASF has launched ‘Elastostat’, an antistatic TPU granulate, as part of its Elastollan product range.

BASF says Elastostat is a highly specialised, easy-to-process product with an excellent price/performance ratio. The company says beneficial properties of Elastostat are its permanent antistatic effect, mechanical properties like improved impact resistance and

The new TPU masterbatch opens up large fields of application, particularly for industrial packaging such as big bags and plastic drums or cans.

Photo: BASF - the Chemical Company, 2013

compatibility with non-polar polymers. In extensive tests, BASF says its experts have demonstrated both its antistatic effect and compatibility. The homogeneous polymer matrix is also said to show no tendency to delaminate.

BASF says the new TPU masterbatch opens up large fields of application, particularly for industrial packaging made

of polyolefins, anti-dust applications in the automotive industry as well as protection from electromagnetic interference in electronics packaging.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.polyurethanes.basf.de

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New flame retardant additives to debut at K 2013 Chemtura Corporation says it will present new additive innovations within its line of flame retardants and organometallic specialties for plastics, together with investments in capacity expansion and supply chain optimisation at this year’s K Show.

Great Lakes Solutions, a Chemtura business, will present its new, polymeric flame retardant solutions – Emerald Innovation 1000 and Emerald Innovation 3000. The Emerald Innovation series of flame retardants is said to be the result of the company’s commitment to sustainable products that minimise the impact on the environment and human health without sacrificing performance or quality.

Great Lakes Solutions says Emerald Innovation 1000 flame retardant is an effective replacement for decabromodiphenyl oxide and

decabromodiphenyl ethane and is used in a variety of applications such as consumer electronics, automotive, textile back coating and construction materials. The company says it is designed to replace commonly-used flame retardants in polyolefin and styrenic resin systems.

Emerald Innovation 3000 flame retardant is said to offer producers of expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene (EPS and XPS) a polymeric flame retardant that has become the sustainable product of choice in the transition from hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD).

Chemtura’s Organometallic Specialties business is a pioneer in co-catalyst and activator systems. The business will launch its new ‘Axion MAO’ activator technology at K 2013. Axion MAO is used in the catalyst systems of advanced elastomer production and offers customers the opportunity to team up with

s will Great Lakes Solution eric flame lym po , new its t presen K 2013 at s retardant solution

Chemtura to tailor-make the activator for their specific catalyst needs.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.chemtura.com

Ernesto Dongiovanni, Head of Marketing Polymer Additives at Clariant said: “AddWorks is all about making it simple for customers. We want to provide a solution that works and fits our

customers’ needs, in order to contribute to their success.”

MASTERBATCH AND ADDITIVES

New additives said to add value to plastics Clariant has announced a new brand of polymer additives solutions for the plastics industry that includes two formulations AddWorks and AddWorks LXR. The new additives are said to be developed to match the needs of companies engineering technologies for polymerisation, polymer producers, compounders and converters.

Clariant says AddWorks and AddWorks LXR address customer requirements in a comprehensive but specific way and provide benefits such as heightened productivity, stability and durability of converted parts, or protection of manufactured articles during their process.

Clariant has launched a new range of additives called Addworks

– 0161 624 2114 www.colourmaster.co.uk

further information: www.clariant.com

golf disc A scented nge from the ra

Frangrance additives add something new to sports equipment Scented additives from UK-based manufacturer, Addmaster, are being incorporated into a range of golf discs distributed across Europe and the US. Scentmaster is a range of highly concentrated fragrance masterbatches specially manufactured to maintain their scent profile in the final product.

The additives have been chosen by Tomas Ekström, a professional in the sport of ‘disc golf’, a game in which individual players throw a flying disc at a target, after he decided to manufacture and distribute a limited edition of scented golf discs across Europe and the USA. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.addmaster.co.uk

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MO’S CORNER

Q: How do the various types of dosing device work? (Part 1)

mo explains: The choice of dosing device depends on which materials and method you are using, and what throughput you require.

T

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o choose the right dosing device for your application, you need to consider three key points: what are the properties of the materials you are working with; which method will you be using (volumetric or gravimetric); and what volume per cycle or per unit of time will you be processing (flow rate). Plus, the surrounding environment (vibrations, clean room conditions, etc.) plays an important role.

The most common dosing devices used in injection moulding are: dosing screw; cone valve; slide-gate valve; disc dosing device; rotary valve and rotary wheel or roller. dosing screws Dosing screws actively meter material using a spindle (screw) and simultaneously convey it to the point of discharge. The screw is encased in a tube (dosing sleeve). The amount of material dosed will depend on the diameter and pitch of the screw, and how fast the screw rotates. To prevent material accidentally falling out, dosing screws are often set at an upward incline – which has the added benefit of making cleaning easier.

The output from a dosing screw is continuous. This widely used device is available in various designs for a range of materials – and is suitable for both volumetric and gravimetric systems, and large and small material throughputs.

When working with non-free-flowing materials, you need an additional device such as an agitator to positively feed the ingredients. Friction between the screw and the tube can generate heat, which can create problems if the material has a very low melting point. An advantage of the device, on the other hand, is that it allows for synchronous operation – making subsequent mixing unnecessary. cone valve In contrast, the cone valve is a passive system, i.e. the material simply flows from the supply hopper. A valve (created by the cone and a cylinder) regulates the flow.

The material can be metered out either continuously or in batches.

The amount of material dosed depends on the cross-sectional area of the cone, the stroke length of the cylinder,

Schematic of a dosing screw (left) and a cone valve (shown closed in the central image and open on the right); graphics and photographs: motan

and for how long the valve is open.

Because the piston moves up and down vertically, the cone valve is suitable for a range of materials – free-flowing, non-freeflowing, and even those that tend to stick or clump together. If you are using nonfree-flowing materials, however, additional equipment will be necessary to positively feed the material. Cone valves are mainly used in gravimetric batch systems and are suitable for throughputs of all sizes.

However, because this method is not compatible with synchronous operation, a downstream mixer is necessary.

Next time, mo’s corner will examine how the other types of dosing device work. further information: askmo@moscorner.com

Dosing screw in a synchronous dosing system

Cone valve dosing in a gravimetric batch system

news Engel announces record 950 million euro turnover Engel has announced it set a new record in the 2012/2013 financial year by achieving a global turnover of 950 million euros.

This is said to represent a 14 percent increase for the Group in comparison to the previous year and an overall increase of 165 percent since 2009/2010. Engel revealed it also expects further growth of about five percent each year for the next three years.

“Our aim is to be the best at creating customer benefit,” said Dr Peter Neumann, CEO of Engel Holding, speaking at an international press conference held in the run-up to K 2013.

“Being near to our customers is the key to this. On one hand this means increasing our global production capacity and expanding our sales and service structures continuously, and on the other hand it means consistently aligning our products and technologies to the individual requirements of country-specific markets and target sectors. The very positive developments over the last few years confirm that we are definitely on the right track with this strategy, and we are keen to continue in our current direction,” he added.

ord turnover Engel has announced a rec year nci for the 2012/13 fina al

injection moulding

Engineering Passion www.kraussmaffei.com

The company cites energy-optimised machine concepts, integrated and automated system solutions and industry-specific developments as contributing factors to this growth. Engel reported its servo-hydraulic system, ecodrive, helped to significantly increase its market shares in the competitive market segment of medium-sized injection moulding machines alone in 2012/2013. More than half of all Engel’s hydraulic machines are now equipped with ecodrive.

Engel stated that its ability to accommodate rising orders was thanks to an increase in production capacity and adding to its sales structures. Altogether, the company invested more than 57 million euros in different sites in the 2012/2013 financial year.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.engelglobal.com

www.leister.com

TRIAC AT and TRIAC ST Managing Partner Juliane Hehl presented a commemorative sculpture to David Chan to mark 25 years of Arburg’s Singapore subsidiary

Arburg celebrates 25 years in Singapore Arburg is celebrating 25 years of its subsidiary in Singapore, which it says has enjoyed continuously growing sales in the ASEAN countries since it was founded.

The Arburg subsidiary in Singapore was established on 11 May 1988, initially as a Technical Support Centre, before being transformed into an independent sales and service centre for the entire ASEAN region in 1992.

Arburg states at first customers were mainly drawn from the electrical and electronics sectors, whereas the focus is now on companies that produce precision medical technology parts. “The medical technology segment in particular has grown continuously in recent years,” commented David Chan, Managing Director of the Singapore subsidiary.

“Singapore is a niche market for medical technology and other high-end products. This is why, here, we mainly require small and precise servo-electric machines that operate both reliably and energy-efficiently,” Chan concluded.

The new TRIAC hot-air tools from Leister stand out by their functional design and optimum performance. No matter whether digitally controlled (AT) or the standard version (ST) – we have the right tool for every application and user!

Welwyn Tool Group Ltd

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.arburg.com

www.welwyntoolgroup.co.uk

Hot air tools.

We know how.

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injection moulding

Engineering Passion

news Airline seats get an environmental boost with injection moulding investment Over the past eight months Northern Ireland-based injection moulder, Industrial Precision Components (IPC), has purchased two new Romi-Sandretto machines after securing financial assistance from both the Carbon Trust and Invest NI to facilitate expansion plans.

IPC purchased the Romi-Sandretto EN 100 and a larger EN 260 injection moulding machine primarily for the manufacture of plastic components used in airline seats. The company says it plans to purchase a further EN 100 within the next six months.

“We started our Mouldshop with a single, second hand Sandretto mould machine and due to our continuous improvement planning are in the position where we can confidently grow and buy new,” commented Joanne Liddle, Director at IPC. “The replacement of older machines has reduced our carbon footprint and waste significantly with an annual

retto EN 260 The Romi Sand

combined saving of 114.05 tonnes of CO2 as a result of introducing energy efficient machines. Our response times are better, typically five to 21 days from order to delivery, depending on the part and quantity required.”

The Carrickfergus, County Antrim plant says it is continually growing with an expansion into new products and extended export opportunities.

“We had a recent quality audit by B/E Aerospace and they commented on the huge changes and improvements made.

