BP&R March 2012

British Plastics

and Rubber

bp&r

THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR BRITAIN’S POLYMER PROCESSORS

march 2012

energy efficient manufacturing

Processes for economic efficiency

Recycling that’s got plenty of bottle

Green tyres take centre stage

comment

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

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

ART

Pride & Patriotism

for Uk plastics manufacturing Recently I attended the EEF National Manufacturing Conference in London where Vince Cable stated the announcement by Nissan to invest £125 million in building a new vehicle at its plant in Sunderland was a “resounding win for UK manufacturing”.

Fresh from the Geneva Motorshow, the business secretary said the decision by the car manufacturer, which will create and safeguard up to 2,000 jobs at the plant and along the supply chain, was a “clear vote of confidence in Britain’s manufacturing industry.”

Also speaking at the conference, opposition leader, Ed Miliband, said that too often the UK manufacturing sector was one that was referred to as in decline, with the obvious success stories not celebrated enough.

He stated that British firms need “pride and patriotism” to succeed and with this I have to agree. The plastics manufacturing sector is one that is full of forward-thinking innovation, cutting edge technology and outstanding design and we should be celebrating and supporting this at every given opportunity, showing our competitors just how strong our industry is and giving our firms prominence on a global platform.

British Plastics and Rubber is proud to champion the UK’s plastics manufacturing industry and yet again this issue we have

another great example of a British success story, this time from plastic bottle recycler, Eco Plastics. Find out the latest on the company’s ground breaking venture with Coca-Cola Enterprises, and how the business is preparing for the London 2012 Games on page 22.

Also this issue - when you think of America’s ‘sunshine state’, you don’t necessarily think of plastics. However, from 1-5 April some of the world’s biggest industry names will be heading to Orlando, Florida, for international plastics exhibition, NPE, after 40 years of the show being held in Chicago.

It’s safe to say the news I have seen in the run up to the show pre-empts an exhibition that will be back in full force after taking a blow from the recession, with more exhibitors, more machinery and more noise than before. We have a dedicated preview of the show, starting on page 30, as well as news from many of the exhibitors distributed throughout the magazine - look out for the NPE logo to indicate that the company will be there.

BP&R magazine will be on-site at the show, at the entrance and on our stand (10062), so please look out for us and come and say hello.

Enjoy the issue.

Leanne Taylor - Editor

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

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

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

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

Associated organisations

THE BIG STORY

Looking for cost savings from a plastic injection moulding machine?

! y g r e n e r u Save yo

G

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iven today’s extremely high energy costs and the inevitability of further price rises, it is becoming increasingly important for UK moulders to consider the ‘through life’ cost when purchasing a new plastic injection moulding machine. Mindful of this, Victor Taichung Machinery has developed two cost-effective PIM machine ranges. Victor’s energy saving ranges boast advanced cost saving attributes, whilst exhibiting all of the high quality features associated with Victor Machines.

With clamp forces available from 50 - 200 tonne, the Victor V-alpha series fully electric range is ideal for high speed, high accuracy applications. The innovative machines employ the latest energy efficient Japanese servo drives and motors and utilise the most up-todate braking energy recovery technology.

The Victor Vr-ES Energy saving machine range is available with clamp forces from 50 - 1300 tonne. These inventive hybrid machines have been

developed by combining the best merits of hydraulic machines with the energy saving characteristics of electric moulding machines. The result is energy savings that are almost equal to that of all-electric machines. In addition to cost savings, the Victor Vr-ES range delivers quick response times and excellent pressure holding performance.

‘Bloom-in-Box’, a company involved in manufacturing its own range of high quality floristry packaging, grow-in-box raised growing beds and a range of plastic measures, has recently replaced all of its previously used hydraulic machines with the Victor V-alpha range of fully electric machines. Bloom-in-Box commented: “Since the Victor allelectric machines have been installed, we have been delighted with their outstanding performance. Moreover, we have seen a significant and welcome reduction in our energy bills. We pride ourselves in consistently producing mouldings of the highest quality. The precision of the new Victor machines enables us to do this on time and thanks to the savings made, at the right price.”

Blackburn-based moulder, Verifyne Plastic Products, a company who specialise in taking products from initial concepts through to full production, purchased their first Victor PIM machine more than 10 years ago.

