British Plastics
and Rubber
bp&r JUNE 2015
GREAT GRANULATORS, GREAT BRITAIN: PIOVAN UK ARE NOW THE EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTORS FOR CMG GRANULATORS IN GREAT BRITAIN
WORKING TOGETHER TO PLUG THE SKILLS GAP
THE FLYING MATERIALS RESEARCH LABORATORY
INTERNATIONAL RUBBER CONFERENCE: PREVIEW
YOU’LL FIND THE BEST IN MATERIAL HANDLING @THE ANCILLARY CENTRE
VISIT US AT
PDM
16 – 17 JUNE STAND A019
LEADING EUROPEAN BRANDS
Wide range of high quality equipment including: • Single and three phase Vacuum Hopper Loaders • Cyclone Systems • Proportional Valves • Silos and Storage • 12 months warranty on all equipment
The one-stop shop for plastics moulders
Tel 01933 354 463 www.hiclassmachinery.co.uk
Email: sales@hiclassmachinery.co.uk Unit 7 Brindley Close Rushden Business Park Rushden Northants NN10 6EN
comment
bp&r
Saving plastics from the seas
BRITISH PLASTICS &RUBBER
www.britishplastics.co.uk EDITORIAL
group 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 SAM HAMLYN T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: sam@rapidnews.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS
T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: subscriptions@rapidnews.com
PUBLISHER
duncan wood T: +44(0)1244 680222 E: duncan@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 (8 times/year) by Rapid Plastics Media Ltd, Carlton House, Sandpiper Way, Chester Business Park, CH4 9QE T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 F: +44 (01244) 671074 © 2015 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.
A
t Chinaplas last month, the China Closer to home, UK-based Ecover Plastics Processing Industry launched its ‘Ocean Plastic Bottle’, the Association (CPPIA) became the first bottle created using a percentage latest trade organisation to sign up of plastic recovered from the seas, to ‘Operation Clean Sweep’ (OCS), a along with recycled materials from product stewardship programme to other sources. The bottle, says the prevent plastic pellets ending up in firm, represents both a big step in marine environments. raising awareness of ocean plastic CPPIA joins the British Plastics and the beginning of “the process of Federation, Plastics Europe and 15 prevention.” other international And it is this members of the OCS “prevention” that is still programme in signing the hardest challenge. the agreement. Where the plastics Collectively, these industry has long It would seem associations represent struggled with changing that saving nations responsible for public perceptions approximately 430,023 plastics from the regarding the issue of kilometers (267,203 on both land oceans is high on littering miles) of the earth’s and sea, initiatives by coastline. the agenda of not powerful and influential It would seem that consumer brands can only the plastics saving plastics from the only help in bringing industry, but oceans is high on the the issue to the fore. agenda of not only the also retailers, as plastics industry, but also retailers, as brands brands clamour clamour to use plastics to use plastics recovered from the seas recovered from in their products as part of highlighting their the seas in their sustainability initiatives. products as part German sportswear firm, Adidas, has of highlighting become the latest big their name to announce a partnership to develop sustainability materials made from initiatives. marine plastic waste that can be used in its products. The company has partnered with the ‘Parley for the Oceans’ initiative to develop fibres made from recycled ocean waste However, it is still very for use in its clothing, and potentially much an uphill struggle shoe uppers, from 2016. to change the Other brands to do the same include behaviour that means retailer, G-Star Raw, which, along with it ends up there in the US musician, Pharrell Williams, worked first place. with Parley last year to launch ‘‘RAW for Enjoy the issue. the Oceans’, a denim line made out of Leanne Taylor, marine plastic waste. Editor
bp&r
THE BIG STORY 15,000 worldwide sales and counting:
I
What Piovan and CMG Granulators are bringing to Great Britain
talian manufacturer of size reduction equipment for the plastics industry, CMG, has sold more than 15,000 granulators worldwide since its conception in 1979. Aside from granulators, the company’s range includes dust removal systems, conveying systems and single EARLIER THIS YEAR, shaft shredders designed PIOVAN’S UK SUBSIDIARY with a focus on efficiency, ANNOUNCED THAT IT IS NOW reduction of noise and THE OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR energy consumption as well FOR CMG GRANULATORS AND as producing high quality SHREDDERS. HERE, BP&R regrind. The company operates GETS A FURTHER INSIGHT in a modern 5000 sq. m INTO THE COMPANY BEHIND factory near Bologna, Italy, THE TECHNOLOGY AND HOW where it has an in-house THE RANGE OF PRODUCTS ON engineering department, as OFFER CAN BENEFIT THE UK’S well as a technical centre adjacent to the main site. PLASTICS PROCESSORS. This technical centre includes over 20 machines of varying sizes, allowing trials to be conducted for processors across the injection moulding, blow moulding, extrusion and thermoforming and recycling industries. This, says CMG, fits in with the company’s philosophy of providing “different solutions for every need.” The company is renowned for its ‘tangential cutting chamber design,’ which is said to increase throughput, reduce noise level, reduce bounce (with light products), and result in more aggressive cutting of reject parts, meaning that smaller motors can be used to achieve the same throughput, producing energy savings of up to 30 percent. The single shaft shredders have a patented design and can be combined with CMG granulators, to further size reduce, if required, for secondary processing. CMG is already represented by Piovan in France and the two companies share distributors in other countries. The full range of CMG is now available from Piovan’s UK subsidiary, based in Bromsgrove. Managing Director, Andrew Gibbens, said: “We are delighted to be working with such a respected manufacturer as CMG. Their level of engineering is second to none and their true tangential design gives unrivalled energy saving compared to other designs. The single shaft shredders complete the offering we can make to customers, from small sprues all the way up to large lump waste, allowing us to meet all requirements. They are a perfect fit alongside the Piovan range of products.”
“ We are delighted to be working with such a respected manufacturer as CMG. Their level of engineering is second to none and their true tangential design gives unrivalled energy saving compared to other designs. The single shaft shredders complete the offering we can make to customers, from small sprues all the way up to large lump waste, allowing us to meet all requirements. They are a perfect fit alongside the Piovan range of products.” – Andrew Gibbens
WWW.PIOVAN.COM | WWW.CMG.IT/EN PIOVANUK@PIOVAN.COM | 01527 879 419 4
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
The range of CMG granulators is now available from Piovan UK
EVISE YOUR EXPECTATIONS.
VISIT US AT
PDM
16 – 17 JUNE STAND A019
IT’S BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH BOY... The BOY 55AR series combines advanced technologies with traditional, proven BOY engineering in a package that may be less expensive than you thought...it’s time to revise your expectations and call us on 01933 354460, email sales@boy.ltd.uk, or visit www.boy.ltd.uk
Spritzgiessautomaten
bp&r BRITISH
contents
PLASTICS &RUBBER
JUNE 2015
on the cover Great Granulators, Great Britain Earlier this year, Piovan’s UK subsidiary announced that it is now the official distributor for CMG Granulators and shredders. BP&R gets a further insight into the company behind the technology and how the range of products on offer can benefit the UK’s plastics processors. SEE PAGE 4
21 FEATURE
Automation and Robotics
Nigel Flowers comments on the growing adoption of robots by plastic injection moulders
26 FEATURE
REGULARS
INDUSTRY NEWS
09
MATERIALS
16
mo’scorner
37
Reclamation and Recycling
46
BUYERS’ GUIDE
47
SOFTWARE
49
NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
50
RUBBER
3
EDITOR’S LETTER
Saving plastics from the seas
14 FEATURE
Working together to plug the skills gap Stephen Trillo examines how the introduction of the Science Industry Partnership (SIP), is helping to address the looming skills shortage in the process industries.
18 FEATURE
THE FLYING MATERIALS RESEARCH LABORATORY
Dr. Bernd Rothe of Bayer MaterialsScience explains more about the groundbreaking polymer science behind the Solar Impulse 2 airplane.
6
Nonlinear modelling speeds up tyre rubber recipe development
30 FEATURE
INTERNATIONAL RUBBER CONFERENCE: PREVIEW
BP&R previews some of the key highlights that delegates can look forward to seeing ahead of the event
39 FEATURE
Colour Management Clariant and partners add holograms and laser marking to ‘ColorForward’ palette
43 FEATURE FILM AND SHEET
Innovative large-surface, lightemitting plastic film developed
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
16
RECYCLING Solutions Efficient + Flexible Granulator SB Series with Forced Feeding Device ■ 30 % - 100 % more capacity with the same granulator cutting chamber size. Up to 50 % less power consumption. Suitable for dry and wet operation. Plastcompactors Series HV ■ Agglomeration of bottle flakes, powders, fibres, film and foam materials ■ Re-crystallisation of PET flakes ■ Thin-film drying from post onsumer washing line
PLANTS for washing, separating and drying of dirty and mixed plastic waste ■ Agricultural films ■ Plastics from post consumer waste ■ PET bottles ■ Bottles and hollow components ot of PE/PP ■ PE films, also stretch films
Motan Colortronic Limited Tel: 01246 260222 Email: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk
www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
INDUSTRY | NEWS Patrick Thomas, CEO of Bayer MaterialScience, introducing the new brand of the company. Image: Bayer.
BAYER MATERIALSCIENCE TO BECOME COVESTRO Bayer has announced that the new name of its MaterialScience business will be Covestro, with the change effective from September 1, 2015. Bayer says it intends to float Covestro on the stock market by mid-2016 at the latest, after it announced its intention to divest the MaterialScience business in September 2014. The name Covestro, says Bayer, is made from a combination of words that reflect the identity of the new company. The letters ‘C’ and ‘O’ come from ‘collaboration’, while ‘VEST’ signifies the company is well ‘invested’ in state-ofthe-art manufacturing facilities. The final letters, STRO,
JONATHAN SHORT STARTS NEW PLASTICS RECYCLING VENTURE Jonathan Short, the former Chief Executive of ECO Plastics, has started a new UK recycling business. Plastics Reclamation Limited (PRL) has been formed by Short, along with ECO Plastics’ former Commercial Director, Duncan Oakes, to “capitalise on their combined knowledge of plastics reprocessing operations and global outlets for recycled and recyclable plastic scrap.”
show the company is ‘strong’. It is strong in innovation, strong in the market and with a strong workforce, says Bayer. “Covestro represents a bold new direction and bright future for an innovation-driven polymers company,” said Patrick Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Bayer MaterialScience and CEO designate of Covestro. Thomas said that being separate would give the new company greater flexibility to independently pursue its business goals. “The platforms for this will include our leading market positions, favourable industry dynamics, our state-ofthe-art asset base with leading process technology, a portfolio including a high-value specialty business as well as an outstanding team of highly skilled and motivated employees,” he added. WWW.BAYER.COM/EN
The company will undertake reprocessing of bi-products from plastic operations in both the UK and across Europe, trade plastic scrap to a database of customers across Europe and Asia, as well as offering a consultancy service. Short said that having recently left ECOPlastics Recycling, there are certain market areas within which PRL is unable to enter but added, “there are plenty of other material streams out there.”
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
PRL will reportedly be working very closely with Agricycle, a Lincolnshirebased agricultural plastics reprocessing business. Although the business has only been operating for a few weeks, Short says it has already taken on “a number of clients” including businesses who are developing business plans in the plastics reprocessing industry or wanting to evolve existing business plans.
9
Rock solid CNC performance for more productivity.
FANUC ROBOSHOT
HIGH PRECISION ELECTRIC INJECTION MOULDING
• proven CNC reliability and precision • 100% FANUC servo-driven axes • 10 versatile models for maximum adaptability • consistent processes and excellent repeatability • mould and ejector protection • low maintenance requirement
Short cycle times, consistent parts quality Roboshot takes 60 years of world-beating CNC knowhow and applies it to electric injection moulding. The results are greater acceleration, incredibly precise movements and extremely short cycle times to produce large quantities of consistently high quality parts. Energy consumption is also extremely low and, because all FANUC products share one common control platform, Roboshot is easily combined with robots.
WWW.FANUC.EU
HALES APPOINTED EUROPEAN CHANNEL PARTNER FOR ATHENA CONTROLLERS At NPE earlier this year, Hales Tool & Die Ltd and Athena Controls Inc. agreed a deal that will see the former appointed as ‘European Channel Partner’ for the Philadelphia-based manufacturer. The partnership will see Essexbased Hales distribute a wide range of Athena temperature control products, as well as its new software solution, Maestro™, which enables process data to be more efficiently captured, stored, visualised and analysed. “We are very happy and proud to be working closer with the team at
Athena in order to grow the brand and sales throughout Europe,” said John Applebee, Managing Director at Hales. The latest offering, Maestro, is powered by a digital platform know as ‘ThingWorx™’, which connects Athena hot runner, temperature and process controls to the Internet of Things (IoT), so that manufacturing and engineering teams can access event-driven data by laptop, tablet or secure managed cloud service. The data can also be integrated into ERP systems, CRM and quality systems, and analysed using the latest tools. “Maestro powered by ThingWorx is a fast and cost effective way for plastic processors and packagers to
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
upgrade their controls with enhanced communications functionality,” said Robert Schlegel, president of Athena Controls. “By connecting to servers and the cloud, they can visualise captured data in a much more productive manner to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).” Hales now plans to implement a comprehensive online web shop and develop a European sales and support network, which will offer customers “superior products and support” throughout Europe. WWW.ATHENACONTROLS.COM WWW.HALESTOOLING.COM
11
New President, David Hall (left), with Immediate Past President, Mike Boswell
POLYPIPE’S DAVID HALL ELECTED AS NEW BPF PRESIDENT David Hall, the Chief Executive of the Polypipe Group, has been elected as the new President of the British Plastics Federation (BPF) at the organisation’s AGM. He succeeds Mike Boswell who has held the post since 2013.