We have extended our premises to 14,000 sq. ft. and improved the physical layout of

the factory to ensure optimum output. In the first six months of this year we have far surpassed our sales and production targets,” continued Liddle.

Neil Bathard, National Sales Manager for Romi-Sandretto in the UK, said: “The Irish market is very important to us and we are very pleased to be able to help supply equipment to IPC that can foster their ambitious growth plans.” further information: www.sandretto.co.uk

ADvertorial company profile: DB AUTOMATION

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Increase production figures by investing in high speed reliable injection moulding automation Whenever a de-mould robot is introduced into an injection moulding process an increase in the overall cycle time is usually inevitable, the key to increasing production volumes is reducing this time to an absolute minimum.

By ensuring the end of arm tooling size is kept to a minimum, and by maintaining high rigidity with low mass on the support arms, the performance of the take-out system can be maximised.

DB-Automation Ltd in Leicestershire, UK, have become a world class manufacturer of high speed take-out robotics by using these techniques and others to deliver process improvements to an international client base.

Recently the team at DB-Automation designed and manufactured a bespoke multi-cavity take-out system for integration with a 300 tonne injection moulding machine.

The system was required to demould and stack a food packaging product, with a required cycle time of less than six seconds. With the experience and performance of DB-Automation’s equipment this was no problem at all, but this was only the beginning. This client also wanted to have the option at a later date to add IML to the system. Although this was an important consideration for the client, he did not want to have this functionality from the outset. The design team at DB-Automation ensured that throughout the design process, allowance,

consideration and suitable mechanical and control elements were provided in the system so this could be easily added later and at a significantly reduced cost to the client.

FURTHER information: www.db-automation.co.uk

New In-Mould Internal Welding process

joins the gaps Birmingham-based Barkley Plastics has worked alongside Wittmann Battenfeld in bringing IMIW to market. The process premiered at the Wittmann Battenfeld Competence Days in Austria in April, This month, trade moulder, before going on to Barkley Plastics, has win an award at the Plastpol exhibition in announced the launch of Poland in May 2013. its newly developed “The time has now come to share In-Mould Internal Welding IMIW expertise with (IMIW) process, one it says the rest of the will provide moulders with industry,” said a convenient and Barkley Plastics’ Owner and fault-free method of Managing Director, ensuring flawless Mark Harwood. “The productS without having to technology is fully ready for the engage in post-moulding marketplace and for welding operations. Here, other moulders to BP&R takes a closer look use it on a ‘first come first served’ at the innovation. basis. Needless to say, we at Barkley Plastics are also preparing to mould IMIW-based products to client specifications.”

Barkley Plastics says encapsulation is a large part of the IMIW appeal and is also key to providing a number of failsafe moulding solutions for any number of industries, including critical applications in electronics, medical, healthcare and other sectors.

In-Mould Internal Welding (IMIW) allows the simultaneous moulding of two parts within a mould tool; one on the fixed half and one on the moving half.

Alignment methods of the two halves after first-stage moulding can be achieved by either radial, linear or angular movement. The parts are then internally welded together, achieving a hermetic seal and negating any need for post moulding welding operations.

Prior to welding, the product/insert can be loaded into either side. Barkley Plastics says the simplicity of the process creates significant cost and convenience advantages. A smaller manufacturing footprint pre-empts any need (and cost) for assembly or post moulding operations.

IMIW is also said to cut out the need for further parts or materials, as the manufacturing process needs no seals or fixings in order to achieve a hermetic seal. The integrity of the weld is also measured internally via means of a selfcalibrating pressure transducer. Any faults thus identified in the mould tool are then automatically removed from production. In this way, says Barkley Plastics, a 100 percent production quality assurance is automatically achieved, again negating need for further production equipment and assessment.

The company also says IMIW helps product designers to stretch their imaginations, since the process facilitates almost any internal shape desired together with a more consistent wall thickness. IMIW has been successfully trialed with a number of commodity and engineering plastics, including PC, PC/ABS, Polyamides, PPSU and glass-filled plastics.

The Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) has also been instrumental in validating key parts of the IMIW process, using optical microscopy to investigate weld integrity; interface conditions, material homogeneity and MEK attack.

“On all counts the IMIW technique passes with flying colours. We are therefore very excited about our new process – both for our clients and for the industry,” commented Barkley Plastics’ Technical Director, Maurice Cassidy.

“IMIW will now greatly reduce design constraints for future plastic enclosures. It will also give the processor options – simplifying and streamlining production and helping to reduce costs. IMIW enables the whole moulding and assembly process to be completed in one step.”

Barkley Plastics is the moulding partner in the Midlands Assembly Network (MAN); a ten-company organisation created in 2006 and responsible for boosting sales and marketing for its members in the region.

injection moulding

www.kraussmaffei.com

LEFT: A view of the Barkley Plastics IMIW mould in action ABOVE: IMIW is said to remove the need for post-moulding operations.

Matt Powell, Barkley Plastics Business Development Manager, said: “IMIW has arrived at a great time for our company and now provides a great new string to our bow; for designers; for other moulders and clients and in the service of our exports which now stand at nearly 20 percent.”

Recent Barkley Plastics successes have included the ‘reshoring’ of M&S-based moulding work from China and a number of significant orders for automotive group, BMW. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.barkley.co.uk www.wittmann-group.co.uk

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in-mould labelling

news Double sided IML labels save time and increase space Printing Company, Verstraete, has invested in a new press that allows it to print double-sided labels for in-mould labelling (IML), saving a considerable amount of time and increasing the printable area on a packaging product.

Verstraete says this means it can print IML labels with two colours on the back and up to six colours on the front in a single print run and with peelable IML if required.

The company says it expects the demand for its new ‘DoubleSided’ IML labels to increase sharply in the coming months. At the end of 2014, the new European law on labelling for food products comes into force. For many manufacturers this new law means that they will have to include more information.

Europe has, among other things, issued new directives regarding the mention of allergens and nutritional values as well as specifications on font size and the position and legibility of the information. Verstraete says DoubleSided IML labels offer a solution for this need for extra printable surface area. At the same time it is still important for products to draw the consumer’s attention on the shelves, the company says.

Possible functional applications of the back of the DoubleSided IML are said to include indicator scales on the back

Verstraete has invested in a new press that can print double-sided IML labels

of the IML label for easy dosing, extra space for instructions for use or a manual. further information: www.verstraete.bE

SEE ME At Fully automated IML production cell to debut at K 2013 At this year’s K trade fair, to be held in Dusseldorf on 16 — 23 October, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery will present a fully automated IML/IMD production cell on which it will manufacture a five-inch, multi-touch display by single step injection moulding.

The multi-touch display will be manufactured using a Systec 210 injection moulding machine with a clamping force of 2,100 kN. During production, PET-based coating foils with thin metallic conduction structures will be spray-coated with PMMA during the IML process.

The display’s narrow frame, which is also injected, is decorated at the same time using In-Mould Decoration (IMD) in black piano lacquer finish. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag says all the processes will take place within the production cell in a cleanroom environment (ISO Class 7), from the insertion of the IML foil in the tool cavity, to the last of the multiple steps necessary for the post-processing, to the finishing of the display.

The conductive IML foils used are said to be optimised for injection moulding processing, and can be used for touchscreens to replace many currently established foils, which are generally made of indium tin oxide (ITO foils). The company says ITO alternatives are not only technologically, but also economically very interesting, because indium is a rare heavy metal that is becoming increasingly expensive with rising demand.

Furthermore, says Sumitomo Demag, the very expensive laminating process of the foil on the carrier is not required.

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further information: www.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu

in-mould labelling

The new Family Circle tub is decorated with IML at WPG UK

IML packaging solution gives a tasty new look Since August 2012, Weidenhammer UK, the British subsidiary of the Weidenhammer Packaging Group (WPG), has been supplying consumer giant, United Biscuits, with In-Mould Labelling (IML) solutions for its ‘Family Circle’ product line.

The square-shaped biscuit box is the first plastic packaging produced by WPG in its British factory, located in Bradford.

The Family Circle box is sealed with a plastic lid, with both container and lid utilising IML technology for decoration.

WPG says the red Family Circle box is a major milestone for its business in the UK. It is the first IML packaging the company has produced at the Bradford site and the company says it paves the way for the rollout of its plastic packaging business. “We have been preparing carefully for this significant step for almost a year,” said Mike Winship, Sales Manager at Weidenhammer UK. “Family Circle biscuits rank among the most popular brands in the UK. Thus, the new box is an important reference product for us,” he continued.

The company says although the red Family Circle box is not a new development as such, its closure has been significantly optimised. The squareshaped box is sealed with a plastic lid to ensure aroma protection and optimum flavour after opening.

Thomas Strieder, Head of International Sales at WPG, considers the UK an important future growth market for IML plastic packaging: “The UK is a trendsetter for high-quality and large volume plastic packaging, especially regarding diversity of form and cost efficiency. In fact, we are already in negotiations with further potential customers.”

Enjoyed around the world!

Ferromatik knows the taste of success.

A German company with strong roots, we are a proud part of the Milacron group which manufactures exceptional injection moulding machines in four locations around the world.

Dig in and enjoy!

Manufacturing facilities:

Germany, Malterdingen USA, Cincinnati India, Ahmedabad China, Jiangyin

further information: www.weidenhammer.de Ferromatik UK Ltd. I Carrwood Road I Chesterfield Trading Estate Chesterfield S41 9QB I UK | +44 (0)1246 260666 sales@ferromatik.co.uk I www.ferromatik.com

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in-mould labelling

New automation system for IML of thin wall packaging Earlier this year automation specialist, Waldorf Technik, debuted its new system for IML applications at an open house event at its headquarters in Engen, Germany.

The new ‘Swing Line’ IML concept has been designed for the decoration of thin-wall packaging products.

“With a lateral width to the injection moulding machine of only 800 mm the Swing Line IML system requires no more space than a side conveyor belt — with up to six cavities, high flexibility, integrated camera quality control and many other features which you normally associate only with large IML systems,” explained Harald Klein, Business Development Manager at Waldorf Technik.

Important benefits are said to be superior performance, with a 0.8 second influence time including IML function within a cycle time of only 3.5 seconds.