Impressed by the performance of their original Victor, the company have since obtained a further 16 machines, the latest models purchased being the Victor Vr-ES series energy saving hybrid hydraulic machines. Verifyne Plastics MD, Alan Holderness, confirmed that he has witnessed a substantial reduction in energy consumption since installing the latest Victor energy saving machines. Furthermore, having previously considered other options, he insists that the Victor Vr-ES series represent the best value energy saving machines currently available.

To arrange to view the machines at Victor’s Rochdale HQ call 01706 648485 or email pim@victorcnc.com further information: www.victorcnc.com

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on the cover

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bp&r BRITISH PLASTICS &RUBBER

contents march 2012

on the cover Energy saving from a plastic injectionmoulding machine Given today’s extremely high energy costs and the inevitability of further price increases, it is becoming increasingly important for UK moulders to consider the ‘through life’ cost when purchasing a new plastic injection moulding machine.

See page 4

18-23 REGULARS FEATURE ENGINEERING MATERIALS RECLAMATION & RECYCLING Recycling that’s got plenty of bottle

24-29 ]FEATURE

38

INJECTION MOULDING

40

FROM THE FRONTLINE

41

CURRENCY CORNER

43

SOFTWARE

43

BUYERS’ GUIDE

44

MATERIALS HANDLING

3

Processes for economic efficiency

EDITOR’S LETTER Pride & patriotism for UK plastics manufacturing

8-13 FEATURE TEMPERATURE CONTROL Should you convert to inverter?

14-17 FEATURE

34-36 FEATURE RUBBER Green tyres take centre stage

30-33 FEATURE NPE PREVIEW

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Plastics head to the sunshine state

BLOW MOULDING Technology for better bottle quality

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temperature control

Quality suppliers of large cooling water systems to the UK market

news Eco-friendly cooling technology for hotrunners at NPE Hot Runner Supplier, Mold-Masters, has formalised an agreement with Ritemp Technologies for exclusive global use of their patented evaporative cooling technology in hot runner applications.

“Ritemp patented technology intrigued us because it had the potential to provide faster cycles times, with less energy, drastically reduced water usage and completely uniform cooling,” said Bruce Catoen, VP of Business and Product Development at Mold-Masters. “Joint developmental efforts over the last year have proven to us that these benefits are viable and we are now prepared to offer Ritemp hot runners commercially.”

“Mold-Masters’ has demonstrated a continuous commitment to product improvement with a focus on ‘value added’ solutions. “With their global footprint, manufacturing capacity and industry reputation for innovation, they were the ideal choice as a partner,” said Bob Parrington, CEO of Ritemp.

With the Ritemp Cooling Principle, heat is extracted from the mould by converting it to latent heat of vaporisation.

The resultant vapour rises to the top of the mould where it is condensed by simple heat exchangers. For every one gram of water, latent heat absorbs 540 cal/°C. With conventional turbulent flow,

one gram of water only absorbs one cal/°C. Ritemp technology will be on display at NPE 2012, where a 4-cavity mould will be running in the Sumitomo-Demag booth (2103) making a 60–mm spout in 7.2 seconds, said to be a 39 percent improvement over a conventionally cooled mould. The required cooling to the entire mould will be 18 GPM, a 55 percent improvement over a conventionally cooled mould. The cell will show, for the first time, both a Ritemp hot half and Ritemp cold half.

Ritemp technology is said to reduce cycles, improve thermal uniformity and reduce coolant flow requirements. “Ritemp technology in mould inserts has been proven in many commercial applications to provide 30 percent cycle benefits and more even shrinkage while reducing coolant flow by

an order of magnitude,” said Scott W. Molnar of Ygrene Technologies Inc., distributor of Ritemp technology.

“Conventional cooling via conductive and convective heat-removal methods requires maintaining turbulent flow of water through all channels that follow the moulding surface. The conventional method requires significant cooling water flow and typically does not cover the entire moulding surface evenly, resulting in hot spots on the part. The result is slower cycles, more warpage and the need for copious amounts of water. The evaporative cooling process solves all that by using a phase change to increase cooling efficiency by up to 300 percent,” Molnar continued.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.moldmasters.com

Temperature control from Tool-Temp

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TCUs and chillers for energyefficient moulding For many plastics processors, getting the correct mould temperature is imperative to ensure a high level of quality and improved cycle times for energy efficient working.