An honours graduate in mechanical engineering, Hall brings with him many years experience at board level in the construction products sector of the plastics industry. “I am honoured to take up this position,” Hall said after the official announcement was made. “Mike [Boswell] has done a fantastic job
• Rapid colour matching • Quick turn around One of the leading suppliers of black, white, colour and additive masterbatch
• Technical expertise • Competitive pricing
1-10 Burgess Street, Middleport, Burslem, Stoke-On-Trent, ST6 3PD T - 01782 819670 E - sales@burgesscolours.co.uk 12
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK Burgess 1-8.indd 1
08/06/2015 09:42
at a time when the association and industry was going through a period of great change. We are now settled and in a good position.” Hall has acquired an indepth experience of the BPF, having served as Vice-Chairman of the Federation since June 2014, as well as being a former President of the BPF’s Plastics Pipes Group and a former member of the Federation’s Council, its supervisory body. Outgoing President, Boswell, highlighted the inroads the Federation has made into achieving the objectives set out in his Presidential theme, including a new trade skills body and high-level meetings, such as that held at the Bank of England last year. “It has been a real pleasure being BPF President, and I am glad that I have succeeded in achieving the aims set out in my Presidential themes,” Boswell told the Group. “I wish David every success in the role.” WWW.BPF.CO.UK
Gresford’s injection moulding hall
APPE UK INVESTS £10M IN PREFORM MANUFACTURING PLATFORM PET packaging specialist, APPE, has announced a major £10m investment in its UK preform manufacturing platform. This is the one of the largest investments in the Gresford plant since PET preform production commenced there just over 30 years ago. This, it says, confirms its position as the largest preform manufacturing plant in Europe. The investment will support the installation of five state-of-the-art Husky preform injection moulding systems and the latest generation ancillary equipment including silos, resin drying systems and water chilling systems. The investment, says APPE, comes on the back of several “extremely successful years” and will support both an increase in sales and development of the manufacturing platform of the business. The installation of the new injection moulding machines has resulted in a 1.5 billion unit annual capacity increase at the plant, taking the overall capacity to eight billion units per year, or an average of just under 22 million per day. This huge volume of production is made possible through a high level of automation, including upgrading its fleet of automatic guided vehicles. “APPE has successfully renewed existing contracts and has also won new business despite our parent company (LSB) entering voluntary insolvency in 2013,” said George Hendry, APPE UK’s Commercial Director. “We are delighted that, as a result of the market confidence in APPE, we have made this significant investment at our UK plant.” Plastipak Packaging Inc. was announced as the successful bidder for APPE, following the insolvency of parent company, LSB. The sale is expected to complete in the summer.
NEC BIRMINGHAM, UK | 26-28 SEPTEMBER 2017
INJECTION MOULDING
EXTRUSION
ROTATIONAL MOULDING
BLOW MOULDING
RECYCLING
THERMOFORMING
M AT E R I A L S
VACUUM FO R MIN G
DESIGN
FILM EXTRUSION
EXHIBIT NOW www.interplasuk.com
WWW.APPE.COM WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
13
Comment: Working together to plug the skills gap
C
ompanies within the science-related industries have and innovative ways of giving our employees opportunities shown that they can successfully work together to to develop and progress. The SIP has enabled us to increase address the skills gap for the future wellbeing of the the number of apprenticeships and training programmes we sectors. offer so playing an important part in the overall delivery of STEPHEN TRILLO, HR Last year we saw the launch our Organisational Development and Manpower Strategy. DIRECTOR AT LOTTE of the £52m skills and talent By integrating the Organisational Development programme CHEMICAL UK, SPECIALIST initiative known as the Science with the SIP, we have the supporting infrastructure and tools to deliver more training and development for less. It also SUPPLIERS OF PET AND Industry Partnership (SIP), which now has more than 260 gives our people a clear understanding of technical and PTA MATERIALS, EXAMINES companies from the industrial managerial ladders as they progress through their careers. HOW THE INTRODUCTION and life sciences sectors working This strengthens the company’s ability to recruit, retain OF THE SCIENCE INDUSTRY together and and develop the people we need to take the PARTNERSHIP (SIP), IS investing in people, business forward. Underpinning our work with the SIP is the HELPING TO ADDRESS development and Gold Standard competency framework, which THE LOOMING SKILLS training. The SIP’s THE SIP HAS GIVEN has been established in the chemical industry SHORTAGE IN THE success can be since 2007. This provides a benchmark THE SECTOR AN PROCESS INDUSTRIES. measured by OPPORTUNITY FOR for where we are, where we want to get to the fact that, at its first anniversary in April and identify the skills gaps that need to be 2015, 2,000 new people had been involved in NEW BLOOD SO THAT filled through our training and development WE CAN MAINTAIN programmes, which are significantly enhanced training programmes that were designed for, COMPETITIVENESS by being part of the SIP. and by, science sector employers to provide individuals with the skills we need to secure Combining the Gold Standard and the SIP AND ENABLE THE the future prosperity and competitiveness of is proving to be an incredibly powerful tool in INDUSTRY TO the science industries. helping us to ensure we have the right skills for PLAN ITS FUTURE the business now and into the future. There has also been a considerable WORKFORCE investment by the industry in securing its It is not only the new employees who have FROM A POOL OF benefited from this approach to training. We future. In addition to the Government’s commitment of £32.6m, employers have TALENTED, TRAINED have seen the emergence of a truly positive allocated £20m to the initial funding and a AND COMPETENT work environment and a feel-good factor as further £31m through in-kind contributions. our existing employees have become actively PEOPLE Companies need to be aware that the current engaged in supporting our new apprentices match-funding available via the SIP is for the and graduates. They have been keen to life of the two-year pilot programme and they support, train and mentor them throughout need to act on their skills requirements before their training programmes, who themselves April 2016 to benefit. are prepared to bring fresh ideas and knowledge into the What is exciting about the SIP is that it gives the chance company. to actively show what a stimulating sector this is to work in The first cohort of fully-funded SIP apprentices are already while engaging with local communities, schools and colleges. working on the new apprenticeship standards through the The message we are successfully conveying is that the ‘Trailblazers’ programme, which has brought together sector science sectors can offer a highly satisfying and rewarding employers to design training to meet their specific needs. professional career. Allied to this, many companies have significantly benefitted As a former apprentice I am passionate about the from the SIP’s ‘Workforce Development’ programme, where development of people and being able to provide them funding is available to upskill current employees through the with great opportunities and life-long careers. Through my Gold Standard while the ‘Skills for Growth’ programme gives experience in industry and as a STEM Board member at SMEs access to co-funded training. local colleges and universities, I see the benefits of industry, The SIP has given the sector an opportunity for new blood training providers, colleges and universities all working so that we can maintain competitiveness and enable the together to ensure that we have the training to meet real industry to plan its future workforce from a pool of talented, industry needs and making the sector attractive to new trained and competent people. talent. Unless more science-based companies become engaged At Lotte Chemical we are fully engaged with the SIP and we will not address the looming skill shortage facing us all. believe it will help our business have a continuous pipeline of I am sure that by working together we can create the skilled talent so we can operate safely and competitively within the workforce and continuous pipeline of talent that our industry global market place. needs now and into the future. This also fits with our continuous learning and development culture, which is that learning should be a www.scienceindustrypartnership.com/home/ journey, not a destination, and we are always looking for new www.thegold-standard.co.uk/home/ 14
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
ARE YOUR COOLING COSTS OVERHEATING?
SAVE UP TO 50% ON ENERGY & WATER COSTS COOL SOLUTIONS: 3 year chiller warranty Super energy efficient High performance Design, installation and maintenance services Chiller hire available Chillers manufactured by Novafrigo
Official UK distributor for Avian Granulator
Imagine ...
MATERIALS | NEWS VICTREX SUCCESSFULLY COMMISSIONS FIRST PRODUCTION STREAM OF NEW PAEK PLANT
PET 1
PET 2
64,48 %
76,67 %
PET 3 95,93 %
... if there was an easy way to identify your polymer. We made it possible. The new DSC 214 Polyma. re: ut mo Find o 13635 om/n .c h c s z et ww.n
Victrex has announced it has successfully commissioned the first production stream of its £90 million third Polyaryletherketone (PAEK) manufacturing plant in northern England. The recent investements at the company’s site in Thornton Cleveleys increase its production capacity by 70 percent to over 7,000 tonnes per year. Alongside its PAEK resin capacity, it has also continued its downstream investment in APTIV film, pipe, tape and medical components. “We are continuing to move from being simply a materials manufacturer to a solutions provider,” explained David Hummel, Chief Executive of Victrex.
w
The new PAEK manufacturing plant in northern England
NETZSCH-Gerätebau GmbH UK Branch Office Wolverhampton United Kingdom Tel.: (+44) 1902 306645 Fax: (+44) 1902 725954 uk.thermal@netzsch.com
16
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
“Already today we are able to fill gaps in the market by delivering semi-finished and finished components such as APTIV films or medical applications. With the third production facility we are in a position to offer sustained security of supply, which is, along with rigorous quality, critical to our customers.” Victrex says the new PAEK plant serves as the “backbone” for it to develop core growth and future opportunities, where it is focusing on a smaller number of larger opportunities in automotive, aerospace, energy, electronics and medical markets. Victrex recently identified the overall market potential for the high-performing thermoplastic, PAEK, as being over 80,000 tonnes. WWW.VICTREX.COM
PERSTORP INAUGURATES MAJOR NEW OXO PLANT IN “COMMITMENT TO PVC INDUSTRY” Perstorp has officially opened a major extension to its capacity to produce PVC plasticisers and key chemical intermediates. The new state-of-the-art Oxo plant in Stenungsund, Sweden, began producing material soon after its start-up in January 2015, and is now running at its full capability. “The new production platform is the single largest investment in Perstorp’s history and clearly demonstrates Perstorp’s commitment to the PVC industry,” explained Perstorp CEO, Jan Secher. “It significantly boosts our output of valeraldehyde and 2-propyl heptanol (2-PH), two
key raw materials for Perstorp’s innovative general purpose PVC plasticisers, Emoltene 100 and Pevalen. It is a testament to our commitment to the PVC industry, and puts us in a very strong competitive position.” Perstorp now has one of the few fully integrated platforms in Europe providing high performance, sustainable plasticisers. The Oxo plant is also a source of products for other key markets: 2-propyl heptanol is used in production of lubricants, adhesives and surfactants, for example, while n-valeric acid, which is also made in the plant directly from valeraldehyde, is an important raw material for lubricants, pharmaceuticals and fragrances. WWW.PERSTORP.COM
In association with Hardie Polymers – www.hardiepolymers.com
// Materials Technical //
Blog
This month, polymer expert and technical blog author, Dr Charlie Geddes, looks at why static can plague plastic processors and how to avoid it.
What determines friction between thermoplastic components? When two polymeric surfaces are rubbed together static electrical charges are generated on the surfaces. Apart from party tricks involving picking up pieces of paper with a comb, static electricity can be a nuisance in the plastics industry with dust attraction during storage or in service. More serious problems occur when the static electricity discharges as a high voltage spark, causing damage to electronic components and igniting volatiles in fuel systems and printing lines. Visitors to plastics processing plants are amused by tinsel decorating production lines but the problem can also be tackled using additives which turn the inherently insulating thermoplastics into slightly more conductive materials to allow the static charges to leak away to earth and avoid hazardous build up. ‘Migrating Antistats’ are additives, which, at levels less than one percent, migrate to the surface and form a surface-conducting layer by attracting moisture from the atmosphere. Obviously they function less well at low relative humidity.
The Pure Land Foundation garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. Credit: Mark Vessey
AWARD WINNING GARDEN AT CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW FEATURES AIRPOP A garden that uses airpop – previously known as expanded polystyrene – has won an award at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The curvilinear airpop structure in the ‘Pure Land Foundation’ garden was manufactured using advanced computer cutting technologies by The CNC Factory based in Uxbridge, Middlesex. The airpop was finished with a lightweight marble-like coating. The airpop structure not only allowed the creation of strong curves and natural wave
shapes, but also reportedly provided the perfect growing environment by allowing the reflection of high levels of light onto the plants as well as creating ideal moistureretaining planting areas. Chairman of the EPS Group of the British Plastics Federation, David Emes, explained that airpop is becoming an increasingly popular choice in the creative arts. “As well as strength, light weight and design versatility, airpop is an excellent environmental solution in the creative world. It is 98 percent air and is recyclable at the end of its life.” WWW.AIRPOP.COM
‘Permanent Antistats’ are conductive additives, such as carbon black, carbon fibre, carbon nanotubes, metal fibres and certain mineral fillers. At levels of 5 – 15 percent, they function by sufficiently reducing the electrical resistance to encourage static charges to leak away harmlessly. In selecting the appropriate additive for electrostatic dissipation, due attention has to be given to how it affects other properties. Some of the carbon additives, which now include the wonder material, graphene, will affect colour — unless you go for the Henry Ford option — and mould shrinkage can also be affected. For some there will be an increase in stiffness but one type of permanent antistat, polyether block amides, at 10 percent level may give a decrease in stiffness.
Got a view on the above?
Blog posts will also be published on the BP&R website at www.britishplastics.co.uk - feel free to leave your comments. 17
The flying materials research laboratory pushing new limits EARLIER THIS YEAR BRITISH PLASTICS AND RUBBER FEATURED DETAILS OF THE SOLAR IMPULSE 2 (SI2) PROJECT, THE FIRST ATTEMPT BY A MANNED AIRCRAFT TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE GLOBE WITHOUT USING ANY FUEL. THE FUTURISTIC SOLAR IMPULSE AIRCRAFT TOOK OFF FROM ABU DHABI IN EARLY MARCH, DUE TO RETURN BY LATE JULY OR EARLY AUGUST 2015. THE ATTEMPT HAS ENCOUNTERED SOME UNEXPECTED CHANGES TO ITS JOURNEY DUE TO POOR WEATHER, BUT THE PLANE AND ITS TECHNOLOGY REMAINS SOUND. BAYER MATERIALSCIENCE HAS BEEN A PROJECT PARTNER SINCE 2010, SUPPORTING THE ENDEAVOUR WITH INNOVATIVE MATERIALS AND SOLUTIONS IN A TEAM LED BY PROJECT MANAGER, DR. BERND ROTHE. HERE, DR. ROTHE EXPLAINS MORE ABOUT THE GROUNDBREAKING POLYMER SCIENCE BEHIND THE ATTEMPT.
Q: There has been some slight challenges in terms of the weather and access on parts of the journey that the pilots have described as “what exploration is all about”. In terms of the technology, how has the plane performed so far?
A: I’m in very close communication with the Solar Impulse team and am keeping a daily watch on the events. From a technical standpoint, everything has gone great. And our materials certainly played a part in this. After completing the first stages successfully, the two pilots, André Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard, thanked us for helping to make their lives up there in the air much more comfortable.
Q: What is so special about the Si2?
A: Over 17,000 solar cells on the wings convert sunlight into energy for the motors and batteries, the sole source of power day or night – a true first in aviation history. This places special demands on the materials used in the aircraft. Whereas the wing span of 72 metres rivals that of the largest passenger machines, the aircraft weighs just about the same as an SUV. The route of some 35,000 kilometers across four continents and two oceans can be extremely challenging at times and demands extraordinary stability. The machine is also not easy to control and requires very experienced hands on the controls, as I saw for myself during a flight in the Solar Impulse simulator. My ‘test hours’ made it clear that the Si2 most definitely would not make it around the world with me at the controls.