Waldorf Technik says operating costs of just three to four Euros per production hour demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of fully automatic packaging stations for thin-wall injection moulding products. further information: www.waldorf-technik.de The new Swing line 2 model CI 1-

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the role of iml

news

in the plastics sector Stewart Gordon-Smith, Export Sales Engineer at Meech International, a specialist developer and manufacturer of electrostatic controls and related solutions, including those for inmould labelling, writes for BP&R about the surge in popularity of in-mould labelling as a technique for the decoration of products, how to overcome common processing issues and whether the technology can expand into new markets as the demand for high quality packaging grows.

I

n an age where manufacturers face fierce competition in the consumer market, the packaging of a product plays an intricate role in preserving a brand’s hard earned image. In fact, one could argue that the label of a product acts as the corporate face of a specific brand, which means that poorly applied labelling (whether it is creased, inadequately aligned or of inferior quality) will affect the consumer’s perception of the product contained within.

For those companies operating in the plastics market that are looking not only to increase their brand image and consumer appeal, but also protect their products against contamination and counterfeiting, in-mould labelling (IML) provides the ideal labelling technology. A product decoration method that has experienced a surge in popularity throughout the past couple of decades, today we find numerous industries taking an active interest in this technology, including food and beverage, cosmetic and healthcare, pharmaceutical and even automotive.

IML stands out thanks to its ability to provide better durability, reduce waste and costs, as well as provide a noticeable improvement in the packaging’s quality.

With the ability to print superior labelling directly into a mould, whereby the label becomes a part of the packaging, the

consumer is more likely to be won over by the ingenious design and therefore be more inspired to purchase the product in question.

How does IML work?

The term “in-mould labelling” derives from the way in which a label is applied to a plastic packaging container. The label is placed within the mould as the container itself is being formed, as opposed to being stuck to the surface of the finished product with an adhesive.

Although traditional paper was originally viewed as an effective solution for in-mould labelling, its relative incompatibility with plastic constitutes a major drawback. For example, differences in shrinkage dynamics could lead to panel bulges or retention blisters, which would then affect the product’s overall presentation. As a consequence, the waste generated by such issues would cause further cost and handling problems, especially when it is necessary to remove the paper labels from the plastic containers to allow recycling.

As a matter of fact, recycling has long been one of the primary incentives to invest in synthetic papers for IML applications, as plastic films share many of the chemical characteristics (such as polypropylene, or polyethylene) of the containers they decorate, which in turn allows them to be recycled along with the container.

Other advantages over traditional labelling include better moisture and product resistance, as well as superior tear and abrasion resistance. But more importantly, the plastic films have shrinkages that are a better match for the container materials, therefore helping to significantly reduce the majority of the quality issues that arise with regular labels.

Injection moulding or blow moulding?

IML can be achieved via a number of forming methods, the two most popular being injection moulding and blow moulding. Both methods prove to be effective in their own right for labelling applications, yet each one come with a different set of characteristics.

Injection moulding for one involves inserting molten plastic material into a

in-mould labelling base national’s UK re Meech Inter in Oxfordshi

In an age where manufacturers face fierce competition in the consumer market, the packaging of a product plays an intricate role in preserving a brand’s hard earned image

cavity, or mould, which then takes the form of a container, while the label is fitted inside the cavity prior to the plastic being injected. Once the plastic material has been injected into the mould, it is allowed to cool, with the label effectively becoming amalgamated with the container. Among the key benefits that this method offers is the possibility to label all of a polygon-shaped container’s sides at the same time, a procedure which is not possible with glue applied, heat transfer, or pressure-sensitive labelling.

On the other hand, the process behind blow moulding is not dissimilar to blowing up a party balloon. With the heated plastic material being extruded in the form of a tube, a mould is clamped around the pipe

as a jet of air is blown out against the cavity walls to take the shape of the container. As with injection moulding, the label is applied against the cavity wall and adheres to the formed container as it cools down and settles into its final shape.

Thanks to this effective moulding method, the container can be flexed and squeezed with no danger of the label peeling off the surface, therefore resulting in longer durability and also offering the opportunity to the brand of reproducing higher quality graphics.

Conclusion IML is a relatively recent technology that has yet to expand into new markets, and is expected to continue its steady growth in

the plastics sector over the coming years.

Aside from being 100 percent recyclable and reducing costs by eliminating the need for labelling processes on manufacturing lines, IML’s key strength is its ability to help maximise packaging appeal or prevent tampering or removal of safety labelling, which is key in the automotive market. This means that, as long as there is demand for high quality packaging, clear instruction labelling or the product requires a damage resistant finish, which will effectively convey a brand’s marketing message, there will always be a role to play for in-mould labelling. further information: www.meech.com

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The countdown to K 2013 So far, 2013 has made its mark for a great many things, but one highly anticipated event still remains — the imminent arrival of the K Show. Held tri-annually, the Düsseldorfbased show is renowned for being an important industry event. Here, BP&R gives an insight into what to expect from K 2013 as well as a brief rundown of how to make the most of your time at the show.

K Show: Need to Know Facts Date: 16–23 October 2013 Daily Opening Hours: 10 am–6.30 pm Location: Düsseldorf Fairgrounds, Düsseldorf, Germany Plastics Move the World The theme for this year’s show is “Plastics Move the World”. Designed around the theme of mobility, the show organiser, Messe Düsseldorf, has planned a series of lectures, panel discussions and presentations held at a specially designed booth around how plastics have solved some of the most challenging problems of the modern world and their potential to do so in the future. You can read more in our cover story on page four.

Make way for K In terms of visitor numbers, the last K Show in 2010 attracted 222,486 visitors from 109 countries, with 94 percent saying they would return to the show.

Given that, Messe Düsseldorf is expecting another good turnout for the 2013 show, despite the volatility the European plastics

Come and visit us Hall 8A Stand D01

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The Düsseldorf Fairgrounds Image - Messe Düsseldorf

industry has experienced in recent times, according to a recent report published.

your visit, using the local public transport, VRR.

At a glance There is expected to be around 3,000 exhibitors at K 2013 from predominant areas of industry, including raw materials, semi finished plastics and technical parts, machinery and equipment and services.

A focus on rubber and TPE Messe Düsseldorf has collaborated with industry partners to produce a free ‘pocket guide’ for visitors and exhibitors at K 2013 in order to make suppliers of elastomer-specific products visible and, therefore, easier to find. A copy of the guide can be requested before visiting by emailing service@gupta-verlag.de or alternatively can be picked up at the information desks at the Düsseldorf fairground.

Counting the Cost Tickets for entry into the show can be bought online in advance as an e-ticket, which is advisable as charges for admission on the day are generally higher.

The cost of a one-day advance purchase ticket is €49, whereas it will cost €65 at the entrance. For a three-day ticket, the advance purchase price is €108, compared with €135 on the day.

Free travel to the show It is worth noting that an e-ticket entitles the bearer to free travel to and from the Düsseldorf Fairgrounds on the day of

Get appy For the technically minded, a free K Show App has been made available to download from either the iTunes App-Store or Google Play. The app offers offline search, a Google Maps link as well as an interactive hall map, which allows preparation and pre-planning ahead of visiting.

k show preview TOP: “Plastics move the World” will be the theme of lectures and presentations held at a specially designed booth. Image - Messe Düsseldorf

Office on the move It is worth noting that although Wi-Fi can be bought for use on individual exhibitor booths, Messe Düsseldorf tell us there is no general free connection in the halls.

Worth knowing if you are planning to send that all-important email or touch base with the office over lunch.

LEFT: The K 2010 show attracted 222,486 visitors.

Image - Messe Düsseldorf

Checking in Düsseldorf Airport is the nearest to the show grounds, only three kilometers away.

On arrival, you can get to K 2013 in a matter of minutes by taking the no. 896 bus. Alternatively, taxis from the airport mean you can also travel quickly and conveniently to Düsseldorf’s city centre and your hotel, expect to pay around €15 for the short journey.

When in Rome If you like to sample some local culture whilst on business, Düsseldorf has much to offer. From guided tours to a run down of the best bars and restaurants, the city’s tourist information centre offers a comprehensive guide: www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de BP&R at K 2013 British Plastics and Rubber will be both reporting from and exhibiting at K 2013.

You can find us in Hall 11, stand C03 – so please do drop by and tell us how the show is going for you.

We will be reporting daily with all news updates being fed onto the website, www.britishplastics.co.uk, so make sure you bookmark the page. We will also be announcing breaking news via our twitter feed @britishplastics, so don’t forget to follow us.

Next Issue K Show Special Our September issue is our K Show special – which will feature a full-length guide with our handpicked exhibitor news, important announcements and new product launches. We are still accepting editorial, so send your news to leanne@rapidnews.com before Monday 9th September to be considered for inclusion.

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temperature control

16-23 October 2013 Düsseldorf - Germany Visit us hall 11 booth H11

www.quick-mould-change.com

news Adiabatic coolers eliminate Legionella contamination threat Managing the risks from legionella in cooling towers and evaporative condensers used to provide chilled water to service manufacturing processes is essential to ensure the safety of workers.

Temperature control specialist, ICS Cool Energy, part of the ICS Temperature Control group, says adiabatic coolers are a safer alternative that eliminates the risk of legionella and saves on costs and energy.

According to ICS, adiabatic coolers consume 0.25 percent of water compared to cooling towers, as well as having a third of the running costs. The coolers are designed to pulse as often as is necessary, greatly reducing water consumption and, therefore, costs. UV systems ensure the main water feed supplied to adiabatic coolers is clean, killing 99.99+ percent of legionella bacteria.

Adiabatic coolers rely on mechanical cooling which is supported by ‘free cooling’ for the majority of the year (97 percent), this means the adiabatic spray system is potentially only utilised for three percent of the year. ICS says a typical adiabatic cooler, cooling process water from 35°C down to 30°C in standard ambient conditions, would expect to see

gionella in risks from le Managing the ive at or ap ev ers and cooling tow e chilled id ov pr to d use condensers cturing rvice manufa water to se ensure the to l ia nt se es processes is orkers safety of w

an annual evaporative water consumption of around 56m3 per year with an additional 14m3 for regular purges.