Having the correct temperature ensures optimum surface finish, dimensional stability through control of shrinkage and improved physical properties by reducing in-mould stress.

Cycle times can be improved by having a temperature controller with greater cooling capacity and flow rate coupled with improved mould connections or flow.

Tool-Temp, a leading provider of industrial temperature control products and systems, offers a complete range of temperature controllers and water chillers - from small portable units for dedicated single-machine operation, to large multi-

machine systems.

Manufactured in Switzerland, ToolTemp products are well known for outstanding build quality, ruggedness, reliability and ease of operation and as standard all come with flow control.

The company offers full energy analysis and audit of cooling systems to see where cost savings can be implemented, as well as free cooling

installation and modification to existing and new systems.

Full system design with autoCAD drawings and project management of the cooling system is also offered, with all the required CDM and health and safety paperwork.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.tool-temp.net

www.temp-control.net 01933 442623

Southco chooses Renmar and AEC for temperature controllers Worcester-based Southco Manufacturing has placed a large order for mould temperature controllers from Renmar.

The company chose 26 AEC TCU100 units, with an advanced controller package, after carrying out independent flow tests from which the AEC unit provided the highest flow rate of those reviewed.

Southco were able to use the smallest unit in the AEC range of TCUs to give the correct water flow requirements to suit their full range of tools and moulding machines, using two heaters per moulding machine with tonnage ranging from 40 – 350 tonnes. Part of the company’s decision is said to have come from the use of AEC units in other plants worldwide.

Renmar has phased in the 26 new units over a period of a few months, with spokesmen from both companies stating they are extremely happy with the partnership and are looking forward to the prospect of working together on future development projects.

Frigel to distribute HB-Therm temperature controllers in North America HB-Therm, a supplier of temperature controllers, has been appointed by USbased Frigel to distribute its product range in North America.

Orindo Dorin, CEO of Frigel Firenze S.p.A. commented: “By combining our existing process cooling product lines and strong network in North America with HBTherm’s industry leading expertise in temperature control technology, we are now perfectly positioned to offer our customers in North America the best solutions for both ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ process temperature requirements.”

Reto Zürcher, CEO of HB-Therm AG in St. Gallen, stated: “As both our companies supply technology driven, high quality products we see a good fit in our North American cooperation with Frigel, thus being able to support our customers even better than before with a first class network of technicians and sales reps.” further information: www.frigel.com www.hb-therm.com

HB-Therm temperature controllers

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.renmarltd.com

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news New high-temperature cooling system Following extensive development and research work, Hasco has come up with a specially modified cooling system that can withstand long-term service temperatures of up to 250°C. The company states that as engineering and high-tech plastics require high mould temperatures for optimum processing by injection moulding, conventional temperature control systems cannot withstand such conditions over the long term with standard seals becoming hard, brittle and leaking relatively quickly.

According to Hasco, the high temperature resistance of the new HT range is achieved through a special sealing element, which, in contrast to conventional sealing rings, has the required long-term heat stability.

As part of this development project, the Hasco team also took a closer look at the throughput of the couplings. Through design improvements to the coupling

Low temperature chillers now available from Mokon Temperature control systems manufacturer, Mokon, has announced the launch of the Iceman LT Series, an extension of the line of Iceman portable chillers that delivers low temperature process fluids as cold as -10°F (-23°C).

Mokon’s line of Iceman portable chillers has been expanded to deliver low temperature process fluids on models up to 10 tonnes with both air and watercooled condensing.

According to the company, the main feature of the Iceman LT Series chiller is its semi-hermetic discus compressor arrangement, said to be robust and easy to service with internals that can be replaced, allowing it to be used in a broad range of industrial and commercial applications. In addition, Mokon states semi-hermetic compressors are more energy efficient than many other compressor types and are built to last, thus saving time and money in maintenance and service calls.

elements, they have succeeded in increasing the throughput by up to 10 percent. According to Hasco, the net result is higher temperature resistance plus effective cooling of the mould when use is made of connecting couplings with a shutoff valve – at minimum pressure loss.