Q: How much from Bayer MaterialScience is in this aircraft?
itions Inset: The cockpit in test cond flying over Main Image: Solar Impulse 2 in 2014 s ight fl test ng duri Switzerland Rezo.ch © Solar Impulse | Revillard |
18
A: A lot. Materials from Bayer MaterialScience represent the largest contribution by weight to the Si2 from any of the project partners. Furthermore, our team played a major role in the development of the cockpit design. A particularly high-performance, rigid polyurethane foam ensures that the cockpit is well insulated, as it can get extremely hot and extremely cold outside the aircraft. One particularly important component is the cockpit door, for which we provided not only the insulating material, but also a polyurethane-carbon fibre composite material for the latching mechanism. It allows the door to be opened easily in the event of an emergency and provides the ground crew easy access to the aircraft. Our materials were also used for the polycarbonate cockpit window and the entire shimmering, silvery coating of the aircraft. Incidentally, the starting materials for these applications came from Bayer MaterialScience plants in Germany. The thin polycarbonate sheets were produced in Krefeld-Uerdingen, and Dormagen supplied the polyurethane raw materials, among other things.
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
Q: Bayer MaterialScience has participated in Solar Impulse for five years. Why?
A: As one of the world’s largest materials manufacturers, we are supporting SolarImpulse’s mission for the responsible use of resources with our materials and our expertise. For us, the aircraft is like a flying laboratory that we are using to further improve existing products and solutions. The project was an ideal playing field for our developers that in some cases enabled them to come up with entirely new applications.
Q: What does the company take away from this project?
A: First, the knowledge that our products can apparently withstand even the most extreme conditions that face the Si2 on its around-the-world flight. Measurements in the cockpit confirm that our insulating materials work well and, together with appropriate clothing, protect the pilots against outside temperatures that can vary between minus 40 degrees Celsius at night and as much as plus 40 degrees during the day. Even at an altitude of around 8,500 metres, the cockpit temperature did not drop below minus two degrees, and the pilots’ body temperatures remained constant. At the same time, our materials satisfy the aircraft’s weight restrictions. The development work with the Solar Impulse team showed us how important it is to occasionally look beyond your own horizon and explore new avenues.
This pioneering activity is very important in order to further develop sustainable solutions and make them economically viable in the long term. Even if Solar Impulse appears at first glance to be an extremely exclusive application, we apply the lessons learned to our polycarbonate and polyurethane raw materials used in everyday products such as refrigerators, building insulation and automobiles. For example, one product of the development work for the Si2 is a particularly flameretardant foam. It ultimately proved unsuitable for the aircraft due to weight reasons, but internally we are continuing with its development so that it can be used in building insulation.
&A
“Even if Solar Impulse appears at first glance to be an extremely exclusive application, we apply the lessons learned to our polycarbonate and polyurethane raw materials used in everyday products such as refrigerators, building insulation and automobiles.” – Rothe
WWW.MATERIALSCIENCE.BAYER.COM
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
19
Moulding the future of plastics automation www.staubli.com/robotics
Flexible. Fast. Consistent. Suitable for all industries including Electronics, Optical, Medical device and consumer goods: The clean consistent performance of Stäubli robots make them the ideal solution for all types of robotic applications from complete process automation through In mould labelling to high speed parts handling. The future is Man and Machine.
Staubli (UK) Limited, Tel + 44 1952 671917 Staubli is a trademark of Stäubli International AG, registered in Switzerland and other countries. © Stäubli, 2015
No. 1 in factory automation • www.fanuc.eu
AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS | NEWS SEPRO AIMS ‘BIG’ WITH GLOBAL LAUNCH OF THREE NEW ROBOTIC LINES Sepro has launched a new portfolio of robots and automation technology for injection moulding machines with clamping forces between 800 and 5000 tonnes. The new large robots, which made their global debut at the NPE show earlier this year, are said to improve upon Sepro’s ‘Generation 4’ line, which previously covered high-tonnage moulding applications. The new ‘S7’ line of three-axis robots and ‘7X’ line of five-axis robots have longer kick (Y-axis) stokes, longer vertical (Z-axis) strokes and can handle larger payloads than their G4 predecessors. “These new large robots complete the transformation of the full Sepro product line, which we began in 2008,” explained Jean-Michel Renaudeau, CEO of the Sepro Group. “Over the last six years – since NPE 2009 and the depths of the financial crisis – we have completely redesigned our portfolio to deliver all-servo robots that are faster and more powerful, with longer strokes and larger payloads than previous generations. We’ve added five - and six- axis products in all size ranges, in-mould labelling solutions, a dual-arm unit, a servo sprue picker and new, user-friendly controls.” The S7 line, which Sepro refers to as a “technical” range, includes three different models: the S7-45 for moulding machines from 800 to 1300 tonnes, the S7-55 for machines from 1200 to 2500 tonnes and the S7-75 for machines from 2300 to 5000 tonnes. Compared to the previous generation G4 units, the new S7 Lines have a standard kick stroke that is 10 to 15 percent longer, and a vertical stroke that is four to 10 percent longer. Payload capacities are said to be up to 50 percent greater.
The 7X line is based on the same basic mechanical platform as the S7 three-axis robot, but adds a two-axis, servo-driven wrist developed in partnership with Stäubli Robotics. Unlike pneumatic wrists, which can only move in a continuous arc from 0° to 90° or 0° to 180°, the 7X wrists can reportedly move from 0 to 180° and 0 to 270°, or any part of those rotations, with absolute precision. Sepro has also launched the ‘Strong’ series – a complete line for 700-2800 tonne moulding machines. This robot is aimed at simple pick-and-place applications and Renaudau said they hoped that this line would “help conquer new markets”, including China. WWW.SEPRO-GROUP.COM
KRAUSSMAFFEI INTEGRATES KUKA SOFTWARE FOR SIMPLIFIED AUTOMATION KraussMaffei has become the first injection moulding machine provider to integrate KUKA’s new control function into the operating concept of its industrial robots. Since the beginning of 2015, the new ‘Multisubmit’ control function is available in KraussMaffei’s MC6 software system. The company says customers will benefit from a central control system that can carry out multiple peripheral processes simultaneously. The Multisubmit is an interpretation system that is designed to allow external, peripheral components to operate
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
ot The new Strong rob ndk-a pic at ed line is aim place applications
simultaneously, such as conveyor belts with separators, assembly stations and drawer systems and magazines. “The new Multisubmit programming function complements our proven MC6 operating concept perfectly. Central system control, programming and operation can be carried out via the handheld terminal of the robot,” explained Thomas Marufke, Managing Director of KraussMaffei Automation GmbH. “In addition, the complex integration of an additional PLC (programmable logic controller) is omitted in a wide range of applications. Basically, system operation is being centralised and, in turn, simplified.” WWW.KRAUSSMAFFEI.COM
21
welcome to the yellow world
A W818 robot from Wittmann’s range
WITTMANN PLANS FURTHER PRODUCTION CAPACITY AFTER DEMAND FOR ROBOTS INCREASES Wittmann Battenfeld says that “increased demand” for its robotic and automation solutions has led it to implement a two-stage plan for further production capacity. The first stage of development was completed successfully in mid-May 2015, in a move that enables an overall production output of 4,200 robots a year. Over the course of this expansion, the assembly and startup capacities for small devices at Wittmann’s Hungarian production plant were increased, which primarily makes the company’s W808 and W818 robot models. These robots, says Wittmann, are of high applicability, highly versatile and can handle a payload of up to 3kg or 6kg respectively. The company
added that the number of units produced in Hungary now “more than cover” the European market’s demand for these two Wittmann models. The second stage of development involves the wholescale expansion of robot production at the Wittmann Group’s Vienna headquarters. This work is planned for completion by January 2016. The increase in Viennese production, says the company, will be matched to an increase in the production capacity of Wittmann’s US assembly facility. This, it says, will enable a “badly needed” overall annual production output of 4,500 robots. Wittmann says its increase in robot production capacity is in keeping with its recent investment in product innovation and new product development. An illustration of this, it points out, is the servodriven rotating additional axes it has developed for its W8 pro robots. WWW.WITTMANN-GROUP.COM
SUMMIT SYSTEMS TO LAUNCH ROBOT RANGE IN SUMMER 2015 Following a distribution agreement announced at Interplas 2014, Summit Systems has revealed it will be supplying a range of robotic and automation equipment from Yudo Suns from summer 2015. The Tamworth-based ancillaries supplier says the distribution agreement is part of its expansion plans and that it will stock a large range of machines to suit all
22
machine tonnages and product weights. The offering will include B&R ‘Advanced Motion Control Technology’ for vibration control and anti-collision, combined with Yucon700 and YuconK5 controllers. “An all AC servo motor driven range offers reduced take-out time and increased productivity, and easy programme management and monitoring provides safe working and power saving,” explained Steve Barnes, Technical Sales Engineer at
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
Summit Systems. “With launching this new range we’re looking to offer our customers and prospects both good value for money and a highquality product offering.” Yudo Suns are one of the fastest growing global robot and factory automation manufacturers and work with companies such as Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, LG, Hyundai, Kia, Faurecia and Tupperware. WWW.SUMMITSYSTEMS.CO.UK WWW.YUDO.COM
highly reliable • high repeatability • low operating costs
YUSHIN UNVEILS NEW “MOST EXCITING” ROBOT TO DATE Yushin unveiled its latest concept robot at the NPE show recently, which it describes as “its most exciting product to date.” The company says it has pooled its four decades of experience in the fields of industrial automation and robotics to create the new Cartesian full-servo robot, which has 16 servo axes. “For over 41 years, the Yushin organisation has worked tirelessly to offer the most reliable, well-built products that the markets require,” commented Ron Bryant, Yushin America’s Manager of Equipment Sales, during the unveiling at NPE. Bryant also said the Concept Robot was its “most exciting product to date.” Designed to work in conjunction with a standard take-out robot or as a stand-alone product, Yushin said the robot’s unique design is well suited for assembly, packaging and other secondary operations. The dual arms are angled toward each other to maximise the robot’s cooperative abilities and mimic human arms for task collaboration. Strokes and payloads can be configured to match any combination of the many configurations of Yushin’s standard robots, the company said. The single controller is said to offer synchronous cooperative axes of motion, including full integration with auxiliary downstream equipment. Each axis can be programmed to function independently or in combinations of axes. The programming language is also new, says Yushin. It is a text-based programme that will reportedly be an “easy transition” from Yushin’s FLX programming software. “Users will find its intuitive structure a welcome change from the complex challenges of articulated robots,” Bryant added. Abilities of this robot range from increasing the overall payload capacity of each arm by working as a pair to lift and manipulate heavy objects, to eliminating the need for stationary, dedicated nests by permitting ‘on-the-fly’ handoff from one hand to another. Yushin says possible uses of the new product include secondary operations pre- and/or post-injection moulding; integration with extrusion applications and fast adaptability for de-gating or finishing operations. WWW.YUSHINAUTOMATION.COM
Yushin’s new concept robot, unveiled at NPE recently
0845 34 54 560
@plastribution
www.plastribution.co.uk
Extending our reach. Improving your performance.
When other distributors claim they can offer ‘better pricing and service’, we maintain a consistent track record of delivering superior value to UK plastic processors, even when market conditions are tough. That’s why we are still the UK’s No 1 polymer distributor.*
Visit us at PDM 16 -17 June Stand D043
Plastribution. Delivering the services that are important to you.
Please contact our customer services team to discuss your requirements. *Source: AMI European Polymer Distribution Survey 2014
PLA0183_BP&R Advert PDM_01.indd 1
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
01/06/2015 08:47
23
No. 1 in factory automation • www.fanuc.eu
Comment: The rise and rise of robots in plastics
A
growing number of injection moulders are embracing automation, with BARA reporting a 75 percent rise in robotic integration within the plastics industry between 2013 and 2014. This growth COMMENTARY BY NIGEL in plastics is further reflected FLOWERS, MANAGING by the latest Euromap figures. DIRECTOR OF SUMITOMO In 2012 around 25 percent of (SHI) DEMAG UK IM machines sold had a robot feature; by 2014 this figure rose to almost 32 percent (approximately 3,500 robots).
sectors, especially those keen to make their business operations leaner and more efficient. Speed, yield, repeatability, reliability, multi-tasking and long-term cost saving are among the many reasons why moulders might opt for a robotic solution. The latest robots are easier to integrate, and today’s improved designs often have fewer parts, making them easier to maintain. These include the new breed of collaborative robots (cobots), which are equipped with sensors and software to detect potential collisions, enabling humans and robots to safely share the same workspace, without the need for cages or fencing.
The main reasons for this rise, in my view, are twofold. Much can be attributed to the automotive industry, where the five-year upward investment curve in larger machines is only now starting to slow. Naturally, the size of components produced by this sector, which are difficult to handle manually, lends itself well to robotics. Secondly, industrial (6-axis) robots, which were historically deemed too expensive and complicated, are becoming easier to implement and have lower investment costs. Manufacturers are realising the potential efficiency benefits that these systems offer — Nigel Flowers, Managing the flexible, long-term solutions coupled with Director of Sumitomo the capability of handling new products and (SHI) Demag UK increasingly complex operations. In-mould labelling (IML) is a key element of the packaging sector and a prime area for automation. In the last few years IML has grown rapidly in the UK and Europe as it offers clear operational efficiencies and improved graphics to maximise the on-shelf impact of consumer brands. Speed is allimportant in this role, and IMM suppliers can integrate high-speed side-entry robots, incorporating label dispensing and placing technology. For hygiene sensitive markets, such as medical and healthcare, it is possible to attach a robot to the frame of the IM machine, enabling manufacturers to automate functions like handling and packing within a compact and enclosed cleanroom-standard cell. Once you have the filter and laminar airflow, the robot is sitting in a cell that’s cleaner than the average operating theatre. While long term I do not foresee this trend continuing – largely due to the current investment cycle within the automotive industry drawing to a close - there are constant innovations that may usher in new interest from other
24
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
www.biesterfeld-petroplas.com
Comment:
CHANGES AT DKL MARK START OF NEW ERA FOR UK RUBBER MOULDER Shrewsbury-based DKL Rubber says a string of investments, appointments and memberships have started a new stage in the company’s development. DKL, which typically focuses on low volume, specialist applications with complex rubber compound specifications, has seen changes including the appointment of a new shareholder at the end of 2014, the launch of a new website and joining non-profit membership organisation, RAPRA. “DKL Rubber is looking to grow existing operations and has launched a new website to demonstrate its existing offering and capabilities,” explained Robert Oakes, Operations Director at DKL. “We are also prepared to look at acquisitions that can help deliver our plans.” The company uses compression moulding, transfer moulding and rubber-to-metal bonding and has become increasingly involved in the production of niche parts for use in applications such as nuclear submarines, electricity pylons, classic cars and automated milking parlours. WWW.DKLRUBBER.CO.UK
PYROLYTIC CARBON: FACTORS CONTROLLING IN-RUBBER PERFORMANCE WENDI BEAMSON, SALES AND MARKETING ADMINISTRATOR AT THE RUBBER AND PLASTICS RESEARCH ASSOCIATION (RAPRA), REPORTS ON AN AWARD-WINNING RESEARCH PAPER FROM INDEPENDENT RUBBER CONSULTANTS, ARTIS, FOR ITS GROUNDBREAKING WORK ON PYROLYTIC CARBONS.