An open-circuit cooling tower relies solely on latent heat removal during the evaporation of water for its heat dissipation. The latent heat of evaporation of water is 2,260kj/kg, meaning for every kW of heat removed from the circulating water, 1.6kg of the spray water must be evaporated.

In addition, ICS says there is a necessity to bleed off a similar amount of water in order to avoid residual solids left in the cooling tower base tank clogging up the tower. Using the same example, this equates to an annual water usage of 27,955m3 which is 40,000 percent of the equivalent adiabatic cooler.

ICS explained the difference in water consumption between adiabatic coolers and open circuit cooling towers is directly proportional to costs. A typical water cost is £2.30/m3 (water supply costs and a standard 95 percent sewage volume rate).

The annual water cost for the adiabatic cooler would be £161.00 compared to £64,269.50 for the open-circuit cooling tower.

As well as water costs, ICS says there are the chemical dosing treatment fees, which would typically total £8,000, plus additional installation and commissioning and on-going maintenance costs. The capital cost of an adiabatic cooler and its first 25 years’ worth of water is said to be still considerably less than just the first year of water consumption on a cooling tower.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently issued a safety notice for those responsible for the management of the risks from legionella. More information can be read here: www.hse.gov.uk/legionnaires

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Frigel UK Ltd Tel: 01753 891113 Email: Sales@frigel.co.uk Web: www.frigel.co.uk

further information: www.icstemp.com

Heat and cool technology to be licensed for aerospace applications RocTool, developers of heat and cool technologies for composite and plastic injection moulding, by using electromagnetic induction to heat a mould in seconds, is offering one major aerospace leader the chance to use its technologies under an exclusive worldwide license.

RocTool says it will auction an exclusive, worldwide license in the form of a “lump sum” valid for the duration of the patents, which will be granted following a single payment from the buyer with no royalties attached to the use of the patents.

“This is the first time that RocTool has granted a License that does not rely on royalties. Due to the peculiarities relating to aerospace (long time qualification and relatively low volumes), this new license would allow a major aviation company or group to access these highly advanced technologies and therefore obtain a substantial advantage over their competitors,” explained Alexandre

Email: connectors.uk@staubli.com

RocTool says its technologies will enable the successful aerospace group to increase its production capacity, lower its costs and more importantly, have production flexibility.

Guichard, Chairman and CEO of RocTool.

The License covers various RocTool heat and cool technologies, including the 3iTech and Cage System, which reportedly enable high levels of productivity when working with composites and plastic injection, including high temperature heating (eg. Peek, PPD, etc.) cycle time reduction, energy improvement and better temperature control for reinforced mechanical properties.

RocTool says its technologies will enable the successful aerospace group to increase its production capacity, lower its costs and more importantly, have production flexibility.

“We must not forget that an aviation

manufacturer has thousands of composite part references and very low volumes of production per tool. The warm-up time is crucial when constantly changing the mould. With Roctool’s technologies, the mould’s optimum temperature is reached in less than one minute, not two hours,” said Guichard.

RocTool launched a call for proposals with a selection of Aerospace leaders, including constructers and manufacturers and has appointed an independent firm to organise the tender before selecting the best offer.

temperature control

Tel: 01952 671918

further information: www.roctool.com

SEE ME At Expanded temperature control range to be displayed at K Wittmann has expanded its range of mould temperature controllers, which it will display at K 2013.

Directly cooled temperature controllers are suitable for all plastics processing applications where high cooling performance and high heating capacity (for a quick heating-up of the mould) are both required.

Wittmann now offers many variants of its C120 range – from different pumps through to different heating and cooling capacities. Using the largest version of the series, users can heat moulds weighing up to 10 tonnes.

The smaller Tempro basic C120 unit measures 230 × 690 × 630 mm and can achieve a delivery rate of up to 200 l/min. It comes with a heating capacity of The Tempro basic C120 either 12 or 18 kW at a pump capacity with 18, 24, or 46 kW of 0.75 or 1.5 kW. Options include heating capacity serial interface, external sensor, alarm contact, internal bypass for relieving the pumps, and manual mould purging.

The most powerful model in the line is available with either 18 or 24 kW of heating capacity, and can also be adapted to heating capacity of 46 kW. The respective pump capacities range from 200 to 280 l/min.

There is also new Tempro models in the basic C120 series, now with smaller dimensions. further information: www.wittmann-group.co.uk

27 bp&r

temperature control

16-23 October 2013 Düsseldorf - Germany Visit us hall 11 booth H11

28 bp&r

www.quick-mould-change.com

news Temperature control systems prove energy efficiency Manufacturer of temperature control systems, Single Temperiertechnik, has added several new features that it says boost the energy efficiency of its products.

The features are marked with a new ‘EcoPlus’ label, which Single says indicates particularly high efficiency and low energy consumption of a product.

The company says this achievement is the result of specific hydraulic, electric or thermally effective special equipment for temperature control systems and cooling systems.

Plastics processors who are struggling with high energy costs and are interested in minimising the energy consumption of installed ancillary equipment will benefit from new technical improvements highlighted by the EcoPlus label, says Single.

Temperature control systems in Single’s N1, NS and S ranges are marked by the EcoPlus label because of additional equipment such as Grundfos centrifugal pumps, which replace the standard peripheral impeller pumps. The power efficiency of these state-of-the-art centrifugal pumps is reportedly increased by a factor of three. As compact units, these pumps are said to consume significantly less energy in standard systems but achieve a comparable flow rate. With their high power efficiency, all

abatic chamber Frigel’s patented adi bacteria growth a ell ion leg tes elimina

The EcoPlus label marks Single temperature control and cooling systems as highly energy-efficient

motor sizes for Grundfos centrifugal pumps belong to IE3, the highest motor efficiency class.

Single’s Alternating Temperature Technology (ATT) is aimed at customers requiring a high optical and surface quality of injection moulded components. By returning the temperature control media after cycle switch-over, the ATT is said to recover the maximum energy content of liquid media. Single says this approach is not possible with cartridge heaters, ceramic elements or induction heating used in combination with water cooling. In contrast with ATT, Single says other fluid alternating temperature control systems have either no container or no comparable intelligent media return. The company says that in comparative tests during the injection moulding process, the ATT system has proven to be extremely energy efficient, which is now highlighted by the EcoPlus label.

Frigel launches new approach to cooling and temperature control Frigel has launched a closed-loop intelligent process cooling system that it says offers a “new approach to cooling and temperature control”.

The new Ecodry system comprises an air blast cooling system connected to a single, non-insulated flow and return pipe work system, supplying cooled water for machine oil cooling plus local, dedicated process temperature control units and is said to offer processors high operating efficiencies.

Frigel’s range of TCU’s include Turbogel (heating only) and Microgel, which offers heating and chilling, complete with ‘free cooling’ feature. The company says Microgel ensures flexibility on temperature selection between +7°C

Single’s variotherm mould temperatue control for better-quality injection moulded parts, EcoTemp, is said to offer efficiency superior to conventional temperarure control systems. In cyclical processes such as injection moulding, the EcoTemp passive alternating temperature control interrupts the cooling of the mould during the injection phase, so as to allow the cavity wall to heat up. This, says Single, presents two major advantages over conventional temperature control with a constant supply temperature: firstly, EcoTemp can shorten the cycle time, frequently achieving savings in the double digit percentage range. Secondly, EcoTemp can help reduce the supply temperature during cyclical processes. As these processes often operate with heat even during the cooling phase, Single says a lower supply temperature reduces the amount of heating energy required and is therefore superior to conventional control systems.

In order to apply the EcoPlus label to its EcoTemp system, Single carried out tests on the injection moulding processes of a supplier to the electronics industry.

During these production runs, the energy saved over conventional temperature control systems was said to be 38 percent. further information: www.single-temp.de

up to +90°C. Both Turbogel and Microgel are described by Frigel as high performance TCU’s offering high, turbulent flow to reduce cycle times, reduce scrap, increase product quality and repeatability.

Additionally, Frigel says its air blast coolers incorporate large heat exchange surface areas, brushless fan motors and microprocessor controlled fan speed operation. They are available as both dry air coolers or with Frigel’s patented adiabatic chamber, which is said to eliminate the growth of Legionella bacteria. The coolers are also available in a “self-draining” configuration avoiding the requirement for glycol.

The key component and success to the EcoDry System, says Frigel, is its Microgel Compact TCU. further information: www.frigel.com

Email: connectors.uk@staubli.com

temperature control

Tel: 01952 671918

The issue will be a key topic in the seminars being held alongside the ACR Show 2014 at the NEC in Birmingham in February.

EU ban on common refrigerants would ‘burden’ plastics industry Plastics processors have been warned that EU proposals to tax and ban commonly used refrigerants could result in higher costs for the vital cooling equipment on which the industry depends.

The European Parliament is currently considering banning the sale of cooling equipment containing high global warming HFC refrigerants from 2020. It is also considering imposing a European-wide tax on HFC refrigerants from 2018, at a rate of €10 for every tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent.

HFC refrigerants are widely used in industrial chillers used to cool plastics injection moulding machines and in air conditioning systems. The tax would cost companies up to €1.2bn a year, it is estimated.

“Given the tough economic conditions, this additional burden will not be welcomed by those whose businesses rely on HFC refrigerants for cooling,” commented Jan Thorpe, Event Director for the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Show 2014.

“The majority of companies who use cooling are SMEs, and many are already facing difficulties. We fully support the aims of the EU to protect the environment and minimise the release of global warming refrigerants to the atmosphere.

However, many see the current proposals as heavy-handed at a time when industry can ill-afford the burden of additional costs.”

The issue will be a key topic in the seminars being held alongside the ACR Show 2014 at the NEC in Birmingham in February. The Institute of Refrigeration (IOR) is joining forces with the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB) to update visitors on progress in lobbying the European Commission to amend the controversial proposals. There will also be briefings from the UK’s leading refrigerant suppliers on the latest alternatives to HFCs. further information: www.acrshow.co.uk

Wherever we are, whatever we’re doing.

We’ll be there for you.