The new HT series r permits durable highe temperature stability

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.hasco.com

Mokon claims additional features of its chillers are the cylinder unloading/hot gas bypass feature used for capacity control and a microprocessor-based digital controller that is specifically programmed for chiller applications.

The Iceman LT Series is said to utilise R-507 refrigerant that provides customers

with an environmentally friendly option to replace CFCs and HCFCs. Mokon also offers standard Iceman SC portable chillers ranging from 1/4 to 40 tonnes that use R-134A and R-407C environmentally friendly refrigerants for process cooling. further information: www.mokon.com

Mokon Iceman LT Series chiller

temperature control

www.temp-control.net 01933 442623

temperature control feature

Quality suppliers of large cooling water systems to the UK market

A new type of variable speed process chiller is making energy-saving inverter technology more accessible than ever. Nigel Hallett, Managing Director of process cooling specialists IsoCool, talks exclusively to BP&R to explain what manufacturers need to know in order to benefit.

Should you convert to inverter?

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As a result of high investment costs and lack of guaranteed return, sales of variable speed process chillers have historically been limited to Europeʼs largest manufacturers. In the current economic climate of rising fuel costs and squeezed margins, this trend looked set to continue. But things are changing. A new wave of relatively low-cost variable speed chillers have now entered the market, making this energy-saving technology a practical alternative not only to its expensive predecessor, but also to standard packaged process chillers.

But as is the case with most emerging technologies, there is a lack of understanding about this new type of chiller; how it works and who can benefit from it. Alarmingly, some companies have taken advantage of this by passing off large air-conditioning chillers as process chillers. Although similar in price and aesthetics, air conditioning chillers have a plate evaporator construction, rather than shell and tube, and are totally unsuitable for process cooling – the inevitable consequence of which is poor performance and reliability.

To ensure that manufacturers take full

and proper advantage of variable speed process chillers, education is needed.

After all, serious energy, cost and carbon savings – all of which are top priorities in the current climate – are on offer and easily achievable.

performance co-efficient of seven, the highest energy efficiency ratio in its category – but the smaller investment costs and far shorter payback periods mean that they are a financially practical option, both in the short and long term.

A practical alternative A variable frequency power inverter is the component, which adds cost to the build of a compressor in any variable speed drive. In process cooling, those traditionally available have been particularly specialist OEM centrifugal oil-less compressors. Offering performance co-efficients of up to 11, these compressors are able to make a serious difference to energy consumption, however, highspecification means that these products can be very expensive — often to the extent where any economical benefits are forfeited.

In comparison, the new breed of variable speed process chillers feature standard compressors, which are adapted with inverters. This alternative design is still able to achieve exceptional efficiency — the NAX-ID from Eurochiller, for example, has a

Variable speed vs. standard compressor Both the low-cost inverter-adapted compressor and the centrifugal oil-less compressor work on the same principle.

As such, it is more important to understand how variable speed, in general, compares to the standard compressors found within conventional chillers.

Standard compressors work at either full capacity or are switched off in stages. As a result, they consume the maximum amount of energy to produce a maximum amount of cooling at all times. Variable speed chillers, on the other hand, use inverter technology to drive the screw compressors. This enables the unit to alter the speed of the compressors in direct response to cooling demand, keeping energy consumption, and operating costs, to a minimum.

www.temp-control.net 01933 442623

MAIN IMAGE: Inverter process chillers match loads, saving energy

l MD Nigel Hallett, Isocoo

Peaks in electrical usage are also limited by an inverter, further increasing energy savings. This is because any compressor will draw more amps at start up and shut down than any other time.

As variable speed compressors maintain an almost permanent ʻonʼ state, surges in energy consumption are avoided.

Whatʼs more, wear on the compressor is greatly reduced, increasing the reliability and longevity of the entire chiller.

In addition to these benefits, variable speed chillers offer lower noise levels, as well as space and water savings due to reduced storage requirements for the water circuit. Recent additions to the market, such as the NAX-ID, come fully packaged, and complete with features such as fan speed control and electronic

expansion valves for increased energy saving.

To invert or not to invert?

The exceptional load matching offered by inverter-driven process chillers, as well the ability to achieve precise water temperatures, means that the technology is particularly well-suited to factory processes which have variable heat loads. They are also an ideal investment for any manufacturer with plans to expand plant operations in the future, since the cooling capacity of variable speed chillers can be ramped up as needed.