T
he team from UK-based ARTIS published a paper late in 2014 entitled “Pyrolytic carbon: Factors controlling inrubber performance” in the Journal: Plastics, Rubber and Composites, Vol. 43 (8). In this, they described the mechanisms involved in the reinforcement of rubber with this material, and some of the reasons why it doesn’t perform as expected in real compounds. The paper looks at the reinforcing effect of a range of pyrolytic carbons from various sources and explains how the surface chemistry of these materials is different to that of traditional carbon black due to the covering of Carbonaceous residue from the pyrolysis of the polymer itself. Since this coating will essentially be the same for all types of feedstock, it results in reduced variation in the surface chemistry and relatively inert surface. The consequence of this is that the available surface area is still quite large and this is as measured in STSA testing and suggests an N400 series black in most cases. When the material is bound into rubber the surface cannot bond with the matrix as well as conventional materials and hence it behaves more like an N700 series black. The result is that reinforcing is reduced and the product acts closer to a diluent / semi reinforcing filler. This also explains why the variation in feedstock composition will be “ironed out” a little as the carbonaceous residue coats all of the remaining fillers and inorganics. Now, the three Scientists have been awarded the IOM3 ‘Alan Glanvill Award’ for their paper on the recovery of carbon black using pyrolysis; this prestigious award is given for published work of particular merit in the field of polymers after being vetted by two committees from the IOM3. The high calibre of the scientists at ARTIS is well known to RAPRA. The company, which specialises in the testing, analysis, development and recycling of materials, and in particular, rubbers, is a Preferred Service Partner of RAPRA. It comes as no surprise to us that they have been recognised for their outstanding research work in this field. Martyn Bennett, ARTIS Chief Scientist commented “We are extremely pleased to receive the recognition for this work, which we believe is ground breaking in terms of understanding the right way to use this material in real applications, full credit to the team here.” The award will be given at the special awards and publications dinner, which will be held in November. WWW.RAPRA.ORG
26
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
European Master Distributor for Dow Corning/Xiameter Silicone Elastomers
RUBBER | NEWS DOW CORNING UNVEILS SILASTIC FSRS FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE AUTO APPLICATIONS Dow Corning has unveiled a new addition to its Silastic Fluorosilicone Rubber (FSR) portfolio designed for extreme high-temperature applications in the automotive industry. This new platform reportedly enables Dow Corning’s FSRengineered elastomers to meet the demands of customer automotive applications that require longlasting, reliable performance at temperatures exceeding 220°C. “With automotive design trending toward smaller engine compartments, increased exhaust gas recirculation and decreased air flow, the high-end temperatures in underhood environments are climbing and, more importantly, driving the performance requirements for FSRs to extremes not previously required,” said Craig Gross, Senior Application Engineer for Fluorosilicone Elastomers at Dow Corning. “In collaboration with the automotive industry, Dow Corning
The company has developed its own unique manufacturing processes
has developed an innovative new technology platform for its Silastic FSR line that boosts temperature resistance for extended periods of time and offers expanded flexibility for next-generation automotive designs.” FSRs withstand long exposure to aggressive automotive fluids, fuels and oils, and conventional grades perform reliably at temperatures reaching 200°C, making them a common material solution for turbocharger hoses, fuel systems and transmission seals. Dow Corning says by considering
MANUFACTURER OF RUBBER GRANULES RANKED AMONGST UK’S TOP SME EXPORTERS A Suffolk-based manufacturer of rubber granules has been recognised for its international success with a listing in the prestigious ‘Sunday Times SME Export Track 100.’ Murfitts Industries, which exports to over 50 countries across five continents, was ranked amongst the UK’s top 100 SMEs that have grown their exports the fastest over the last two years. The company manufactures rubber granules produced from recycled vehicle tyres at its plant in Lakenheath, Suffolk, processing around 11 million car tyres each year. The company has developed its own unique manufacturing processes, which it says has enabled it to recycle 100 percent of every tyre, with the resulting granules in demand from the world’s biggest sports pitch creators. WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
The high-end temperatures in underhood environments are climbing and, more importantly, driving the performance requirements for FSRs to extremes, says Craig Gross
polymer design, raw materials, additives and processing, its new FSRs technology platform can provide performance benefits including easier processing, thinner wall sections, lower weight, reduced systems cost and more stable performance over a broader temperature range compared to conventional solutions. WWW.DOWCORNING.COM Recent international projects which utilised Murfitts products include a new pitch for the Tokyo Dome baseball stadium, three fields at CEJU Youth Sports Center in Belem, Brazil (Part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Legacy) and the world famous Amsterdam Arena – home of Ajax Football club. Closer to home, both Saracens and Newcastle Falcons rugby players run out on the company’s products at each home game, whilst London 2012 saw Murfitts rubber used for the shockpads underneath the hockey pitches. “We have made significant investment in our plant and processes and are committed to leading the way in both effective recycling and high quality manufacture,” said Mark Murfitt, Founder and Managing Director. “Our business is in the rare position of being able to completely remove a waste product from the refuse chain and create something of high value from it.” WWW.MURFITTSINDUSTRIES.COM 27
www.biesterfeld-petroplas.com
Nonlinear modelling speeds up tyre rubber recipe development ABHAY BULSARI, NONLINEAR SOLUTIONS OY, TURKU, FINLAND | JOUKO ILOMĂ„KI, NOKIAN TYRES PLC, NOKIA, FINLAND | MIKA LAHTINEN, NOKIAN TYRES PLC, NOKIA, FINLAND | RISTO PERKIĂ–, NOKIAN TYRES PLC, NOKIA, FINLAND
R
eaders of British Plastics and Rubber have read about nonlinear modelling [1-3] so the basics are not repeated here. Nonlinear modelling helps speed up materials and process NONLINEAR MODELLING development in several industrial sectors, and is particularly useful HELPS SPEED UP for plastics and rubbers, since their MATERIALS AND PROCESS behaviour tends to be relatively DEVELOPMENT IN SEVERAL complicated. Here we highlight an INDUSTRIAL SECTORS, example. Automobile tyres are made of AND IS PARTICULARLY USEFUL FOR PLASTICS several rubber recipes. Tyres for different purposes and different AND RUBBERS. HERE, road conditions and climates need BRITISH PLASTICS AND different properties. Different RUBBER READERS ARE parts of the tyres require different SHOWN AN EXAMPLE OF material properties, and they are WHERE THE PROCESS achieved by compounding rubbers HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY in different proportions, besides using a number of additives in IMPLEMENTED, SAVING different amounts. Several material TIME, EFFORT AND MONEY. properties are of interest to tyre manufacturers. The rubber mix before vulcanisation needs to have viscosity within certain limits. After vulcanisation, hardness, tensile modulus, tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at break, dynamic mechanical properties, wear resistance, etc. are of interest. To achieve a desired combination of several of these properties is no easy task. Trial and error experiments are often carried out in large numbers for developing rubber recipes, which lead to a desired combination of several of these properties.
Why nonlinear modelling
When we have reliable mathematical models to predict these properties, the experimentation requirement reduces by a large fraction. The models can simulate experiments in seconds instead of laboratory work of hours or days. However, the relations between the composition variables and the material properties are fairly complicated. Conventional empirical modelling techniques are linear and cannot describe these relations well. New techniques of nonlinear modelling, however, are very efficient for relating material properties with composition variables. Often process variables and dimension variables are also taken into account.
Figure 1. Effect of silica on viscosity (scale on the left) and tensile strength (scale on the right) as seen from the raw experimental data
on viscosity (scale on the left) and tensile strength (scale on the right). The fractions of natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber and butadiene rubber are the same for all these points on the plot. Needless to say, the effects of silica on viscosity and tensile strength are not very linear. The raw experimental data was then analysed and pre-processed, after which nonlinear models were developed and tested for several material properties over a period of a few months using the NLS 020 software. The experimental data taken into use was consistent and of very good quality, and as a consequence, excellent nonlinear models could be developed. The correlation coefficients of all the models were well above 90 percent and for some properties like viscosity, they were above 99 percent. It is natural that the nonlinear models perform very well since the effects are not very linear, while the linear models will not even hesitate to predict negative values of material properties. Figure 2 shows a plot of measured values of hardness against the values predicted by the nonlinear model on the vertical axis.
Experimentation
In the recent work of Nokian Tyres, a total of 43 experiments were carried out with different recipes. A much smaller number would have been sufficient for this work, and the original plan had only 28 tests. The experiments were planned such that sufficient information on nonlinearities could be extracted from the data. Several material properties were measured from the samples produced in the experiments. From the raw data set, it was possible to see some effects of certain composition variables. Figure 1 shows the effect of silica 28
Figure 2. Measured values of hardness against the values predicted by the nonlinear model on the vertical axis
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
European Master Distributor for Dow Corning/Xiameter Silicone Elastomers
Using the nonlinear models
Once the models are ready, they can be used for several purposes with appropriate software like Lumet systems. Besides being able to predict the values of the material properties, one would like to see the effects of different ingredients on the properties. These effects need not be simple, like just increasing or decreasing. There can be a minimum in the curve, as seen from Figure 3, and the curves might change their form if the amount of some other ingredient changes. In Figure 3, elongation at break is plotted against natural rubber content for different values of sulphur content. Figure 4. A ternary diagram showing contours of viscosity
Conclusions
Figure 3. Effect of natural rubber content on elongation at break for different amounts of sulphur
These rubber recipes were essentially ternary mixes – containing three rubbers, besides additives. Thus their compositions can be depicted on ternary diagrams. Figure 4 shows the contours of viscosity on a ternary diagram, with viscosity predicted by a nonlinear model. On this plot, the amount of silica, sulphur, etc. are kept constant. The highest value is at 100 percent SBR, the top of the triangle, while the lowest value is at 100 percent natural rubber on the right extreme of the triangle.
In many industrial sectors including automobile tyres, better materials give a competitive edge in the market. Nonlinear models save time, effort and money in materials development, often quite drastically. After seeing the nonlinear models in a Lumet system, the materials development manager of Nokian Tyres stated that these models will help them reduce recipe development to less than half. Nonlinear models are a lot more capable of describing complicated relations than linear statistical techniques because nothing in materials science or process engineering is very linear. With appropriate mathematical tools, these models can be used efficiently to determine good recipes. WWW.NONLINEAR-SOLUTIONS-OY.COM WWW.NOKIANTYRES.COM
References
[1] A. Bulsari, P. Pitkänen and B. Malm, “Nonlinear modelling paves the way to bespoke polymers”, British Plastics and Rubber (December 2002) 4-5 [2] A. Bulsari and M. Lahti, “How nonlinear models help improve the production economics of extrusion processes”, British Plastics and Rubber (September 2008) 30-32 [3] A. Bulsari and M. Lahti, “Temperature profile in the extruder barrel matters”, British Plastics and Rubber (June/July 2010) 7-11
29
www.biesterfeld-petroplas.com
PREVIEW: INTERNATIONAL
RUBBER CONFERENCE 2015
F
rom June 29 to July 2 2015, the German Rubber Society will hold its International Rubber Conference (IRT/DKT) in Nuremberg. Featuring some of the industry’s biggest names, the conference, which is co-located with a full trade fair, will focus its attention on presentations from technical experts working in the rubber industry, along with research organisations, presenting innovations and new developments in research and technology. Below, BP&R previews some of the exhibitor highlights that delegates can look forward to seeing ahead of the event. For more information, or to see the full lecture programme, visit the website below. WWW.IRC2015.COM
CHEM-TREND TO DISCUSS RELEASE AGENT FOR MEDICAL SILICONE PRODUCTS Specifically for the manufacture of silicone rubber products for medical applications, ChemTrend has developed a new, biocompatible release agent that it will introduce to visitors at the International Rubber Conference (IRC). Mono-Coat 1989W is a semipermanent, water-based release agent certified in accordance with the USP Class VI panel of tests and is said to be especially well suited
30
Chem-Trend experts will introduce its new, biocompatible release agent for silicone medical products
for the moulding of products such as medical tubes, protective caps and closures. “Because of its high level of purity, its excellent biocompatibility, and its high resistance to mechanical stress silicone rubber is widely used for medical applications,” said George Barton, Chem-Trend Senior Business Development Director for the rubber industry. “Mono-Coat 1989 W meets all requirements on biocompatibility and is therefore ideally suited for use in medical applications. In addition, the new release agent helps reduce scrap and delivers a higher efficiency in the production of silicone rubber medical products.” Chem-Trend says its new release agent is designed to ensure easy release of the finished products from the mould, as well as facilitating the manufacture of clean parts. It says Mono-Coat 1989W features
“excellent temperature and abrasion resistance”, and offers multiple releases with “little to no transfer to the moulded part”. In biological compatibility tests conducted by the independent medical research organisation NAMSA, Mono-Coat 1989W was found to meet the requirements of the USP Class VI panel of tests. WWW.CHEMTREND.COM HALL 12 / STAND 152
a fully cleanroom production cell, equipped with a rotary disk, parts removal handling device, integrated quality inspection by image processing, as well as a clean-room module, which produces class 6 clean air according to the ISO 146441 standard. The parts are all injected, quality-inspected and deposited inside the clean room. WWW.WITTMANN-GROUP.COM HALL 12 / STAND 245
DOW TO DISCUSS MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS Lens produced from liquid silicone
WITTMANN BATTENFELD TO SHOW CLEANROOM CELL FOR LSR MOULDING Wittmann Battenfeld will show an injection moulding application for the production of small and micro parts made from liquid silicone at the IRC. By showing micro parts being produced from liquid silicone, Wittmann Battenfeld says it is highlighting the possibilities of LSR processing in this sector, which is increasingly gaining in significance. On a MicroPower 15/10, lenses will be manufactured on a mould from two-component liquid silicone rubber. The machine on display comes as
Dow will participate in the 2015 International Rubber Conference with its complete portfolio of elastomers and adhesive materials aimed at the automotive industry. The technologies discussed will include its weather-strip technologies, durable antivibration systems, sustainable seals and rubber-bonding solutions, as well as highperformance, under-the-hood applications. WWW.DOW.COM HALL 12 / STAND 132
will Dow participate with technologies for automotives
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
European Master Distributor for Dow Corning/Xiameter Silicone Elastomers Arburg will demonstrate the processing of elastomers on a vertical Allrounder 275 V.