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temperature control

16-23 October 2013 Düsseldorf - Germany Visit us hall 11 booth H11

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www.quick-mould-change.com

Case study: New adiabatic and centralised chiller system at NBM saving £80k a year

NBM blows moulding costs out of the (chilled) water UK-based Northumbria Blow Mouldings (NBM) is reportedly on target to save over £80,000 a year on cooling costs thanks to an energy-saving solution from process cooling specialists, IsoCool.

Involving the replacement of the plant’s existing beside-the-machine chillers with centralised chilled water and adiabatic cooling systems, the project is designed to optimise efficiency through the exploitation of direct air-cooling and a heat exchanger. The solution has a return on investment schedule of less than two years, according to IsoCool.

Longbenton-based NBM Ltd, part of the DNR Ltd group of companies, specialises in the design and manufacture of extrusion blow-moulded containers for the packaging industry. NBM’s Managing Director, Brian Wiper, asked IsoCool to review the incumbent cooling system responsible for supporting the plant’s 16 blow moulding machines as part of ongoing improvement plans. Comprising of several beside-the-machine chillers with a total cooling capacity of 705kW and installed electrical power of 275kW, the system delivered chilled water to the moulds and hydraulics at 10˚C. IsoCool provided a proposal for improving the system, including the separation of the hydraulic cooling system from the chillers, with a predicted payback schedule of 23 months. “The decision to go ahead was simplified by the projected energy-saving figures, added to the fact that the North East enjoys typically cooler weather throughout the year,” commented Wiper.

To increase the energy efficiency of the system, IsoCool replaced the existing beside-the-machine chillers with a centralised chiller system for the moulds (utilising two of the existing chillers which were suitable for centralisation), plus a Eurochiller AX-A water chiller, and an IsoCool pump and tank group. For the hydraulics, IsoCool installed an Adcooler adiabatic cooler, employing an existing pump and tank group. IsoCool’s Managing Director, Nigel Hallett, explained the reasoning behind separating the two systems: “The requirement for cooling water for the hydraulic circuit is of a significantly higher temperature than the mould circuit, so it doesn’t make sense to run this on energy-intensive chillers. Our adiabatic cooler, on the other hand, automatically functions as an air blast cooler when the ambient is three degrees below the return water temperature from the moulds. By bridging the two circuits with an IsoFC

New centralised chiller system at NBM

heat exchanger, we are able to maximise the efficiency of the system as a whole.

Due to the cooler climatic conditions in the area, the system should benefit from up to 100 percent direct air cooling for much of the year.”

IsoCool says the IsoFC energy-saving device works by connecting the mould and hydraulic cooling circuits through a high efficiency packaged heat exchanger unit with intelligent software, facilitating energy transfer between the systems without them mixing. During low ambient conditions, the IsoFC uses surplus capacity from the adiabatic cooler to precool water returning from the mould circuits before it reaches the refrigeration plant. Both circuits continue to fulfill their primary functions, but with the benefits of having the life span of the components of the chiller plant extended by the reduced utilisation.

“This solution not only maximises energy efficiency for the hydraulic cooling system, but also allows NBM to take

advantage of the adiabatic cooling system during low ambient conditions to further energy savings,” explained Hallett.

“Overall, we have calculated that the system will run on partial free cooling for approximately one third of the year, and up to 100 percent direct air cooling – i.e. with the chillers switched off completely for over 2,000 hours every year.”

IsoCool installed and commissioned the system in February 2013. It boasts a free cooling capacity of 465kW, chilled water capacity of 350kW and a total installed electrical power of 113kW, which is a significant increase in the coefficient of performance for the system. Combined with the free cooling aspect of the new system, IsoCool predicts that cooling running costs at NBM will reduce from £104,000 a year to just over £23,000 a year – a saving of over £80,000 annually. further information: www.isocool.ltd.uk

Are things looking good in the heat?

With the recent fluctuations in UK temperatures, our country continually looks and feels different! Do temperature variations in your processes have the same effect on the quality, performance and appearance of your products?

Precision sensor manufacturer, Micro-Epsilon has one of the widest ranges of IR sensors and thermal imaging cameras for non-contact temperature measurement.

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Precision sensor manufacturer, Micro-Epsilon has over 45 years’ experience in providing sensor solutions and technologies to leading organisations within the plastics and rubber industry. Whether it’s position, displacement, thickness, temperature or colour, Micro-Epsilon can provide a measurement solution customised to your needs and keeping you cool...whatever the weather!

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25th & 26th September 2013 / NEC / Birmingham

blow moulding

news BASF unveils heat-resistant blow moulding grade BASF has launched a blow-moulding grade of its ‘Ultramid Endure’ heatresistant material used for the manufacturer of air ducts in the automotive industry.

The new Ultramid Endure D5G3 BM has a glass fibre content of 15 percent and reportedly shows a high heat aging resistance, is easy to process and has outstanding acoustic properties.

BASF says the temperature resistance is 220°C during continuous use and the possible peak temperature is 240°C. The relatively low melt temperature during processing with blow moulding generally results in favourable system costs, says the company, adding that Ultramid Endure performs significantly better than PPS (polyphenylene sulfide).

The new Endure grade is said to receive its heat stabilisation from a proven stabilisation technology, which suppresses the oxidative attack by atmospheric oxygen. The protection is not just confined to the surface, but is said to permeate the

whole material. For example, this also allows machining, which might be necessary in the area of connections.

The new material is available in sample quantities and will be commercially available from autumn 2013. further information: www.basf.com

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g grade ow mouldin The new bl r the fo d te la rmu has been fo otive m rer of auto manufactu components

Packaging manufacturer ‘blows’ money INTO equipment UK-based plastic packaging facility An aerial view of Sone’s manufacturer, Sone Products Ltd, has announced it is to introduce injection blow moulding to its growing range of services, investing a further £700K at its County Durham facility.

Sone says that as the UK’s only high volume supplier to specialise in both the design and manufacture of a range of plastic containers incorporating innovative application and dispensing solutions, this latest investment is to be used for the purchase of two Novapax NSB 650/110 IBM machines. Moulds, infrastructure changes and the recruitment of an experienced specialist process engineer also form part of the investment programme.

“Introducing injection blow moulding (IBM) complements our extrusion blow moulding (EBM) capabilities, greatly enhancing what we can offer our growing client base. With both EBM and IBM we can provide more flexibility and satisfy differing demands of our existing and new clients,” commented David Clemes, Sone’s Manufacturing Manager. further information: www.sone-products.co.uk

further information: www.maer.es

blow moulding

New solution for trimming and handling blow moulded neck-toneck bottles Maer SA, a manufacturer that specialises in bottle-trimming machinery, has launched its NTN Trimmer-Combiner mono-block system for reliable trimming, handling and transporting high productions of tandem blow moulded neck-to-neck manufactured bottles.

The company says it has developed the technology as a result of the growth in demand of packaging such as single-serve drinkable yoghurt. Available in small size bottles (from 80 ml to 200 ml), the bottles are mainly manufactured in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with tandem blow neckto-neck (N2N) extrusion blow moulding technology.

One of the advantages of the N2N technology, says Maer, is that two bottles joined at the neck in each mould cavity can be blow moulded instead of just one, which means that the hourly production rate for consumer products such as the yoghurt containers can be doubled.

Maer says the key to success in obtaining quality bottles with this manufacturing technique –particularly at high-production rates– lies in the efficient processing and handling of “tandem” bottles throughout the post-blow moulding process.

This phase, the company says, should be performed properly with the bottles handled horizontally, as they are unstable because they are joined at the neck and because of their height and reduced bottle diameter.

The new NTN Trimmer-Combiner sees Maer’s range of ‘logs neck to neck’ trimmers separate the bottles, before they are transferred from a BTU (bottle transfer unit) to an up-righter system, which takes the two bottles positioned horizontally and sets them in a vertical position. The two bottles are thereupon deposited on a conventional twolane conveyor belt.

A combiner unit placed downstream from the mono-block aligns and merges the flow of bottles in a single row towards a conventional conveyor and feeds the subsequent process in the production chain, be it leak testing, palletising, labelling or direct filling.

Maer says features of the NTN TrimmerCombiner system include highly-efficient continuous production system with no line stops; trimming and finishing of quality bottles; smooth handling and processing of bottles throughout the process; flexibility and fast format change over and also simple to integrate and suitable for working with both continuous blow moulding (rotary/wheel) and linear (intermittent/reciprocating screw) technologies.

The NTN Trimmer-Combiner mono-block system

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for the production of PET bottles SIPA has launched a new range of machines

blow moulding

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news

ibert’s Staff at Schoeller All the h wit y ilit fac Winsford chine new blow moulding ma

The new era of stretch-blow moUlding systemS for PET bottles PET packaging technology specialist, Sipa, has launched a new range of rotary stretch-blow moulding machines, which it says, are faster, more versatile and more efficient than previous models.

The SFR EVO3 model range is available now in versions with six, eight, 12 and 16 cavities. The new 10-cavity platform and larger units, with 20 and 24 cavities, are set to debut later this year.

Sipa says the SFR EVO3 machines are the result of its on-going program to improve performance and reliability across its product range, which starts with preform injection moulding systems (including moulds) and takes in every step along the blowing and filling process through to palletisation.

“Particularly during this difficult phase for industry, Sipa’s approach is to put increasing emphasis on improvements that bring savings and added value to our customers’ investments,” commented Pietro Marcati, Blow Moulding Systems Sales Director at Sipa. “The SFR EVO3 shows that it is still possible to make significant improvements in output rates, flexibility, efficiency and total cost of ownership.”

Special features are said to include new designs in the clamp unit and in the cams that help the SFR EVO3 achieve a maximum output rate of 2250 bottles per hour per cavity. Sipa says a new blowing valve block is more compact than before, and has 35 percent less dead air volume.

SFR EVO3 users are also said to have the option of taking advantage of mechanical compensation in the blowing process. In traditional pneumatic compensation, the total stroke is made

with high pressure blowing air, but in Sipa’s new mechanical system, high pressure blowing air is reportedly used only on the final fraction of a millimetre.

This leads to a massive reduction in air consumption, particularly with smaller bottles, says Sipa.