In any case, the most practical and common way to specify a variable speed chiller is alongside one or more fixed

speed chillers. In this way, the conventional chiller provides the base line, while the inverter smooths out any peaks and troughs in load. This keeps energy consumption to an absolute minimum.

To increase energy savings even further, manufacturers could consider combining variable speed chillers with free cooling. When the ambient drops below the set point, the free cooler will provide 100 percent direct air cooling.

Above this temperature it will provide partial free-cooling and work in tandem with the variable speed chiller to achieve the required temperature as efficiently as possible.

Compact variable speed chillers with integrated free cooling are currently available on the market, and are an ideal solution where space and budget is tight. However, manufacturers with slightly more room and finances would be best advised to opt for a packaged inverter-driven chiller and separate free cooling unit. While the initial investment is greater, the larger surface area of the stand-alone free cooler, compared with an all-in-one unit, is much more energy efficient.

Converted As financial demands — such as initial outlay and payback periods — become increasingly important, it is clear that even products traditionally considered ʻenergy efficientʼ must evolve in order to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. This is why inverteradapted standard compressors are ideal – in a difficult economic climate they provide manufacturers with a flexible and scalable way to save significant amounts of energy and dramatically cut costs.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.isocool.ltd.uk

New blow moulding machine said to improve bottle quality Sidel has launched a linear blow moulding machine said to improve bottle quality.

The SBO Compact2 is said to be industrially improved and more robust, while performing even better because of electrical stretching.

According to Sidel, the final quality of the bottle is determined by the quality of preform stretch-blowing using biorientation. Throughout the process, the aim is to ensure maximum process precision and repetitiveness, while obtaining optimal production speed.

To improve the process, Sidel developed a new stretch-blowing system for the preform. Traditionally, the pneumatic process uses hydraulic actuators to drive the vertical movement of the stretching rod. This was replaced by an electrical process by installing a servomotor and ballscrew assembly.

Sidel states the new stretching console provides many benefits, such as enabling constant control of the stretching

products, detergents or cosmetics, the SBO Compact2 can blow simple or standard shapes using either PET or other plastics from 0.2–10 litre containers. It can also manage the blow moulding of complex packaging, such as asymmetric shapes or flat containers, through the heating process with a possible neck orientation.

As a natural evolution of the SBO Compact range, Sidel states the new SBO Compact2 linear blow-moulders, which includes the SBO 4, SBO 4 PH, SBO 3 XL, SBO 3 PH and SBO 2 XXL PH, now run at speeds ranging from 2,400 to 7,200 bottles per hour. All SBO Compact2 blowers are said to systematically benefit from a 100-hour mechanical run-off as a minimum, including one-hour bottle production.

As part of these continued improvements, Sidel states it is working to increase the process capabilities further to manage any type of container, including wide-mouth jars and heat resistant packages. further information: www.sidel.com

Sidel has launched a linear blow moulding machine said to improve bottle quality

blow moulding

news

position and speed, which ensures perfect repetitiveness of the process. The production is also said to be more flexible: it works for a variety of bottle sizes because it is no longer necessary during format changeovers to manually adjust the pre-blowing and blowing start detectors.

Finally, Sidel claims the maximum stretching speed increases from 1– 1.3 m per second, enabling higher production speeds.

In addition to electrical stretching, further developments improving reliability are said to include preform feeding and Human Machine Interface (HMI). The machine is claimed to be more productive due to new, longer orienting rollers that secure preform stability and infeed fluidity.

Additional panel functions are said to make the machines more ergonomical for operators and format changeovers are now easier to carry out because the stretching parameters are managed directly from the HMI and no longer within the machine.

Sidel states that whatever the product, be it water, carbonated soft drinks, dairy

Technology for quality PET preforms Manufacturer of PET preforms, APPE, has invested €1.5m to develop and install Sample-PreWatcher technology from Intravis GmbH for the automatic inspection of the key quality parameters of preforms.

The manufacture of PET preforms is becoming increasingly challenging as demand increases and more rPET resin blends and performance additives are used.

With the ever-present challenge of ensuring high, consistent quality products, APPE turned to Intravis for its testing applications including a ColourWatcher system, which ensures preform colour consistency, PreWatcher, for high speed preform selection and BottleWatcher, for container inspection.