ARBURG TO DEMONSTRATE OVERMOULDING WITH EPDM At the International Rubber Conference 2015, Arburg will demonstrate the processing of elastomers on a vertical Allrounder 275 V. During the production of a removal suction cup, a brass insert will be overmoulded with EPDM. Part handling will be performed by an Agilus six-axis robot, before the finished moulded parts are forwarded to a camera inspection and are then set down on a conveyor belt. Arburg says the application presented at the IRC 2015 “emphasises its competence in the processing of special materials and in project systems.” The Allrounder 275 V on display will have elastomer equipment, a clamping force of 250 kN and a size 70 injection unit for the production of the overmoulded part in a cycle time of around 60 seconds. Arburg’s Allrounder series of machines can be supplied with a special equipment package for elastomer processing, which includes a precision-adapted cylinder module and open nozzles as standard.
with both a two-roll feeder (TRF) and a screw feeder (SF). After the straining process, the material is intensively and uniformly cooled in a highperformance drum cooler. The cooling technology, which is particularly gentle on the material, prevents deformation and anti-adhesive concentrations on the strips. The clean material is then packed in an extremely space-saving manner by means of a packing and stacking device. The individual units of the straining cell can be arranged in a way that is flexible and very compact, which also allows the production of customised solutions. The company says the development of the new offline solution has been formulated as a result of the challenges facing
Strainer with STC strip cooler and stacking and packing device
rubber processors to achieve high levels of product quality along with operating efficiency. WWW.UTH-GMBH.COM HALL 12 / STAND 129
“The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” Abraham Lincoln
“We only need one day.” Proto Labs
WWW.ARBURG.COM HALL 12 / STAND 202
UTH TO DEMONSTRATE A NEW DIMENSION IN OFFLINE FINE MESH STRAINING UTH will present its product range in both the areas of fine mesh straining and roll pump technology at IRC 2015, as well as introducing its new offline solution for the straining of rubber compounds, the roll-ex straining cell. The straining cell developed by UTH is a fully automated solution for the fine mesh straining of rubber compounds (offline), consisting of strainer, strip cooler and stacking and packing device. In the process, the modular roll-ex gear extruder can be combined
Get injection moulded parts in as fast as 24 hours. Time is of the essence when turning your product ideas into reality. At Proto Labs, we’ve built our reputation on providing designers and engineers with lightning-quick machined and moulded components for prototyping. Our new rapid liquid silicone rubber (LSR) moulding service can turn 3D CAD designs into functional components by the very next day … helping your business compete by lowering costs and speeding up your route to market. Call us on +44 (0)1952 683 047 or visit www.protolabs.co.uk to find out more.
To view our FREE whitepaper: Visit www.protolabs.co.uk/Parts Enter code – BPR615L
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
31
www.biesterfeld-petroplas.com
BOY TO DEMONSTRATE TWO RUBBER-SPECIFIC EXHIBITS BOY will demonstrate two applications for rubber processors at the IRC; something it says is a “must-attend” event for the company. A BOY 25 E VV (250 kN clamping force) with fully integrated automation will overmould a silicone lip on a prefabricated ice scraper. The ice scraper blanks will be removed from a magazine with a removalhandling device that is integrated on the machine table. On its other display, the company will showcase a BOY 35 E (350 kN clamping force) optioned to process elastomer with a double brush device and heated magnetic platens. It will produce toroidal rings (O-rings) made of FKM in a 28-cavity mould with a rigidity of 70 Shore. Designed for the production of precise, technical parts, BOY says the 35 E is “one of the most interesting four tie bar injection moulding machines on the market for silicone and rubber processors”. This, it says, is down to its large tie bar and platen distances, a 1.94m² footprint, an efficient servo drive and the optional ‘EconPlast’ technology. The machine’s newlydeveloped plasticising system saves a “considerable amount of energy” during the material melting process, says BOY, with the material melting said to be significantly enhanced via a directly controllable temperature control. “Our two exhibits are particularly specific to the professional visitors of DKT/IRC. We are very well prepared for the discussions all around the topic of silicon and rubber processing,” explained Andreas Scheideler, BOY 25 E VV with removal automation
BOY Sales Manager, Germany. “These applications have a long BOY tradition. With our partner companies including EMDE Industrie-Technik GmbH and the Italian BOY distributor ST.A.TE Technologies srl., we have a high degree of competence in this field.” WWW.DR-BOY.DE HALL 12 / STAND 146
High-end solution from Elasmo Systems: pen holder mould - a cold runner system with pneumatic valve gate and control system.
MAPLAN FOCUSES ON AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS FOR ELASTOMERS, SILICONE AND TPE Maplan is exhibiting at the International Rubber Conference with a range of new products, which it says focus on innovation, process and automation solutions. Three different exhibits will be on display at the Maplan stand, including a newly-developed 200kN ‘Top-Top’ C-frame machine. It will also exhibit its ICM process (Injection Compression Moulding) with valve gate cold runner technology, which will be presented on an ergonomic, fullyhydraulic 3,200kN machine. Finally, a 2000kN MHF machine will demonstrate the fully automated, zero-defect production of HTV silicone pen holders in partnership with Elasmo Systems and Robotix. “Business is looking very good at the moment. Precision engineering, sensible applications, customer-orientated manufacturing examples – these are key topics for Maplan at the DKT this year. Practical and energy-efficient solutions offer great potential to improve value creation”, commented Wolfgang Meyer, CEO of Maplan. WWW.MAPLAN.AT HALL 12 / STAND 117
32
O-rings are subject to exceptionally high pressure on pricing, but must still be manufactured with maximum precision.
ENGEL’S NEW RUBBER INJECTION MOULDING MACHINE TO MAKE TRADE FAIR DEBUT Engel will introduce its new injection moulding machine, which is specifically developed for rubber processing, for the first time at the IRC. The hydraulic machine is “compact, precise and economical” says the company and can process all common rubber compounds, making it well suited to the production of O-rings and flat gaskets competitively. During the DKT/IRC, the machine will be producing O-rings with a 102-cavity mould. The horizontal machine has optimised heating plate dimensions and a screw injection unit to ensure high precision for production with small- and midsized shot volumes. It also has conventional brush modules for fully automatic processing. The new O-ring machine is equipped with ecodrive servohydraulics as standard, which drastically reduces energy consumption, says Engel, by consistently reducing energy losses. As the heating phases are often longer, there is a greater potential for savings in the production of O-rings and flat gaskets. For liquid silicone rubber processors, Engel will exhibit two additional applications during the four-day exhibition. Firstly, flyswatters will be made out of an LSR/metal composite on an Engel insert 200V/100 rotary xs LIM injection moulding machine using a two-cavity mould by Elmet. The metal inserts are placed in the mould by hand. Engel says thanks to the rotary table, this step takes place parallel to the injection moulding process, keeping the total cycle time short and improving the energy balance, because the mould only needs to be open for very short time while the rotary table is in motion. In addition, an Engel e-victory 120 combi injection moulding machine with an integrated Engel viper 20 robot will demonstrate how multi-component injection moulding processes with liquid
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
silicone can be mastered “reliably and efficiently”. A four-cavity mould will be used to produce sensor housings for flow measurement with integrated seals. WWW.ENGELGLOBAL.COM HALL 12 / STAND 215
KraussMaffei Berstorff’s hydraulic tool centering system is suited for hose diameters ranging between 3 and 100 mm
KRAUSSMAFFEI BERSTORFF TO EXHIBIT NEW TOOL CENTERING SYSTEM FOR RUBBER HOSE PRODUCTION At the IRC KraussMaffei Berstorff will exhibit a straightthrough extrusion head with hydraulic tool centering system and X-ray measuring device. This system, it says, will enable rubber hose producers to become more competitive by increasing productivity, improving product quality and minimising raw material consumption. “After the IRC 2015, the hydraulic tool centering system for hose diameters ranging between 3 and 100 mm will be available to all our customers,” said Frank Reineke, responsible for rubber process technology and development at KraussMaffei Berstorff. “This system is an optimum solution for hose manufacturers wishing to produce hoses of identical wall thickness over a longer period of time as it ensures high reliability, unparalleled economic efficiency and premium quality. Retrofitting the hydraulic tool centering system in existing hose extrusion lines is also possible,” he added. The straight-through extrusion head is designed for minimum set-up times, high productivity
European Master Distributor for Dow Corning/Xiameter Silicone Elastomers
WWW.KRAUSSMAFFEIBERSTORFF.COM HALL 12 / STAND 264
be represented by two machines with 500 and 550 kN clamping force, usually used for corner moulding applications. The company’s EFE–injection moulding system, that boasts a saving of up to 50 percent in cure time of high-volume moulded rubber parts, will also be demonstrated to visitors at the show. The EFE-injection system affects the conversion of shear energy into additional heat energy in the plasticised rubber compound. This energy is brought into the material immediately prior to injection to the mould cavity and can be widely adjusted, therefore speeding up the start and the process of vulcanisation. Finally, after it presented its horizontal MicroClass injectionmoulding machine at the IRC 2012 and K 2013, LWB-Steinl says it will present the vertical version of this machine system at DKT 2015.
LWB-STEINL TO DEBUT NEW VERTICAL MACHINES
WWW.LWB-STEINL.DE HALL 12 / STAND 209
and perfect product quality. In the front head area, the hose wall thickness is adjusted by an axially moveable die as in previous solutions. Radial centering is ensured by a hydraulic system that acts on the newly designed die holder, which substantially reduces the setting efforts during start-up and production, explained Reineke. The X-ray measuring device, in combination with the tool centering system, replaces manual head adjustment with an automated process. The device continuously measures the wall thickness, eccentricity and outside diameter of rubber hoses and adjusts the hydraulic wall thickness centering system to one-hundredth of a millimetre using digital controllers.
DYNEON TO SHOW ELASTOMER SOLUTIONS FOR CHEMICAL AND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRIES
The new machines with C-frame and tiebar clamping units will make their debut.
At the IRC 2015, rubber and plastics injection moulding machine manufacturer, LWBSteinl, will present new vertical machines, both with C-frame and four-tiebar clamping systems. In addition, the vertical version of its LWB-micro machine for processing TPE will debut, along with a practical demonstration of the performance of the company’s LWB-cure time reduction technology. LWB-Steinl says the two new vertical machines have increased mould mounting space following the trend of increasingly complex injection and compression moulds. The redesign of the machines sees them include heating platens with increased dimensions for mounting. At the IRC, the new machine series will
Dyneon GmbH, a subsidiary of science-based company 3M, will be presenting its product portfolio for the chemical and automotive industry at the 2015 International Rubber Conference and Exhibition. Technical experts will demonstrate the company’s high performance perfluoroelastomer sealing technology, which provides a durable solution for the aerospace, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and its two-component material for lightweight automotive construction. The perfluoroelastomer range displayed will include the newly developed ‘PFE 4OZ ChemShield’ a peroxide curable FFKM, ‘HeatShield’ (continuous at 316 °C with further improved compression set), and the FDA and USP VI compliant ‘PFE 7502BZ ChemShield’ with superior chemical and thermal resistance (continuous at 275°C). The two-component material that will be presented combines Stanyl polyamide 46 from materials producer, DSM, and 3M Dyneon Fluoroelastomers to create a unique, two-component material to support the growing trend for lightweight automotive
construction. Dyneon says the primer-free FKM and PA 46 combination has an “excellent characteristic profile” for use in the economical two-component injection moulding and vulcanisation process that is increasingly used replacing metals in application, as well as hazardous solvent-based primers in bonding processes. WWW.DYNEON.EU HALL 12 / STAND 108
DUPONT TO DEBUT HIGHEST HEAT RESISTANT AEM ELASTOMERS At IRC 2015 DuPont Performance Polymers (DPP) will reveal key properties of a new high-heat resistant ‘Vamac’ ethylene acrylic elastomer (AEM), which it says offers heat resistance as yet unmatched in AEM. Introduced as Vamac VMX5000, the new pre-compound has been designed to meet the latest challenges to automotive hoses and seals imposed by high pressure turbo charging, exhaust gas recirculation and other technologies requiring resistance to higher temperatures and aggressive fluids. DPP will also introduce Vamac VMX-2122 AEM, a new dipolymer its says offers better physical properties and processing performance than current AEM DP dipolymers. These improvements are coupled with enhanced colour stability, an important benefit for wire and cable applications.
PIXARGUS TO DISCUSS TECHNOLOGY FOR THE ANALYSIS OF PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION Producer of systems for optical inline measurement and inspection, Pixargus, will discuss its technology for the analysis of particle size distribution in extrusion compounds at IRC 2015. The company will show its new PCR 20/40 compound analyser for laboratory use. By objectively inspecting the compounding quality ahead of the extrusion process, the new system is said to ensure that only high-quality compounds will be processed. The new system automatically measures the size of particles in the surface of extruded test strips processed by lab-scale extruders in in real time. This, says Pixargus, enhances process reliability as it allows to determine – ahead of production – whether a compound will be suitable for production and whether the final product will comply with the specified quality requirements. The company says this is especially important in the rubber industry, where this analysis is “indispensible” given the input material is a natural product and its properties may vary within a broad range. During vulcanisation, even just a very few minor impurities in the compound may already lead to large increases in volume and hence to a significant deterioration of quality. WWW.PIXARGUS.DE HALL 12 / STAND TBC
WWW.DUPONT.COM HALL 12 / STAND 247
The improvement in long-term AEM heat resistance already available with DuPont Vamac Ultra compounds, and the
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
further step-change now achieved with the new Vamac VMX-5000 Series of AEM precompounds. Image: DuPont 33
INTAREMA® The new system generation from EREMA.
Needs less. Gives you more. INTAREMA® systems protect your resources: thanks to ecoSAVE® technology as a standard feature, with up to a remarkable 12 % less energy consumption, reduced CO2 emissions and lower production costs. Plus you have an overview of energy consumption at all times – with the practical energy display on the operating panel of your INTAREMA®. CHOOSE THE NUMBER ONE.