“Green” ovens on the SFR EVO3 are said to be big energy savers. Compared to earlier generations of oven, Sipa says they reduce electrical consumption by up to 40 percent while keeping process conditions stable, thanks to the use of new lamps and special materials and coatings for the reflectors.

Also available for the SFR EVO3 are electrically driven stretching rods, said to bring much more versatility in fine-tuning the process compared to pneumatic drives. Stretch rod timing, speed, acceleration and distance can all be controlled with ease and flexibility from the machine controller (HMI).

The SFR EVO3 has a new standard mould changeover system that is said to be quick and easy to use. Sipa says a new optional feature that it is currently perfecting should make mould changes even more efficient.

Increased efficiency is also built into the moulds themselves. The SFR EVO3 is reportedly much easier to convert from production of hot-fill to cold-fill containers because, Sipa says, while the heating circuit remains in the shell holder, the cooling circuit is now built into the cavity.

Only a simple cavity change is required to switch from production of one type of container to another, while the shell holders remain in place. further information: www.sipa.it

Packaging manufacturer invests in new blow moulder as demand increases Reusable plastic packaging manufacturer, Schoeller Allibert, has invested in a new blow moulding machine to double its inhouse production capacity for the ‘Maxipac’, its folding bulk container, following an increase in demand.

The new machine at its Winsford, UK, factory will be used to manufacture the blow moulded panels that are used for the Maxipac as well as roll cage bases. The company says the new state of the art technology can make two blow moulded panels at the same time, enabling the it to produce a container every 100 seconds.

The Maxipac container is said to provide a compact solution for storage, distribution or retail ready point of sale.

Schoeller Allibert says it has seen increasing demand for the product, particularly among retailers because the blow moulded panels are both impact resistant and provide a more customer orientated design for product merchandising.

Matt Smith, Operations Director, Europe West, explained: “We are the only reusable transit packaging manufacturer to use the blow moulding technique, others rely on injection moulding. This gives the Maxipac many advantages and is the reason it has become so popular in many different industries – for example, it’s panels are all incredibly strong with smooth surfaces, which are easy to clean and provide better ergonomics and aesthetics.”

The blow moulding investment adds to the two existing machines at the site, doubling Schoeller Allibert’s in-house production capacity in the UK. “This investment boosts our in-house capacity and gives us greater control of the whole production process,” said Smith.

Schoeller Allibert says the new investment will also help meet increasing demand for plastic roll cage bases, which are much quieter in operation than traditional metal ones. The machine will be used to manufacture full and half size blow moulded plastic bases for roll cages. further information: www.schoellerallibert.com

// Materials Technical //

Blog

In association with Hardie Polymers – www.hardiepolymers.com

This month, polymer expert and technical blog author, Dr Charlie Geddes, discusses the unwanted ‘black spot’ on moulded plastics.

What does a moulder understand by the term ‘diesel burning’

To avoid diesel burning, or the associated fault, gas spotting, mould venting needs to be improved to release the compressed air. Reducing the clamp force can be a quick fix and I have even seen moulders adding a dummy ejector pin near the offending area.

Prevention is always better than cure and injection moulding simulation during the part design can quickly identify possible problems and avert them by changing the gate position. Reducing the injection pressure can also help.

In the early days plastics moulders tended to apply descriptive terms to moulding faults, such ‘gate splay’, ‘mica marks’, ‘orange peel’, ‘flash’ and ‘record grooves’ (explain that to the younger generation). These terms do not really indicate the root cause nor suggest a possible solution, but ‘diesel burning’ is an accurate description of what has happened.

When a rapidly approaching thermoplastic melt front chases air in the mould into a corner, the highly compressed air Moulding faults can cause reacts with the hot melt, which unsightly marks on a product is essentially a hydrocarbon fuel, to give a high temperature oxidation Got a view on the above? Blog posts will also be reaction, in other words combustion as in a published on the BP&R website at diesel engine. If the combustion is www.britishplastics.co.uk - feel free to leave inefficient the polymer will be converted your comments. to carbon, giving a black spot at the extremity of the moulding.

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Evonik launches alternative raw material for polyamide 12 Evonik has started operating a pilot plant for ω-amino lauric acid (ALS) in Slovakia as an alternative raw material for polyamide 12.

The biobased ω-amino-lauric acid is an alternative to petroleum-based laurin lactam (LL). ALS replaces the monomer LL in the manufacture of sustainable highperformance plastics and yields an identical compound polyamide 12 (PA12).

Evonik says the pilot plant is the result of intensive research and advances the process development effort to an industrial scale.

Evonik says the unique biotechnological process relies on renewable resources and uses palm oil as the starting material. The company says the new process has the potential to complement the butadiene-based

Evonik plans to open an additional plant for the production of ALS

production of PA12.

With a second conventional, petroleum-based polyamide 12 plant in Singapore in the planning stage, Evonik says it is in a strong position to be a global market and technology leader in PA12 production technology.

“In the long term, this new, alternative raw material makes us less dependent on

limited fossil resources and provides our back-integrated production a second pillar to stand on,” commented Gregor Hetzke, Head of Evonik’s Performance Polymers Business Unit. further information: www.evonik.com

engineering materials

news Bayer to use CO2 commercially as a new raw material Bayer MaterialScience has announced that following a successful test phase, it is aiming to commercialise the use of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2), as a new raw material for plastics.

The company says it has started the planning process for the construction of a production facility at its site in Dormagen, Germany, where CO2 will be used to produce a precursor for high-quality foam.

The objective is to initially make larger quantities of this precursor available to selected processors from 2015.

Bayer said the use of CO2 as a raw material in the production of the new foam material would benefit the environment by replacing a portion of the fossil raw materials, such as petroleum, that would otherwise be used exclusively during production. At the same time, the company said it expects the new process to provide economic advantages over the conventional production method.

“CO2 is taking on a new light: The waste gas is turning into a useful and profitable raw material. That makes us one of the first companies worldwide to take an entirely different approach to the production of high-quality foams,” commented Patrick Thomas, CEO of Bayer MaterialScience.

The materials manufacturer has collaborated with partners from industry and academia to develop the process, which has been tested intensively over the last two years. As part of the publiclyfunded research project, “Dream Production”, a pilot plant at Bayer’s main site in Leverkusen produced smaller quantities of the precursor polyol, in which the CO2 is chemically bound.

The substance is used for the production of polyurethane foam, a

Image: Bayer MaterialScience is aiming to commercialise the use of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, as a new raw material for plastics.

material found in many everyday items, including upholstered furniture, automotive parts, refrigeration equipment and insulation material for buildings. In internal tests, Bayer says the new foams show at least the same high quality as conventional material based entirely on fossil fuels.

“After successfully completing the test phase, we are now launching Stage Two, with the target of commercialisation,” said Thomas. Bayer says the first use of the new CO2-based flexible foam will be for the production of mattresses.

The planned production facility in Dormagen will have a capacity of several thousand metric tonnes. “This will not be enough to accommodate the market demand, of course. It is Bayer’s patentregistered technology and we have not yet decided to be the exclusive producer of this innovative polyol. Licensing might also be a possibility,” concluded Thomas. further information: www.materialscience.bayer.com

composites

A Worldwide leader in Thermal Analysis instruments for composites analysis

news Turnkey production lines for fibre composite components KraussMaffei has revealed it will provide information about advancements in its high-pressure resin transfer moulding technology (RTM) at the upcoming Composites Europe trade show in Stuttgart in September.

Market studies predict double-digit market growth for fibre-reinforced plastics in coming years. This growth is primarily due to demand from the automotive, aviation and wind energy industries.

For applications in these areas, KraussMaffei offers machine and mould technology with FibreForm, Long Fibre Injection (LFI) and Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) as well as solutions for lightweight components, which the company says are becoming increasingly popular in series production.

“The increasing number of orders we are receiving makes it clear that the market volume for carbon fibre-reinforced components is growing continuously,” said Erich Fries, Head of the Composites/Surfaces Business Unit of the Reaction Process Machinery segment at KraussMaffei. “The legal regulations and discussions about CO2 emissions and

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is A lightweight roof the ing us red tu fac nu ma s igh we and LFI process kg 23 n tha less

Case Study: Composite components for pioneering British racing car Specialist product developer and manufacturer, Arrk Europe, has supplied precision low volume production carbon components for the Mono, a Britishengineered, lightweight supercar.

The maker of the Mono, Briggs Automotive Company (BAC), was looking for a local, tailored composite provider to become part of its supply team and approached Arrk’s engineering experts in Nuneaton.

Working with BAC’s design team to understand its requirements, Arrk set about producing components from its existing tooling. However, as the company’s engineers gained an appreciation of what the designers of the Mono were looking to achieve, they decided to review the manufacturing process with a view to improving production methods and component quality.

sustainability are supporting the positive trend.”

Together with industry partners, KraussMaffei says it is capable of implementing the entire turnkey process chain, from unwinding the semi-finished textile material – such as a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic fabric – to final machining of the finished fibre composite component. As part of this group, KraussMaffei supplies the metering technology, including mixing head, mould technology and solutions for cutting the finished component.

KraussMaffei says its metering system for processing highly reactive resins, such as epoxy, PU or PA, enables extremely short cycle times. It features a special vacuum-assisted tank system and a highprecision, energy-efficient temperature

Arrk says by applying some of the latest techniques and materials available, including using a combination of carbon and glass prepreg material, autoclave cured, has resulted in significant improvements in the car’s production.

“Arrk is delighted with how the project unfolded: the close working relationship between the two companies is delivering the most effective composite solution,” a spokesperson from the Composite team at Nuneaton told BP&R. pplied Arrk has su rts for pa te si compo htweight lig a the Mono, supercar

control with constant operating point. The high pressure RTM moulds are also heatbalanced and are said to have a special seal system that enables resin injections with up to 100 bar of mould cavity pressure. Integrated sensors monitor and regulate optimum filling of the mould and the self-cleaning mixing head system for resin injection enables an accurate and reproducible feed of internal release agents, says the company.