The Sample-PreWatcher technology has been developed by Intravis, with significant input from APPE’s panEuropean quality team. Replacing manual inspection, the system is said to provide an automated, rapid and more indepth analysis of preforms, as well as carrying out tasks such as a complete visual inspection, colour analysis, cavity

number recognition and neck dimension examination. Engineers are said to have developed the technology further to include weight control, thread-flash analysis and wall thickness variation.

Billy Jansen, APPE’s Group QSE and Sustainability Manager, explained: “This off-line tool provides rapid analysis of key preform quality parameters. It supports APPE’s operational and quality teams with fast and accurate data at the most critical periods of production, namely start-up and process interruptions, as well as routine quality activity.

“The extended feature-set has resulted in more consistent quality, earlier

Caption: (L-R) – Billy Jansen, APPE's QSE and Sustainability CEO Manager, Dr. Gerd Fuhrmann, hels, of Intravis and Christophe Mic y man Ger E APP at neer Engi Quality

identification of quality issues and therefore reduction of scrap, as well as the freeing-up of operators’ time to focus on other value–added tasks.” further information: www.appepackaging.com

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Multicoloured PET bottles blown on conventional system Plastic packaging specialist, Gizeh, has manufactured multicoloured PET bottles on conventional stretch blow moulding machines.

After completion of an extensive development and test phase, blown PET bottles can now be produced with completely new optical and tactile effects.

According to Gizeh, the new PET bottles are based on innovative multicomponent preforms, which up to now could only be processed on stretch blow moulding machines with microwave heating. Even heating of the different colour components was only considered to be feasible with this special heating system.

Gizeh states its developers have succeeded in equipping a conventional two-stage stretch blow moulding plant with infrared heating so that perfect results are obtained with the preforms, enabling the manufacturing of multicolour PET bottles on a traditional system.

“This new technology opens up completely new optical and tactile design possibilities for PET bottles,” said Daniel Rüth, Head of Gizeh. For the first time, the company states the bottles can be blown in attractive colour combinations.

Latest blow moulding machinery for better bottle quality Amsler Equipment Inc., a manufacturer of all-electric, reheat stretch-blow (RHB) moulding machines, will demonstrate the latest in RHB machinery and auxiliary equipment for PET bottles at NPE 2012.

Amsler will highlight the use of highly efficient servo stretch-rods for its RHB machinery. In addition, the company will introduce a new single flying head leak tester, which expands its line of quality inspection equipment.

The company will run its L32 convertible machine with servo stretch rods at its booth (583) for the duration of the show. The three-cavity all-electric unit is said to meet the high-output needs of custom blow moulders of PET containers with small to medium size requirements, as the machine can be run with one, two, or three moulds. The machine will run an oval bottle without a preferential heating

Blown PET bottles

blow moulding

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news

produced with optical and tactile effects

Gizeh states it continues to work on handling elements such as soft or antislide gripping zones, which are currently under development. In addition, there are also new technical possibilities, such as the addition of an antibacterial inner wall coating to help increase the shelf life of the filled product. Furthermore, Gizeh states brand and product protection can be improved through hidden injected security pigments.

“We tried out different design possibilities during the test runs and obtained very good results,” said Rüth.

“The product offers great potential in particular for customers from the beverage and food industry as well as for cosmetics, household and technical liquids.” further information: www.gizeh.com

oven system, which normally requires the use of an expensive dedicated oven and special fingers.

For custom blow moulders, the servodriven electric stretch rods deliver major productivity advantages over pneumatic stretch rods, according to company President, Werner Amsler. He said: “Our machines are now even more environmentally friendly because they offer a new level of energy efficiency and at the same time increase output. They also offer more precise and better speed control and ramp up for better productivity compared to pneumatics. The excellent repeatability also results in more consistent bottle quality. Amsler offers these highly-efficient servo stretch rods for its complete line of all-electric RHB machinery.” further information: www.amslerequipment.net

At NPE, Amsler will demonstrate machinery for better bottle quality

G Series wheel machine

Rotary wheels said to add flexibility and higher speed Graham Engineering Corporation (GEC), manufacturer of extrusion blow moulding equipment, will feature expanded capabilities of its rotary wheel line at NPE 2012.