34
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
Engineering Passion
www.kraussmaffei.com
MACHINERY | NEWS
Series Serie The Sandretto injection lic au Dieci hydr ine moulding mach
(Inset) Sandretto has announced it is the latest traditional manufacturer to enter the 3D printing market
SANDRETTO REVEALS NEW IMMS AND ANNOUNCES FORAY INTO 3D PRINTING At the Plast 2015 trade fair in Milan last month, Sandretto launched what it described as a range of “completely renewed” injection moulding machines, as well as announcing it is the latest traditional manufacturer to enter the 3D printing playground. The new ‘Serie Dieci’ (Series Ten) range of injection moulding machines, available in Hydraulic and Toggle versions, are protected by two patents and have clamping forces between 30 and 500 tonnes, a new injection unit and a rigid base structure. The electrical-hydraulic machine system is said to produce energy savings of 25 percent over traditional systems, as well as significant noise reduction. Both of the machines in the series are equipped with Sandretto’s new ‘SEF 3000’ electronic control system, which it says is both “intuitive and easy to use”, thanks to a graphical interface that allows for easy navigation and learning, therefore reducing human error. Finally, the machines in the Series Ten range are equipped with a chamber temperature-monitoring unit. This insertive-type system reduces chamber-heating times by as much as 40 percent with the same power, says Sandretto. In addition, the firm introduced a new series of extrusion-based 3D printers, which, it said, are the result of a six-month project undertaken within the company aimed at “satisfying professional customers” and “taking over a place on the market of a rapidly evolving sector.” Sandretto has invested in a specialised laboratory, now being set up in Latium, Italy, called ‘Skunk Works
Lab’, where it says it is combining the best of Italian and foreign skills in the 3D printing industry to develop the technology as part of a “very aggressive plan” it has drawn up for entering the sector. The company says it intends to “dominate all the sector’s main technologies, from hot wire deposition for plastic materials to polymerising the resins loaded until sintering of the metal powders.” Sandretto says it foresees that the use of additive manufacturing will become “an integral part of the processes of manufacturing both plastic and metal articles for structural purposes” within a few months, however, it does not believe the process will completely replace existing, traditional manufacturing methods. “The era of additive manufacturing destined solely for prototypes or morphological evaluations of the design is drawing to a close and the 3D printers will tend more and more to move from the designer’s office to the manufacturing department,” the company said. At the show the suggestion was that the smallest printers would be sold at a price of €2,000 each. WWW.SANDRETTO.IT/EN
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
35
Engineering Passion
www.kraussmaffei.com The Haitian International Germany team in front of the company building
HAITIAN TO INVEST MILLIONS IN GERMAN SITE FOR EU MARKET EXPANSION
A schematic showing the expanded production area (blue)
Haitian International has announced it is to invest “more than ten million Euros” in its German production facility following a 13.1 percent rise in sales of its injection moulding machines in Europe. The Group says the investment in its plant in Ebermannsdorf will satisfy the “growing interest” from European moulders, particularly in countries such as Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland and France, where it says it increased its market share to double figures in 2014. “With the construction of the new production hall, Haitian International Germany will be able to offer Zhafir and Haitian machines for the European market, mainly out of Ebermannsdorf. Thus we ensure greater availability and can react to
COOLING TOWER REPLACEMENT EXPECTED TO SAVE £23,000 A YEAR A replacement cooling tower installed at a UK-based injection moulding and extrusion firm is expected to generate savings of £23,000 a year in electricity and other costs. DHM Plastics, which manufactures high quality products for leading brands in the construction industry, was looking for a solution to replace its ageing 25 year old cooling tower at its Lenham depot in Kent, including the steel support structure which was badly corroded. The company approached process
36
customer needs even more quickly,” commented Xiang Linfa, General Manager of the new Haitian German subsidiary. “Business figures are showing strong growth and thus offer optimal conditions for expansion of the team both here in Ebermannsdorf and throughout Germany.” In addition to manufacturing, assembly and customisation, departments for application technology, sales and service are also located in Ebermannsdorf, where Haitian’s European team have been based since the beginning of 2015. Describing why the machines are becoming more popular for the
cooling and materials handling specialist, AB Systems, who upgraded DHM Plastic’s entire cooling system, including the steel support structure, pumps and pipework, and integrated a new bespoke central control system. The installation process involved the removal of the old tower, pumps, control and steel support frame, as well as the erection and installation of a new state-of-the-art, fully stainless steel cooling tower, vertical ladder access points, protection rails, walkways, pumps modules, fan and control panel, plus all pipe and steelwork. DHM Plastics says it is now on track to save more than £20,000 a year in
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
European market, Uwe Baer, member of the Management at Haitian International Germany, said: “We are firmly convinced, which is also confirmed by our daily experience, that the consistency of our product strategy means that we have our finger firmly on the pulse. “Through Technology to the Point, we are able to offer our customers resource-saving solutions for 80 percent of all applications“. Worldwide, Haitian International reported a 13.1 percent increase in export turnover for 2014 and a new record figure of 2.331 billion RMB (around EUR 353 million). WWW.HAITIAN.CO.UK
electricity costs and over £3,000 a year in mains cold water and chemical treatment costs as a result of the installation. “Superb workmanship and technical expertise is evident throughout the new system, and the new cooling tower technology is advanced to ensure that we have a long-lasting, highly efficient solution. We’re also extremely pleased to be benefiting from significant cost and water savings, especially in light of our own environmental targets,” commented Tim Sandberg, Business Improvement Manager at DHM Plastics. WWW.AB-LTD.CO.UK
Q: WHY SHOULD PLASTIC GRANULES BE DRIED? A: THE MOISTURE CONTENT OF FEED MATERIAL HAS A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE RELIABILITY OF PROCESSES AND THE QUALITY OF THE END PRODUCT.
W
hen manufacturing plastics, it is essential to ensure that the moisture content of the feed material is just right. In the case of injection moulding, for example, too much water in the plastic can cause all manner of problems – affecting not only the manufacturing process, but also the quality of the finished product. At the root of the problem lies the way plastics behave when they come into contact with moisture in the air. Many plastics are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb water right into the molecular structure of each individual granule. The resulting liquid content is sometimes referred to as ‘core moisture’. In the case of non-hygroscopic plastics, on the other hand, moisture only collects on the surface of the material. A word of caution, however: in some instances, the fillers and reinforcing agents used in non-hygroscopic plastics can also absorb moisture. During processing, the consequences of excess moisture range from vapour bubbles, foaming, problems filling the mould and deformation of the moulded part to inconsistent viscosity, oscillating process parameters, and fluctuations in throughput. Moreover, issues can arise further downstream, for example, during painting. In certain plastics, the presence of water during the melt phase triggers a chemical reaction called hydrolysis, which alters the molecular structure, reduces the molecular weight, and lowers viscosity as a result. When assessing the impact of moisture on product quality, it is important to recognise that not all problems are necessarily visible. Hidden flaws such as reduced mechanical strength can only be discovered using suitable methods of analysis, mostly by means of destructive testing. On the whole, material with excessively high moisture content can negatively impact moulded parts in practically every aspect – not only their mechanical properties, but also their optical, chemical and physical characteristics. The most obvious issues include streaks, cavities and holes, and bubbles on the surface.
By using a suitable dryer, you can ensure defined, consistent moisture levels for your plastics. Images: motan
However, it is also important that plastics are not over dried. They must contain a certain level of moisture if they are to be processed effectively. Each individual resin will have a specific value, calculated and stated by the manufacturer. In conclusion, a defined and consistent residual moisture content is essential if you are to avoid waste and ensure high-quality finished products. Be careful not to overdo it, however – overly dry plastics cause problems all of their own. In the next instalment, due to be published in September’s BP&R, mo’s corner will tackle the multifaceted issue of drying. ASKMO@MOSCORNER.DE The amount of moisture that accumulates on your material will vary depending on the time of year.
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
37
euroextrusions
ltd.
manufacturers of
Kongskilde your conveying specialist
flat plastic sheet and rolls High Impact Polystyrene (HIPs) Polypropylene, HDPE and ABS virgin and recycled
Kongskilde offers complete systems for conveying and handling large volumes of plastics materials generated from today’s production lines.
it’s a plastic world
These systems ensure a high efficiency, significant savings and an improved working environment.
suppliers to the plastics industry Kongskilde UK Tel. 01263 713291 mail@kuk.kongskilde.com www.kongskilde.com
euroextrusions.com
38
t: 01254 886662
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
COLOUR MANAGEMENT | NEWS CLARIANT AND PARTNERS ADD HOLOGRAMS AND LASER MARKING TO ‘COLORFORWARD’ PALETTE Clariant has teamed up with two partners to use the latest technology in both laser marking and holography to help plastics product designers make more informed colour and design choices. Morphotonix, a Swiss start-up specialising in microtechnology to etch mould surfaces to create holographic and invisible security features, along with TRUMPF Group, a manufacturer of industrial lasers and metal-fabricating equipment, have each created a graphic for Clariant’s ‘ColorForward’ trend analysis and colour design tool. The high-tech graphics are rendered on moulded plastic chips in the latest edition of the tool, ColorForward 2016. Past editions of ColorForward have used texture, smell, special effects and other aesthetic elements to render colours more imaginatively. For 2016, the Clariant specialists decided to use holograms and laser marking in two of the four trend themes. “Even though these technologies are not directly connected to the use of colour in plastics,” explained Joanna Marguier, Colour Scientist, Clariant ColorWorks Europe/IMEA, “it is important for us to be on the lookout for any innovations that can stimulate creative thinking.” The hologram, says Clariant, was chosen for use as one of the ColorForward colour chips in the 2016 trend theme because it can be seamlessly integrated in the production of injection-moulded plastic parts. “The hologram gives a shiny vibe to the colour,” continued Marguier. “Part of the purpose of ColorForward is to stimulate creativity in a fun way – here we do even more: we integrate an innovative look and anticounterfeiting features that are obtained straight out of the injection line. Also, we are always interested in exploring, with our customers, the broader aspects of plastics technology so it can be used to make products and packaging more successful in the marketplace.” To explore the potential of laser marking in collaboration with colour choices, TRUMPF Group used lasers to create a complex circuit-board-like pattern on a white chip.
NEW SPECTROPHOTOMETERS FOR “END-TO-END COLOUR PERFECTION” IN PLASTICS Producers of equipment for the management of colour science and technology, X-Rite, and its subsidiary Pantone LLC, have launched a new series of spherical benchtop spectrophotometers. The new range is said to provide accurate measurement of colour across the entire plastics supply chain, from concept and design through to final product. The X-Rite Ci7800, a master-level instrument, and the compatible Ci7600 are said to represent the “next generation” of spectrophotometers, says X-Rite Pantone, enabling users to meet colour specifications and improve process controls. The company says ensuring
A process for making moulded-in holographic images on plastic parts, developed by Morphotonix, was used to produce this colour chip.
“Laser marking is a highly versatile process”, explained Norzihan Aziz, Head of ColorWorks and Colour Communication, Asia Pacific, who coordinated TRUMPF’s efforts on ColorForward 2016. “Electric toothbrushes, telephone keypads, switches, push buttons, silicon chips — almost any product, in fact — could be marked in fine detail using lasers. The surface of a plastics part can be made to change colour when subjected to laser light, or thin outer layers of multilayer parts can be removed to reveal the layer underneath or to allow light transmission. Lasers can be used to melt microscopic areas of plastic parts to create tiny gas bubbles that diffuse light so those areas appear distinctly different from unaffected areas.” The ColorForward chip was moulded with Clariant’s CESA-laser additive masterbatch, which it says enhances the markability of the polymer. WWW.COLORWORKS.CLARIANT.COM
“end-to-end colour perfection” in the plastics supply chain is a critical component of lean manufacturing. It created the Ci7800 to give brand owners, compounders, quality control professionals and plastics manufacturers the tools to ensure that colour specifications and tolerances are met throughout each step in the supply chain. “The new X-Rite Ci7800 and Ci7600 are specifically designed to help users overcome colour management challenges,” said Chris Winczewski, Vice President, Product Marketing for X-Rite. “These instruments set a new benchmark for measuring, managing and communicating colour data. The Ci7800 and Ci7600 are the most accurate and reliable benchtop sphere spectrophotometers in the
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
market today. They are easier to service and offer an unprecedented audit trail for each sample taken, improving overall colour compliance in the plastics supply chain.” Using the Ci7800 and Ci7600, X-Rite Pantone says users can communicate colour standards digitally, providing accurate, reliable sample-to-sample colour measurement of materials. Costly rejects and product rework are therefore reduced, saving time and money, and speeding time to market. Said to be ideal for the plastics industries, the Ci7800 and Ci7600 can adjust to any colour supply chain, including those anchored by instruments from other suppliers. WWW.XRITE.COM WWW.PANTONE.COM
39
NATURE INSPIRES 2015 PALETTE FOR PLASTICS COLOR CORP
The new CHECK 3
DATACOLOR LAUNCHES PORTABLE SPECTROPHOTOMETER WITH IMPROVED EASE OF USE Datacolor, a specialist in colour management solutions, has launched its latest portable spectrophotometer said to improve efficiency and ease of use. The CHECK 3 features a redesigned userinterface, with a colour LCD display and an LED illuminated viewing port. There has also been a change to a horizontal configuration, which Datacolor says allows measurement in height-constrained areas. The spectrophotometer features a twoway Bluetooth interface, allowing the user to transfer standards and batches back and forth between the instrument and ‘TOOLS’, Datacolor’s colour quality control software. Sample measurements can also be initiated from TOOLS when connected via Bluetooth. These features, says Datacolor, allow quick transfer of colour data, enabling users to make colour decisions more efficiently. Also included in CHECK 3 is a high-speed USB feature, which allows easy data export to a USB flash-drive, as well as providing support for peripherals, such as wireless keyboards and bar code scanners. The ability to use these peripheral devices in conjunction with the CHECK 3 improves the user experience by allowing for simple and efficient sample naming and identification, says Datacolor. “Through our commitment to providing our customers with the highest quality colour measurement tools, we made the necessary enhancements to deliver an instrument specifically tailored to meet the needs of the modern colour professional,” said Cheryl Johnston, Product Marketing Manager, Portable Instruments, Datacolor. “CHECK 3 provides customers with enhanced ease-ofuse and improved efficiency while delivering the same unrivalled colour measurement performance they expect from Datacolor.” WWW.DATACOLOR.COM
In the field of plastics, the colour-intensive Lumina Royal effect pigments can be used, for example, to produce casings for coffee makers. Image: BASF SE
BASF’S EFFECT PIGMENTS PROVIDE NEW DESIGN OPTIONS FOR THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY BASF launched its full range of effect pigments for the plastics industry for the first time at Chinaplas last month. The chemicals company now offers all five of its ‘Lumina Royal’ high chromaticity effect pigments for plastics applications, which it says will enable producers of plastics to create special effects and creative styling options for applications such as packaging, electronic and household appliances as well as toys. “The Lumina Royal effect pigments offer our customers particularly brilliant solutions with creative styling options for plastics applications, helping brand owners to enhance their brands and to stand out from their competitors,“ commented Jeff Knight, Senior Vice President,
Dispersions and Pigments, Asia Pacific. BASF says the pigments are characterised by their high brilliance, purity and chromaticity. The Blue, Aqua, Indigo and Magenta pigments cover the greenishto reddish-blue interference colour spectrum, whereas Lumina Royal Copper offers an opaque, bright copper-effect shade. The Lumina Royal series of effect pigments can, for example, be used to produce products for the sport and leisure industries, such as skateboards, snowboards, and ski boots. Other fields of application include packaging for cosmetic products, toys, and casings for electronic devices and household appliances, such as coffee makers.