KraussMaffei post-mould processing centres are used at the end of the process chain. These compact machining cells are said to feature short cycle times and high repeatability. Additional peripheral tool and handling units can be added to create a complete system. further information: www.kraussmaffei.com

BAC Mono has now commissioned 45 vehicles, which are to be delivered for assembly over a period of time. Each car comprises 34 individual carbon components, including core assembly, front hatch, wheel arches, diffuser, spine, rear-wing and storage box. further information: www.arrkeurope.com

www.netzsch.com

hnologies Composite Cryotank Tec

). Credit: NASA Demonstration (CCTD

NASA tests ‘game-changing’ composite cryogenic fuel tank NASA has revealed it recently completed a major space technology development milestone by successfully testing a pressurised, large cryogenic propellant tank made of composite materials. The agency says the composite tank will enable the next generation of rockets and spacecraft needed for space exploration.

Cryogenic propellants are gasses chilled to subfreezing temperatures and condensed to form highly combustible liquids, providing high-energy propulsion solutions critical to future, long-term human exploration missions beyond lowEarth orbit. Cryogenic propellants, such as liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, have been traditionally used to provide the enormous thrust needed for large rockets and NASA’s space shuttle.

In the past, propellant tanks have been fabricated out of metals. The almost 2.4 metre diameter composite tank tested at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in the US is considered game-changing because composite tanks may significantly reduce the cost and weight for launch vehicles and other space missions.

“These successful tests mark an important milestone on the path to demonstrating the composite cryogenic tanks needed to accomplish our next generation of deep space missions,� said Michael Gazarik, NASA’s Associate Administrator for space technology at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

NASA says switching from metallic to composite construction holds the potential to dramatically increase the performance capabilities of future space systems through a dramatic reduction in weight. A potential initial target application for the composite technology is an upgrade to the upper stage of NASA’s Space Launch System heavy-lift rocket.

Built by Boeing, the test tank arrived at NASA in late 2012. The tank manufacturing process is said to represent a number of industry breakthroughs, including automated fibre placement of oven-cured materials, fibre placement of an all-composite tank wall design that is leak-tight and a tooling approach that eliminates heavy-joints.

UK composites industry backed with £11m Government funding A new cluster dedicated to enhancing the UK’s composites sector has been awarded over £11m in funding from the UK Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI).

The Composites Innovation Cluster (CiC) will be funded by ÂŁ22m of joint funding from AMSCI and industry investors, will support the creation and safeguarding of over 200 jobs as well create ÂŁ190m growth from new projects, according to the partners involved.

Led by UK-based Cytec Industrial Materials and partnered by Axillium Research Ltd and Composites UK, with support from the National Composites Centre, the CiC aims to deliver 13 integrated capability projects over a threeyear period across 25 partners.

It will address market failures in the composites materials and innovative manufacturing sector – enabling the design and manufacture of lightweight vehicles, structures and devices that would otherwise take place abroad.

Market failures are the availability of composites skills, training and experience in UK suppliers and primes, the development of new materials and formats for recyclable, high performance, rapid processing and handling in the manufacturing cycle as well as the automated, high-volume, rapid manufacturing and joining methods of composite structures in volume.

Under the leadership of the partners, the collaborative cluster project will be delivered by materials specialists, manufacturing and process businesses, as well as tooling and systems providers, all working with academic support.

further information: www.nasa.gov/spacetech

further information: www.compositesuk.co.uk

composites

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reclamation & recyling

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news MP sees pots of potential in Tamworth facility Boomerang Plastics, the pilot recycling line of Tamworth-based Summit Systems, recently welcomed local MP, Christopher Pincher, to its facility to demonstrate its bespoke machinery for the recycling of food-contaminated plastic.

Machinery at the Boomerang site is used for recycling yoghurt pots and tubs, before the resulting granulate is sold to plastics processors in the UK for moulding into new products.

The team at Boomerang said Pincher was impressed by the recycling line, which is individually designed and manufactured to cope with specific issues arising from the type of feedstock used.

“I was really pleased to visit Boomerang, which uses innovative technology to recycle plastic waste into

valuable new products, Pincher commented. “Science, developed by local Tamworth entrepreneurs, means old yoghurt pots can quickly become coat hangers which is good for the environment and good for business.”

The MP said he was pleased to see job creation at the site, adding: “Boomerang can be another Tamworth success story offering jobs and skills to local people. I hope it continues to grow

(L-R) Mike Jordan, Boomerang Managing Director, Christopher Pincher MP and Dan Jordan, Commercial Manager at Boomerang Plastics, inspect the recyclate that comes from the waste material behind them

and I will do what I can to support it and other local businesses like it.” further information: www.boomerangplastics.co.uk

Replast 2013 will take place this November in London

“The recycling bin has been designed so it can easily interlock with additional bins as required. As each bin simply slides into the groove of another in various configurations so that they can blend neatly into their environment,� commented Evans. “A key benefit of the design is that it can help tackle the costly problem of waste contamination as different waste streams are effectively kept separate. It is also comprised of just two parts so it’s easy to manufacture and assemble to help keep costs down too.�

Terry Burton, Technical Manager, Luxus said: “With ‘Design4Recycling’ we wanted to encourage engineering students to use their skills to develop designs that could really help solve issues impacting on our industry. This collaboration also provided us as a local employer with the opportunity to raise awareness of both our company and plastics as a future career.�

reclamation & recyling

L-R: Terry Burton, Technical Manager, Luxus, Adam Evans, Engineering Student, Prof Jonathan Lawrence, The University of Lincoln

Winning recycling bin is no rubbish design Louth-based plastics solutions provider, Luxus, has announced student Adam Evans from Reepham, Lincoln, as the winner of its ‘Design4Recycling’ competition with the University of Lincoln’s School of Engineering.

In this first collaboration with the university, Luxus tasked its second year engineering students with ‘designing a recycling bin fit for the year 2020’. The aim was to encourage tomorrow’s engineers to think sustainably by creating designs to help the plastics and waste industries improve recycling rates.

The winning bin features a simple, modular design that will enable users to accommodate new materials as recycling capabilities expand in the future.

further information: www.luxus.co.uk

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BPF launches plastics recycling event The British Plastics Federation has launched Replast 2013, its sixth annual plastics recycling conference. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Driving Manufacturing Using Recycled Plastics’ and the association says the conference will examine how to increase the size of the UK plastics recycling industry and its market.

Replast 2013 will take place on 6th November 2013 at the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) in London. The BPF says the conference will give delegates the opportunity to discuss the essential issues facing the industry in the UK and to network with their peers.

Speakers from companies including John Lewis and Closed Loop Recycling are set to explore topics ranging from the Coalition government’s policy on waste management to a retailers view on plastics recycling. There will also be the chance for delegates to listen to panel debates and to hear the results of a survey into why some companies find it difficult to use recycled plastics.

There will also be a number of table-top exhibition sites available for companies to hire to feature relevant technology, materials, products and services.

The BPF says the conference will be of major interest to all members of the plastics industry with an involvement in plastics recycling, practitioners and users. further information: www.bpfevents.co.uk

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bp&r

from the front line The BPF kicked off the summer with the election of Mike Boswell as President and published a This month’s update ‘Progress from Philip Law, Public Report’ on and Industrial Affairs the Director at the British discussions and actions Plastics Federation. arising from its strategic paper, ‘The UK Plastics Industry: A Strategic Manufacturing Sector’. The report documents the status of the key messages for government laid out in the original discussion document, essentially problems holding back the industry’s development which government could help fix. It is accessible via the BPF website.

The results of the latest half yearly ‘Business Conditions Survey’ have also been published and presented to senior Bank of England staff. Respondents to the survey signaled an increase in business confidence in the plastics sector. Some two-thirds of companies are expecting sales turnover to increase in the next twelve months, up from 55 percent in January, with exports expected to stabilise and 41 percent anticipating increased profitability, up from 36 percent.

At a meeting of the BPF council, held at the Bank of England, members were able to discuss and explain the trends in their particular sectors with the Bank’s Agent for Greater London, Peter Andrews, and its Deputy Governor, Charlie Bean, who is a member of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee. The overall feeling was that the industry is increasingly optimistic.

The BPF recently installed a display in the foyer at the Department for Business Innovation and Skills in central London. The ‘Plastics the Facts’ display showed how plastics are key to the success of a vast array of UK manufacturing, distribution and service sectors, for example aerospace, construction, furniture, healthcare and retail and how the material is facilitating the emergence of a low carbon economy. Its aim was to communicate the ‘real facts’ about plastics to Ministers, civil servants and Government officials, as well as the many others who visit the building.

Part of the display had a historical element featuring the BPF’s timeline which charts the UK’s contribution to the development of the global industry. In addition, the Museum of Design in Plastics

(L-R) Peter Davis, Mike Boswell, Philip Watkins and Philip Law

(MoDiP) in Bournemouth was specially commissioned by the BPF to curate two showcases of iconic products, specially selected from its unique holdings of historical plastic artefacts. These cases illustrated the key beneficial properties of plastics such as their light weight, durability, low conductivity, the energy savings achievable and recyclability. further information: www.bpf.co.uk

Giving the image of manufacturing a makeover This month, PMMDA Chairman, Nigel Flowers, writes on the economy, investment and appealing to the masses.

Recently there has been more good news for the UK. Not only the Lions, Murray, the cricket and the new Royal arrival but the UK economy has now had two quarters of growth. Talking to PPMDA members, we are experiencing more investment – especially in the automotive sector. This is great news, however, UK manufacturing output is still far below the heady heights of 2007.

The PMMDA has recently completed a membership survey, and the consensus seems to be that the key services required from PMMDA membership centres around market intelligence, networking and training opportunities. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be analysing the results to ensure the services the association offers meet members’ needs. Watch this space.

We all realise that the future of our industry is dependent on a skilled workforce. More and more companies are waking up to the importance of apprenticeships, but according to ATG Group, a local training provider, surprisingly many advanced apprenticeship vacancies are bp&r

42

going unfilled. It is reported that the quality of the applicants is not high enough and it’s nothing to do with education, but poor attitude; with applicants failing to turn up for interview or poor preparation.