GEC plans to feature an expanded portfolio in its rotary wheel line, which includes its latest high-speed rotary wheel offerings, and the ‘Mini wheel’, which has the capability to handle small and medium production volumes.

On display at the GEC booth will be a ‘G-Series’ high-speed rotary wheel machine. These ‘G Series’ wheels are said to add both flexibility and higher speed capabilities to their rotary wheel product lines. GEC states a key feature of this design is greater flexibility - by changing a few parts, processors can add or reduce clamp stations; thus cavitation or mould sizes are adjustable if the product mix changes over time. This flexibility is said to help processors ‘protect their investment’; if the product size changes over time, the wheel can be more easily modified to keep an optimum production profile.

According to GEC, the addition of the Mini wheel has made the technology

available to small and mid-sized blow moulders. GEC states it developed the Mini wheel to produce co-extruded plastic containers in high growth areas such as drinks and packaged fruit, as well as oxygen-sensitive food products that have to be packaged in barrier plastics.

GEC will be located at booth 2702 in the West Hall of the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida during NPE 2012. further information: www.grahamengineering.com

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news Polymer additive makes recycled EPS a better skate Skate park designer and contractor, Bendcrete, have used Ronafix, a high strength polymer additive, to aid the bonding properties of a unique mix of recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) and cement-based mortar for a series of ramps for use by the riders of skateboards, scooters and bikes.

Bendcrete states it looked at using EPS to save weight, accelerate installation time and to be more environmentally friendly. However, introducing EPS into the mix affected the physical properties so researchers added Ronafix to aid with bonding and overall strength. Some time was spent researching the material, so that it could be produced in larger volumes and effective at 1.2cm and 2.5cm depth, and after some perseverance a workable and effective material was developed.

“We have used the reconstituted

Ronafix is used for skate parks

reclamation & recycling

100% Recycled Nylon 100% Prime Properties

material in three skate parks and achieved significant gains in productiontime on–site, as ready–finished preshaped modules can be installed and sprayed with concrete within a day eliminating on site work that normally would take three days to achieve,” said Gordon Bendall, Managing Director, Bendcrete.

“The weight is working out at between 300-400kg/m3 which helps counter

differential settlement and other stresses in the concrete. Ronafix provided the extra strength and bonding required for effective use in the skate parks,” Mr Bendall concluded. further information: www.ronacrete.co.uk

www.ultrapolymers.co.uk

IKEA chooses recyclable plastic pallets over traditional wood International furniture retailer, IKEA, has announced plans to phase out the use of wooden pallets across its global operations in favour of recyclable plastic.

The OptiLedge, made from strong copolymer polypropylene, is said to be less susceptible to moisture, maintain stiffness with flexible loads and is more durable compared to wood pallets, as well as the injection moulding process ensuring higher levels of product consistency.

“No other retailer in the world has committed to such a change,” said an IKEA representative in a recent article.

“IKEA stores are the first global example of how to work with non-wooden pallets in a high-volume retail environment.”

IKEA states it made the decision to use the OptiLedge shipping platforms based on the advantages associated with plastic pallets, such as 100 percent recyclability, durability and fuel economy with each pallet weighing less than two pounds.

01925 750320

“IKEA’s recent statements regarding the planned elimination of wooden pallets from its supply chain is a huge endorsement for the OptiLedge concept,” said Jonathan North, General Manager of the business unit responsible for the OptiLedge at Inter IKEA Systems B.V. “This dramatic move by IKEA sends a strong message to other supply chain stakeholders that there are real cost

a Spirit of Partnership

t its IKEA will phase ou lets pal ing ipp sh en od wo c sti pla in favour of

effective alternatives to traditional wooden pallets.” further information: www.optiledge.com

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news UK company launches ‘green’ stationery range Duraweld, a UK manufacturer of customised presentation, packaging and printed stationery products, has launched a range of biodegradable and recyclable presentation products, all made from recycled materials.

The new Feelin’ Green range comprises ring binders, dividers, document boxes and notepads made of 100 percent recycled frosty polypropylene.