Plastics Color Corp has revealed its second annual colour report, which takes its inspiration from the natural world. ‘Unearthed-the World of Colour’ is the theme of the company’s nature-inspired palette for 2015, designed to give customers a ‘competitive edge’ in identifying current colour trends and facilitating the product development cycle. The palette is filled with “surreal colours” that are part of our natural habitat, according to the report. “This palette embraces the beauty of the natural life around us and highlights how the human existence is shaped by the colours and imagery of nature,” it said. Angela Gallimore, Business Development and Marketing Coordinator, said: “We have extensive information that can aid our customers in getting the right colours into their unique market space quickly. “The colour information will give customers an advantage over the competition by identifying the best colour options that will impact the market and spur increased demand for new products in the industrial and consumer space,” Gallimore added. WWW.PLASTICSCOLOR.COM Deep purple is one of the colour trends identified by Plastics Color
WWW.DISPERSIONS-PIGMENTS.BASF.COM
COOLING FLUIDS for Extrusion & Moulding Processes www.hydratech.co.uk info@hydratech.co.uk tel: 01792 586800
40
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
INLINE COLOUR MEASUREMENT SYSTEM REDUCES CYCLE TIMES OF PLASTIC MOULDED PARTS An inline colour measurement system from Micro-Epsilon is enabling the colour of plastic injection moulded parts to be automatically checked early in the production process, which it says reduces cycle times and optimises productivity. As well as measuring parts at high speed in-process, the colorCONTROL ACS7000 colour measurement system from Micro-Epsilon can also inspect the colour of injectionmoulded parts as they are extracted from the mould, without having to wait for the parts to cool down. This, says the company, dramatically reduces cycle times and allows for 100 percent quality control of colour. When parts that are supplied from different manufacturers and
made from different materials are combined, it is essential that the colour values of these parts are exact. If they are not, quality assurance can become an issue. In order to provide 100 percent control of the exact product colour shade during the injection moulding of plastic parts, German company SKZ (Süddeutsche KunststoffZentrum) has developed and tested a method to correlate the difference in colour of an object at different temperatures (thermochromism behaviour). Even with a temperature difference of just 20°C, colour deviations of more than 2 ΔE units can occur depending on the colour monitored. Colour measurements carried out using the colorCONTROL ACS7000 system and temperature measurements using Micro-Epsilon’s infrared thermoMETER CT sensor,
are said to enable a master curve to be generated at several different temperature levels that describes the thermochromic behaviour of the coloured polymer. This allows colour values determined on a warm component to be converted to the actual room temperature colour values. Micro-Epsilon says these precalculated ‘cooling curves’ stored in the system software allow the colour values determined during the de-moulding process to be converted into a reference temperature (at 20°C). This enables the colour to be automatically checked earlier in the process, which reduces cycle time and optimises productivity and output, compared to conventional sample checks. WWW.MICRO-EPSILON.CO.UK
The inline measuring system
Expert technical advice and factory direct pricing, since 1998 Specialist Fluid Solutions
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
41
Heating & Cooling
0 80 CI7
ro u Yo
Ci7
of
ss ine
us
rB
Tooling is now ready for scaling up production to approximately 140,000 boxes per year that equate to approximately ÂŁ4 million in potential sales. Easily extended beyond this if required as all Product design, tool drawings, complete suite of tooling, jigs and fixtures and product development work and testing is completed. Tooling can easily be transfer and set up at any location.
Process control for perfect color the first time. Every time! The X-Rite Ci7800 and Ci7600 lets users achieve consistent color specifications and tolerances across the entire plastics supply chain - from concept design through to final product. These devices give users: Precise & Consistent Sample-to-Sample Color Measurement Enhanced Productivity & Reduced Errors An unprecedented audit trail for each sample taken Automated Instrument Set-Up with Easy-to-Use Software
Complete sale or Proposals for a joint venture will also be considered.
To learn more about these next generation spectrophotometers and other X-Rite solutions visit www.xrite.com/ci7800-Benchtop.
For further information Tel: 00 353 23 8841028 Email: info@premierplastics.ie
42
rP
Fully developed Boundary Water Meter Box, market ready and WRAS certified product is now ready for advancement to large scale production. Unique sealed heavy duty Grade B load bearing capacity water meter box, with polymer cover for ease of signal propagation.
Premier 1-4 page.indd 1
lo
Do you want to own your own product?
Co
Business Opportunity
Email: sales@intelicare.co.uk
0-
Tel: 01777 248777
60
Website: www.intelicare.co.uk
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK 08/06/2015 10:23
FILM AND SHEET | NEWS Neil Hudson, Team Leader – Chromatography, Innovia Films undertaking Mineral Oil Barrier testing at its R&D facilities in Wigton, Cumbria, UK.
EXTENSION TO BOPP MINERAL OIL BARRIER RANGE AFTER “OVERWHELMING RESPONSE” Innovia Films says it has been “overwhelmed” by the response to the recent launch of its first proprietary acrylic coated BOPP film, Propafilm RCU, which has proven barrier to mineral oil migration for up to 1.5 years. As a result, it is now extending the range. The development came as a result of a proactive investigation into the mineral oil hydrocarbon (MOH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbon (MOAH) barrier protection of Innovia’s films. It included the evaluation of films with multiple laydowns, increased coat weights and one side/ two side variations. The findings proved that Innovia’s proprietary acrylic coated film provided an effective barrier to
PLASFILMS ADD RIGID FILM TO DISTRIBUTION PORTFOLIO Films and distribution business, Plasfilms, has introduced APET and rPET rigid films in to its packaging portfolio. In collaboration with Polish films manufacturer, Eurocast, Cambridgeshire-based Plasfilms is currently supplying both APET and rPET film to the UK and Irish markets for thermoforming applications, such as formed trays for food manufacturers. The rigid film is thermolaminated inline, providing a cost benefit, as the need to unwind and perform the laminating process
mineral oil migration. Further analysis identified the optimum coat weight of acrylic required to maximise the barrier protection. The film, besides offering excellent barrier, has superior optical properties, a low sealing threshold and a broader sealing range which, says Innovia, makes it ideal for use in a variety of markets (biscuits, bakery, confectionery, dried foods, tea and cereals). Andy Sweetman, Marketing Manager Packaging and Sustainability for Innovia Films explained that mineral oil migration is obviously an area of concern for many dried food manufacturers. “We are currently running over 40 trials across Europe with existing and potential customers,” Sweetman said. “Some are exciting developments. We are unable to be specific at this time, but we hope to be able to announce more details in is removed. The film can also be produced with a silicon release coating. “Rigid films are the fastest growing sector of the packaging market,” explained Plasfilms’ John Walker. “Due to changes in consumer preferences, convenience products and ready-made meals are becoming ever more popular, and consequently, the demand for APET films increases - this in turn means that reduced customer lead times are always adding pressure to the supply chain. At Plasfilms, our true distribution model can ease this pressure with deliveries direct from UK held stock.”
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
the near future. On the back of this successful launch, our R&D team have rapidly accelerated the final stages of development work on a sister product – Propafilm RBCU, a white version.” Propafilm RBCU is said to have all the qualities and benefits of RCU, however, manufacturers and packers who prefer a solid white film will now have an alternative option. Due to its versatility, Innovia says the chocolate and snack markets are thought to be likely to be interested in this product. “Our new ‘bubble’ line investment work, which means increased capacity, will come on stream later this year,” Sweetman continued. “This allows us to refocus our efforts on our polypropylene range of films. In fact, we are also working on another extension to the range – a one side coated variant, designed specifically for laminate applications.” WWW.INNOVIAFILMS.COM
APET production
Plasfilms’ rigid films range includes APET and rPET, APET/PE, APET/PE peelable and APET/EVOH/PE. The company operates as part of the Plastribution group. WWW.PLASFILMS.CO.UK
43
KITE system with bubble
COOLING TECHNOLOGY FOR BLOWN FILM DEMONSTRATED AT PLAST Manufacturer of cooling technology for the production of blown film, Frigosystem, demonstrated a range of products on a fully operational line at the Plast trade show in Milan last month. At the fair, the Italian-based manufacturer said its three product types for temperature control of the bubble, via either the air rings or Internal Bubble Cooling (IBC), provide energy savings, improved end product and efficiency gains. The first, its ‘KFBC Cooling Coils’ are often used with cooling for air rings and IBC. Benefits of the cooling coils include the ability to be housed in a fully insulated box to improve thermal insulation, employing a large surface heat exchanger, as well as featuring an inlet filter and water droplet separator, which provides for high air flow but with minimal pressure drop. Temperature is regulated via a three-way modulating valve controlled either locally or interfaced to the extrusion line. Frigosystems’ two other products,
GRANIC DEVELOPS MASTERBATCH FOR THINNER, STRONGER FILMS Granic, a producer of plastic concentrates with mineral fillers, has developed a new, high performance masterbatch that allows increased filler loadings without sacrificing mechanical properties. The new Granic 1522 masterbatch uses ExxonMobil Chemical’s ‘Vistamaxx’ polymers as a carrier The new masterbatch is said to enable to production of thinner and stronger films for bags
44
KITE and KITE DEX, are all-in-one monobloc units, which house up to three cooling coils, the associated chiller and blowers. These single units, says the company, can therefore provide cold air for cooling ring and IBC together with the chilled water required for these cooling coils. KITE is also able to provide thermoregulated water for various utilities. KITE is an all-in-one unit and only requires connection to an external water source, i.e. a dry cooler, for
the internal water-cooled chiller. A major advantage of KITE technology, says Friogosystem, is that cooling of the coils is with water and not the refrigerant gas. This indirect method of cooling allows for airflows to be reduced to zero without any risk of frost damage. KITE DEX is similar to KITE but is not equipped to provide thermoregulated water. The full range of Frigosystem equipment is available in the UK from Intelicare. WWW.INTELICARE.CO.UK
resin for calcium carbonate (CaCO), which enables the production of both thinner and stronger films. “Granic 1522 masterbatch has significant benefits. Using Vistamaxx as a carrier resin in the masterbatch enables increased productivity, reduced energy consumption and improved mechanical properties,” said Victor Oliva, Commercial Director and R&D manager of GCR Group. ExxonMobil Chemical says it demonstrated that by using a Vistamaxx polymer-based CaCO masterbatch in film formulations instead of a typical linear lowdensity polyethylene (LLDPE) or polypropylene (PP)-based masterbatch, mineral filler loadings could be increased without sacrificing key mechanical properties. Since its introduction, Granic says the 1522 masterbatch has been “well accepted” in the marketplace and the company has been successful in generating new
sales. This includes a producer of polyethylene (PE) packaging materials for the converting industry, who says it is producing stronger, thinner rubbish bag films by adding Granic 1522 to its existing HDPE resin formulation. The commercial rubbish bag film produced by the customer, which includes 20 percent Granic 1522, is said to exhibit twice the impact resistance and is 16 percent thinner than the original film. The new masterbatch also delivers better processing and lower costs. “We are very excited about the market potential for Granic 1522 and are targeting key applications,” said Oliva. “These include shopper and garbage bags, raffia tapes and bags, and thermoforming/ blow moulding where increased filler loadings and improved toughness can make a big difference to customers.” WWW.EXXONMOBILCHEMICAL.COM WWW.GRANIC.ES
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
The new technology will be used for advertising billboards and campaigns
A large-surface, light-emitting plastic film developed by VTT is based on OLED technology. (Photo: Juha Sarkkinen)
Illuminating possibilities:
Innovative large-surface, light-emitting plastic film developed
F
inland-based technical research centre, VTT, has developed a large-surface, light-emitting plastic film it says will expand the use of the technology to a wider range of applications from the traditional mobile phones and TV screens. Based on OLED technology and implemented by means of a printing machine, the method developed by VTT provides an opportunity to create patterned and flexible light-emitting surfaces on advertising displays, info signs and lighting fixtures, for instance. The method also enables transparent smart surfaces to be attached to window panels or packaging. OLED technology (Organic LightEmitting Diode) is commonly used in mobile phone displays and television sets, though until now has only been found in glass surfaces, implemented using traditional microelectronics manufacturing methods. Using VTT’s method, OLED elements can now be printed not only onto glass or steel surfaces but also onto flexible plastic films, enabling significantly larger light surfaces and expanding the usage possibilities of the technology. “The plastic film is optimally suited to advertising campaigns, in which large, light-emitting surfaces can be used to draw significantly more attention than can be gained through mere printed graphics or e-ink-type black-and-white displays that do not emit light,” explained Head of Research Area, Raimo Korhonen, from VTT. “It is also possible to use OLED light as a transmitter in wireless
data transfer, which opens up new possibilities for utilising printed light surfaces in ‘Internet of Things’ applications.” This type of light-emitting plastic film and processing in ambient atmospheres has not been created before on this scale, says VTT. Traditional printing methods, such as gravure and screen printing, which enable very large production volumes, are used for manufacturing OLED light surfaces. VTT says production of the film is, therefore, possible in facilities such as traditional printing houses. Manufactured using the gravure and screen printing methods, OLED light surfaces are around 0.2 mm thick, and include electrodes and polymer layers measuring up to a few hundred nanometres, in which the light emission occurs. This phenomenon is called electroluminescence; it entails an organic semiconductor emitting light in an electric field. The luminosity of OLED (lm/W) amounts up to around one third of an LED’s luminosity. It has one advantage: OLED emits light throughout its entire surface, whereas LED is a spotlight technology. At this point, VTT says its plastic OLED film will only emit light for around a year, since light-emitting polymer materials are susceptible to oxygen and moisture. In the future, the film’s lifespan will increase as the development of screen protectors continues and the film’s application possibilities grow. WWW.VTT.FI
The plastic film is optimally suited to advertising campaigns, in which large, lightemitting surfaces can be used to draw significantly more attention than can be gained through mere printed graphics or e-ink-type black-and-white displays that do not emit light
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
45
UK CONTRIBUTES 20 PERCENT TO PVC RECYCLING FIGURES FOR 2014 The UK has contributed 20 percent, or 95,525 tonnes, of the total amount of PVC recycled in Europe in 2014. Through the Recovinyl programme, the operational arm of voluntary commitment initiative, VinylPlus, a total of 474,411 tonnes of waste PVC was recycled across 16 European member countries last year. “PVC recycling continues to grow, as revealed by these latest figures, and the UK’s achievement is testament to both ongoing commitment from the sector and sustained investment in recycling infrastructure across the country,” comments Project Manager, Jane Gardner of Axion Consulting, Recovinyl’s UK agents. “Good quality recycled material can be reused sustainably in so many diverse new products, from construction products such as windows, to flooring and electrical components. Demand from manufacturers is continuing to grow.”