We’re all responsible for the image of manufacturing, it is vital to the country’s future prosperity and it is important to invest

in the skills needed to maintain its strength. Together with government, we must inspire more young people to see manufacturing and engineering as a viable and exciting career choice. further information: www.pmmda.org.uk

Mixed economic data means a bumpy ride for sterling This month’s view from Smart Currency The past month has been quite a bumpy ride for Sterling, as it has risen and fallen against most major currencies on the back of conflicting economic data, both at home and abroad.

Sterling, like most major currencies, rose against the US dollar after US Federal Reserve chairman, Ben Bernanke, calmed market nerves about when it would begin the process of unwinding its quantitative easing (QE) programme.

However, the transition to new Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney, has caused movement for the local currency, most noticeably after his first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, at which he stated that stimulus measures for the UK will remain in place for a long time yet and may even be further expanded. These comments were interpreted by the market to mean that additional central bank intervention will further devalue Sterling and led to a slump in its value.

More recently, Carney dramatically tore up the UK’s monetary policy rules, promising that interest rates would not be raised until unemployment dropped below seven percent, conditional to inflation staying above 2.5 percent for another 18-24 months. Essentially, interest rates will most likely remain at their historic low for another three years. Similarly, the Euro has seen plenty of volatility on the back of mixed economic data and a nerve-rattling bout of political instability in Portugal.

Currently, the Euro is in the ascendancy but in these volatile times this could change quickly and we could see Sterling appreciate. In such a situation buyers of Euros could take advantage of any Sterling strength, as it could be short lived. further information: www.smartcurrencybusiness.com/bpr

Funding workshop puts the spotlight on R&D This month’s update from RAPRA. With so many funding options available knowing where to start looking can be a frustrating task. RAPRA is bridging this gap by bringing together a diverse range of funding options under one roof with a series of ‘Meet the Funder’ workshops.

These popular workshops are designed to introduce a business to a wide range of funding organisations including Universities, peerto-peer lending groups and other commercial organisations.

RAPRA’s latest workshop, in conjunction with The University of Sheffield, expands the existing speaker list to include representatives from Santander, Angel co-fund and accounting specialists advising on the government’s new ‘Patent Box’ initiative.

To be held at the Mappin Hall at The University of Sheffield, the latest workshop promises a unique approach to ensure delegates get the most from the event. Numbers are limited to ensure each delegate is able to speak to their chosen speaker.

Following presentations and lunch, delegates are offered the opportunity to book a timeslot with the selected representative(s) from each organisation. This unique ‘speed dating’ approach ensures enough time to gain an introductory insight into what the chosen organisation can offer a business, gather details on how to apply and provides an opportunity to discuss and accommodate individual needs on a one-to-one basis.

‘Meet the R&D Funders’ will be held on September 17th 2013. further information: www.rapra.org

software directory manufacturing management directory ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING 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 01244 680222 for details.

43 bp&r

buyers’ guide

materials

colour masterbatch

conductive plastics and coatings

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

TBA Electro Conductive Products Ltd 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

mould release

FOR SALE

Telsonic UK Ltd

12a - 15 Birch Copse, Technology Road, Poole, Dorset BH17 7FH T: 01202 697340 F: 01202 693674 E: sales@uk.telsonic.com W: www.telsonic.co.uk Blog:wwwtelsonicuk.wordpress.com

vibration welding Branson Ultrasonics

CNC ASSEMBLY MACHINES

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.

Reheat Stretch Blow Moulding Machine (PET) Make: Sidel, France Type: SBO 24/24 Year: 1994 - Preform Tipper, Hopper / Elevator, Infeed Rail - Oven & Heating Wheel - Electrical Cabinet (Siemens S5) - Operating manuals

For further details: 01925 596170 – 07838138342 Email: douglastrading@gmail.com

masterbatch

equipment AEROSOLS

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

assembly 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.branson-plasticsjoin.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

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

thermocouples 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

spin welding 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

pulse staking H.T.E Engineering Services Ltd Unit 9, St Ives Enterprise Centre, St Ives, Huntingdon Cambridgeshire, UK, PE27 3NP T: +44 (0) 1480 467321 M: +44 (0) 7435 967632 E: john@hte.ie W: www.pulsestaker.com

control systems and equipment

ultrasonic plastics assembly systems

quality monitoring control Kistler Instruments Ltd

polymer distributors

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.

ancillary

FLEXIBLE POLYMERS RIGID POLYMERS ADDITIVES PURGING SOLUTIONS

44 bp&r

C.J.P. Sales Ltd, 8 Heol West Plas, Litchard, Bridgend CF31 1PA

Tel: 01656 644907 Fax: 01656 662 397 Email: sales@cjpsales.co.uk Web: www.cjpsales.co.uk

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 welding

For Temperature Control Rental turn to the experts • FLUID CHILLERS • BOILERS • AIR CONDITIONING • HEATING • DRY COOLERS/ FREE COOLING

0800 026 4717 Rental Systems

Dosing 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

LABORATORY machines

PLASTICOLOR B A Thorne (Machinery) Ltd 19A 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

ROTOR WHEEL DRYERS

hopper dryers

The New Industry Standard Up to 70% Energy Saving Low regeneration No Chilled Water No Compressed Air Temp. range 55-180ËšC 5 Year Warranty

E info@summitsystems.co.uk W www.summitsystems.co.uk T 01827 265 800

GATE CUTTERS

printing machines

dryers/dehumidifiers

pad

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

hot runner systems hot runner controllers

hopper loaders 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

screws and barrels

heating equipment infra red systems

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

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, extrusion tooling, water baths, haul-offs, fly knife cutters, conveyors/tip tables, in-line punches, coilers etc. New and used. Repairs, servicing or rebuilds.

UK agent for Lyons Electronics.

Injection Moulding

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

granulators

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

materials handling and storage gravimetric/volumetric blending 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

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buyers’ guide static control

parts & services

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.

testing equipment

RIDAT COMPANY

SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE. COMPETITIVE PRICE.

injection moulding

printers of plastic mouldings TAMPO.SCREEN.FOIL Contour Marking Co Ltd Albert house, Gledrid Industrial Park, Chirk ,Wrexham, LL14 5DG T: 01691 770093 F: 01691 770023 Sub Contract Tampo, Screen & Foil Printing to the plastic moulding industry E: sales@contourmarking.com W: www.contourmarking.com

UK manufacturer of Thermoforming & Pressure Forming Equipment, including Blister & Skin Packaging machines

Ray Ran Test Equipment Ltd

screen changers 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

secondhand and reconditioned ANGLO PLASTICS LTD 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 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

DTL Machines We Buy / Sell all Makes, Age and Sizes of Injection Moulding Machines & Ancillaries Tool room machines and also complete factories / plants Factory Clearance Services Dismantling / Removal of obsolete plant and machinery T: 01925 596170 M: 07838138342 E: douglastrading@gmail.com 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

46 bp&r

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

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

For more information or to order our sales brochure please contact us:

T: 0845 050 6525 or E: info@ridat.com www.ridat.com

WATER FITTINGS

EXTRUSION

hardness - IRHD and shore MAPRA Technik Co — BAREISS For Bareiss of Germany IRHD & SHORE hardness testers, Abrasion & Rebound testers.

T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk

World leader in Materials Testing Instrumentation Tensile|Fatigue| Impact Compression|Melt Flow Coronation Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP12 3SY, UK Tel: +44 1494 464646

www.instron.com inspection & measurement MAPRA Technik Co – DOSS – MARCEL AUBERT – KAFER For DOSS visual solution of Italy – Inspection & sorting machines for O’rings, Seals, Gaskets.

T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk

WANTED

services ACQUISITION

Injection Moulding Business Wanted T/O between £100,000 and £1.5million.

Contact in the strictest confidence, Joe Reeve, Data Plastics Ltd Email joe.reeve@dataplastics.co.uk Phone 01993 700777

mouldflow analysis

Extrusion and Plastics Services Extrusion, Compounding, Wash Plant • Installation, Maintenance, Removal • New Factory Setups / Single Machine • CAD work / Tooling Mods / Trials • Product Development / Line Trials • Downstream Equipment Repairs • Chillers, Pumps, Pipework, Air etc • Punching / Drilling / Foiling / Wrap • Filtration / Settlement Systems • Process Improvement / Training

07930 150120 extrusionandplastics@hotmail.co.uk

EXTRUSION FLOW ANAYLYSIS

Payment terms: COD T: 0121 328 5222 F: 0121 328 3555 E: sales@bsplastics.co.uk

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 Sub-contract printers pad to the plastics industry

testing/consultancy FLEMING Polymer Testing and Consultancy An independent ISO9001 accredited laboratory specialising in: Capillary rheometry FTIR DSC/TGA MFR/MVR Extrusion Pilot-scale blown film Line Instrumented impact Flow simulation Tel: +44 (0)1299 253300 www.flemingptc.co.uk

FLEMING Polymer Testing and Consultancy An independent ISO9001 accredited laboratory specialising in the flow simulation of: Extruder screws & spiral mandrel,flat spiral,profile, coathanger & coex dies Compuplast distributor Stop guessing start simulating Tel: +44 (0)1299 253300 www.flemingptc.co.uk

Contract cleaning Injection Moulding Extrusion

WANTED PLASTIC SCRAP We are looking to purchase LDPE post production scrap.

Can take over 100 Tonne a week.

printers

• • • • • •

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

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

Additive Manufacturing 3D Printing Prototyping Product Development Software Scanning Digitising

R

TE S I G RE

. . .

W NO

25-26 September 2013 NEC, BIRMINGHAM, UK

www.tctshow.com

Advanced Polymer Testing

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) Provides mechanical properties of a polymer under force as a function of temperature, time and frequency

NETZSCH DMA 242 E Artemis – The most versatile DMA available 30 sample holder options ensure that measurement conditions are optimised to material properties Increased controlled force range up to 24N and higher resolution allows measurements of very stiff samples such as composites Extensions for Dielectric Analysis and UV for curing studies

NETZSCH-Gerätebau GmbH UK Branch Office Wolverhampton United Kingdom Tel.: (+44) 1902 306645 Fax: (+44) 1902 725954 uk.thermal@netzsch.com www.netzsch.com/n20496