CLOSED LOOP RECYCLING BOUGHT BY EURO CAPITAL Investment group, Euro Capital, has bought troubled plastics reprocessor, Closed Loop Recycling. The Dubai-based Group has purchased the company, which reportedly went into administration at the beginning of May, for an undisclosed sum. The business will now be known as Euro Closed Loop Recycling Ltd. The sale to Euro Capital will reportedly see all of Closed Loop’s 130 staff, as well as its CEO, Chris Dow, keep their jobs with the Dagenhambased plastic bottle manufacturer. “We are delighted that Euro Cap has come on board,” commented Dow. The number one
priority for us and our investors is to continue to support the Dairy Roadmap in the UK. In the last eight weeks, the industry has shown real commitment to recycled HDPE content. This deal offers the potential for the supply chain to meet this obligation of 30 percent recycled content, but this will only happen if the retailers enforce this through the whole of the supply chain.” Euro Captial, which has invested in some 100 companies since 2005 across a diverse range of sectors, has pledged a programme of ongoing investment support to Closed Loop in order to support the business. WWW.CLOSEDLOOPRECYCLING.CO.UK
The UK has contributed 20 percent, or 95,525 tonnes, of the total amount of PVC recycled in Europe in 2014.
Waste PVC-U profiles comprised just over half of the UK’s recycling achievement in 2014, with pipes, rigid and flexible PVC films and cables making up the rest. Having already established significant volumes of PVC recycling with Vinyl 2010, Recovinyl’s strategy continues with consolidating and increasing the steady supply of PVC waste being recycled in Europe by creating demand – a ‘pull-market’ for recycled PVC material - from the converting industry. Potential new recycling opportunities for PVC include non-infectious medical PVC waste from hospitals, such as IV Fluid and oxygen bags. This type of waste is the focus of a VinylPlus-funded research project, RecoMed, undertaken jointly by Axion Consulting and the BPF Vinyls Group. WWW.RECOVINYL.COM
FAST INSTALLATION OF GRANULATOR KEEPS RECYCLER MOVING A UK recycler has taken delivery of a new granulator that was installed and working within two weeks of purchase. West Midlands-based Recycled UK invested in a new 40 Series Cumberland granulator from Renmar in order to help it process over 100 tonnes of various materials for UK consumption each week, along with a variety of other materials for overseas markets. “We are very pleased with the Cumberland 4070
granulator and the smooth way the whole transaction was handled from initial order to installation,” said Recycled UK’s Paul Green. “We will be in touch for the next machine purchase very soon.” While the 4070 model granulator chosen by Recycled UK can cope with a throughput of over 800kg of material per hour, the Cumberland range starts at the smaller 16 and 20 series for up to 110kg per hour, rising through various other models to the 50 series, which is capable of granulating almost one tonne per hour. WWW.RENMARLTD.COM
BUYER’S GUIDE vibration welding
MATERIALS
Branson Ultrasonics
158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.bransoneurope.eu
MASTERBATCH
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
BUY/SELL
Zerma Granulators Injection/blow moulding, extrusion, thermoforming, in-house recycling n The widest range of plastic granulators n Very price competitive n Fit for purpose n Cut out 3rd party recycling n Reduce purge recycling costs by up to 75% n Beside the press, compact or heavy duty options n Full spares and services available
E info@summitsystems.co.uk W www.summitsystems.co.uk T 01827 265 843
DEHUMIDIFIERS Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
Burgess Colours & Compounds, 1-10 Burgess Street, Middleport, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 3PD, T: 01782 819670 F: 01782 816133 Email: sales@burgesscolours.co.uk We are one of the UK’s leading supplier of black, white, colours and additive masterbatches
EXTRUSION SYSTEMS new and used
Cooper Plastics Machinery
MOULD RELEASE
Unit 12, Harmill Industrial Estate, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 4FF T: 01525 850610 F: 01525 218008 E: cooperplastics@googlemail.com W: www.cooperplastics.co.uk Extruders, water baths, 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.
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.bransoneurope.eu
HEATING EQUIPMENT
pulse staking H.T.E Engineering 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
colour masterbatch
ultrasonic welding
CONTROL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT quality monitoring control Kistler Instruments Ltd
T: 01256 741550 F: 01256 741551 E: sales.uk@kistler.com W: www.kistler.com Pressure transducers and associated monitoring/control equipment for new and existing injection moulding applications.
DRYERS
Eclipse Buyers Guide_Layout 1 07
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.
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT LISA MONTGOMERY 01244 680222
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
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT ANCILLARIES InControl Ultrasonics Ltd (FFR Ultrasonics Ltd) New and used Granulators, Shredders, Pulverisers, Wash Plants Blades and Screens
PO Box 10380, Sileby, LE12 7ZX T: 01509 621992 E: enquiries@ffr-ultrasonics. co.uk W: www.ffr-ultrasonics.co.uk
Blade Sharpening Ancillary Items Service – Repair - Spares UK & Ireland Agents for
Tel: 01827 838840 Email: info@granulators.org www.granulators.org
Telsonic UK Ltd
12a - 15 Birch Copse Technology Road, Poole, Dorset BH17 7FH T: 01202 697340 F: 01202 693674 E: info.uk@telsonic.com W: www.telsonic.co.uk Blog: telsonicuk.wordpress.com
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
HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS hot runner controllers
BUYER’S GUIDE
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT LABORATORY MACHINES
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
Engineers to the Plastics & Rubber industries, specialising in the following: Screw & Barrel Manufacture Screw & Barrel Refurbishment Tie Bar Repair & Manufacture Screw Tip Assemblies Feed Liners, Plain & Grooved 100 Tonne Screw & Barrel Press Bimetallic Barrel Blanks up to 50 mm In Stock Please e-mail or phone Karl for more info. E. info@tws-mail.co.uk T. 01706 655402 W. www.tws-ltd.com Technical Welding Services (Rochdale) Ltd
STATIC CONTROL Arrowquint Ltd
Unit 2 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
SERVICES TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT LISA MONTGOMERY 01244 680222
Global manufacturer & distributor of inserts for plastic, fasteners for plastic, cable management, circuit board hardware, nylon rivets & screws, rubber bumpers & feet & many more.
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
PRINTING MACHINES
www.trfastenings.com sales@trfastenings.com
pad
SCREEN CHANGERS
hopper loaders
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
RECYCLING SYSTEMS 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
MIXING, FEEDING & DOSING
EREMA Engineering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen Ges.m.b.H. Unterfeldstraße 3 4052 Ansfelden / Austria Phone: +43 (0)732/31 90-0 Fax: +43 (0)732/31 90-71 sales@erema.at www.erema.at
CHOOSE THE NUMBER ONE.
SCREWS & BARRELS
INJECTION MOULDING
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 Machinery UK
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
Ray Ran Test Equipment Ltd
Kelsey Close, Attleborough Fields Industrial Estate, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV11 6RS T: 024 763 42002 F: 024 766 41670 E: Polytest@ray-ran.com W: www.ray-ran.com
hardness - IRHD and shore MAPRA Technik Co — BAREISS 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
MOULDFLOW ANALYSIS
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
3D PRINTING
3D Printing in Plastic & Rubber
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
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
Tel: 01420 88645
www.projet3d.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT LISA MONTGOMERY 01244 680222
BUYER’S GUIDE PRINTERS printers of plastic mouldings
TESTINg/CONSULTANCY
Total Print Ltd
manufacturing management directory
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 Pad Printers to the Plastics Industry
enterprise resource planning Epicor ERP Manufacturing Software (For Plastics’/Rubber Processors) Epicor Software (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1344 468 468 E: ukmarketing@epicor.com
PRINTERS 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
PARTS & SERVICE
SOFTWARE DIRECTORY
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
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT LISA MONTGOMERY 01244 680222
BPR online ad_Layout 1 07/12/2012 11:41 Page 1
Keep up with the social side of BP&R The Word on the Tweet… @BritishPlastics, the official Twitter feed for British Plastics and Rubber magazine, keeps followers informed of breaking news, the latest event updates and industry insights that will keep social butterflies at the cutting edge of all things plastic and rubber. www.twitter.com
Let’s link up sometime Our ever-growing BP&R LinkedIn group provides a great forum for discussion if you are looking for a specific supplier, needing advice or looking for recommendations. It’s also a great way to provide feedback and share your experiences with colleagues or fellow readers. www.linkedin.com
www.britishplastics.co.uk
Epicor’s ERP (on-site, hosted & SAAS) manufacturing software for the polymer 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 Epicor Mattec’s Real-time MES to provide a single system that offers a complete quote-to-cash solution for the plastics’/rubber industries.
real time production monitoring, scheduling and process monitoring Epicor Mattec Real-time MES (Microsoft Windows™ PC Servers & “Web Based”) Epicor Software (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1344 468 468 E: ukmarketing@epicor.com Modules: Production Monitoring, Process Monitoring, “Drag and Drop” Scheduling/Planning, “Family Moulding”, Preventative Maintenance, Bar Coding/Parts’ Trace-ability, Operator Visual Aids, Process Parameter Profiling, E-mail/ Public Address System Alerts, Stand-alone “Drag and Drop” Scheduler, Stand-alone SPC “Machine Analyzer”, Machine Energy Monitoring, KPI Dashboards, Visual Manufacturing (Large LED Displays), Automatic Data Import/Export Functions (For Integration with Epicor ERP & Other Manufacturing Systems/Software Packages).
real time production monitoring, scheduling and process monitoring intouch T: 01604 646144 E: enquiries@ intouchmonitoring.com Website: www.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. A listing in the Software Directory costs £140 per programme per year. Call Lisa on 01244 680222 for details.
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, Stand-alone 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 Tel: +44 (0)7711 036750 Tel: +1 574 232 3900 E: mt@mtec-services.co.uk W: www.mtec-services.co.uk W: www.plantstar.org 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. Browserbased software and hardware, and wireless Ethernet technology make for highly versatile and configurable systems providing information wherever needed. Standard systems include realtime alarms, downtime & reject analysis, capacity scheduling , ERP integration and more. With options including SPC/SQC, Labour tracking and Scheduling, Family Tooling, Materials traceability, bar-coding. New QuickShot entry level system, provides real-time data collection & reporting, plus drag & drop scheduling and much more for less than £500 per machine!
comment
NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
T
bp&r BRITISH PLASTICS &RUBBER 50
adjacent to Charing Cross railway station in London, that will trial new ways of encouraging people not to litter. The attractive point about this project from the BPF’s perspective is that it puts the emphasis on behavioural change and moves away from misleading concepts such as proposed bans on single-use items. It kicked off on May 22nd and secured coverage in ‘The Observer’, the Express, Huffington Post, BBC Radio London and BBC 5 Live. At the same time, the BPF was putting its many boots on the ground in China at the Chinaplas exhibition, held in Guangzhou between 20-23 May. Chinaplas continued its onward march with 128,264 visitors. In terms of numbers of exhibitors, the show is now larger than the ‘K’ fair in Germany. Our BPF Pavilion embraced 13 companies, most of whom were recipients of UKTI grants. One of our exhibitors, Jason Young of Jayplas, said that the direct sales made at the show by the company will create at least six new jobs. We are expecting demand for space at the next edition, to be held in Shanghai between 25th28th May, 2016, to be very high indeed. I therefore advise any interested company to contact Justyna Elliott at the BPF on jelliott@bpf.co.uk or 0207 457 5001 soon. The China watchers in our BPF membership are also quite excited about recent announcements from Chinese government sources indicating that import duties will be slashed considerably in a bid to increase domestic consumption. There are concerns that the growing number of Chinese tourists are buying their luxury goods abroad and not in China itself. Whilst the press coverage has spoken mainly about import duties being cut on consumer goods, hopes are high that this will also extend to industrial materials and products, with many UK ancillary equipment manufacturers standing to gain. BPF has been in dialogue with the UKTI and CBI offices in China, which are in direct contact with the Chinese government, and they hope to provide clarification soon. WWW.BPF.CO.UK
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS
he UK automotive industry is a great success story and for once the government might possibly be able to claim some modest credit for this. It’s generally recognised that its strategic approach as confirmed by the PHILIP LAW, DIRECTOR- setting up of an Automotive Council GENERAL OF THE BRITISH and the emphasis it has placed on PLASTICS FEDERATION, supply chain efficiency has helped TALKS AUTOMOTIVE, in convincing the global automotive majors that the UK is serious about ANTI-LITTERING AND ALL making cars. The difficulty is in THINGS CHINAPLAS IN THIS identifying which government should MONTH’S UPDATE. take the credit! The origins of the strategic supply chain approach goes back to the days of Peter Mandelson, but, more recently, Vince Cable certainly put himself about the plants of Nissan, JLR and Ford. A BPF seminar on plastics in the automotive sector held today (4th June) illustrated the opportunities. According to the SMMT, the UK boasts seven volume car producers, seven commercial vehicle manufacturers, nine bus and coach manufacturers, eight major premium and sports car producers and eight Formula One teams. That certainly represents considerable commercial meat. On top of that, although recognising that 90 percent of the automotive output is actually exported, new car registrations are now up for 39 consecutive months. Protecting the reputation of the industry has been an important theme for the BPF, and alongside PAFA and PlasticsEurope, our partners in the Plastics 2020 Challenge initiative, we are financially supporting a new campaign to tackle the growing problem of litter on our streets. Other partners in this venture, known as ‘Neat Streets’ include Westminster City Council, Veolia, and INCPEN. The campaign is managed by a charity called ‘Hubbub’ and features a series of interactive installations and exhibitions in Villiers Street,
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
ZERMA Granulator Suppliers
Get an unfair advantage dvantag GSL - Slow w Sp Speed
Small, compact, ompact, low noise and dust, perfect ect fo ffor or beside the press
Full range of spare parts and service available
GSC - C Compact ompact
Soundproofed Soundpr ed and compact ompact for f integration ation into int existing op ations operations
GSH - Hea Heavy Duty
Strong w welded construction ffor tough rrecycling challenges
“The he pur purchase of the Zerma GSH7 GSH700/1000 Heavy Duty Granulator has enabled TDX to significantly increase its throughput in its ability to collect and granulate PET scrap material. In terms of output and quality of material produced this has exceeded all expectations." Trevor Marr, Commercial Director, TDX
01827 265 843 | info@summitsystems.co.uk