Jane Harper, Marketing Manager, Duraweld commented: “As part of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and in response to continued customer demand, we are delighted to have developed and launched

Jane Harper, Marketing Manager, Duraweld, with the new Feelin’ Green range

reclamation & recycling

100% Recycled Nylon 100% Prime Properties

this new range of sustainable products. All the Feelin’ Green range is either biodegradable or recyclable and manufactured with minimum environmental impact.”

Yorkshire-based Duraweld was named in the 2011 annual edition of The Sunday Times Best Green Companies list, and was the first company in the industry to recycle its waste to make 100 percent recycled frosty clear polypropylene. further information: www.duraweld.co.uk

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Tackling more complex waste streams for increased quality The major large scale recycling of plastics, from increasingly complex

feature

www.ultrapolymers.co.uk

Pellets

waste streams, is a goal that the plastics industry has yet to achieve.

Creating high quality polyolefin alloys still presents a difficult challenge for many recyclers, requiring constant innovation to reclaim increasingly varied plastics from post-consumer and post-industrial waste. Terry Burton, Technical Manager with independent plastics recycler, Luxus, explains to BP&R why we need to increase polyolefin development; what the ‘barriers’ to its take-up have been and how purchasing recycled

Polyolefins (PP, HDPE, LDPE and LLDPE) are an important family of polymers, according to Plastics Europe ‘they make up nearly half, 47 percent (11.2 million tonnes) of Western Europe’s total consumption of 24.1 million tonnes of plastics each year.” These complex wastes provide a great potential resource and yet they still remain the least recycled of materials.

Luxus has one of the largest and most technically advanced recycling facilities in the UK for processing plastics scrap.

Developing markets for polyolefins is essential to our future business, as the company is committed to creating sustainable and innovative polymers for new and emerging markets.

To date however, mixed materials were not seen as a viable or affordable product, but with the right formulations, polyolefin alloys can now be used in mainstream injection moulding parts cost effectively.

The market has also been compounded by negative perceptions, as development has typically required longer gestation periods preventing wider take-up. So it’s become vital that we build customer confidence in a material not previously used.

We also needed a technical solution to make a defined range of products from what is a highly variable source, so Luxus has produced polyolefin alloys, which have repeatable properties, as retaining some control over shrinkage is very important.

As a result Luxus has created two products to date: one for the production of bottle crates for transit packaging and ‘closed loop’ recycling; the other has been developed for wheel arch liners in the automotive sector - a tough material with good low temperature resistance required for highly specialised applications.

Terry Burton , Technical

polymers can help to achieve zero landfill.

Manager at Lu xus

Recycling line

In total we now have three grades with differing properties depending on their application, currently supporting the automotive, packaging and construction markets.

Developing a formula for an engineered compound based on recycled materials can be challenging, requiring a close partnership and an appreciation of the recycling process. Increasing polyolefin development will no doubt broaden the opportunity to create products with strong sustainability credentials. As recycled plastics

increasingly become the mainstream, we believe it will inevitably have a knock on effect as CO2 emissions will potentially decrease as fewer virgin polymers will be produced.

Luxus believes in providing added value, creating new markets and contributing to the cost-efficiency and eco performance of the companies we support. Our philosophy has always been to embrace recycling, waste reduction and care for the environment; that’s why Polyolefin development has become such an important part of our business.

With increased recycling and sorting techniques and supportive legislation, we believe 100 percent diversion of Polyolefins from landfill may be possible in the future. Therefore, wider development of this market and most importantly, greater customer confidence is essential if we’re to significantly contribute to achieving the European target of reducing the CO2 emissions by 20 percent by the end of 2020. further information: www.luxus.co.uk

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Recycling that’s got

plenty of bottle WORDS | Leanne Taylor

The UK’s reclamation and recycling sector has been recognised as an area with great growth potential for the creation

Main image: Jonathan Short, MD of Eco Plastics Inset: ECO Plastics' sorting facility

reclamation & recycling feature

100% Recycled Nylon 100% Prime Properties

of jobs and a strengthening of both the local and national economy. Leanne Taylor spoke to Jonathan Short, MD of ECO Plastics, who was recently named an industry champion for the Make it in Great Britain campaign.

The company is already a British success story thanks to collaboration with Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) to supply it with

and reprocessing. There are lots of great UK growth stories out there at the moment and I think we’ve got a great opportunity that we shouldn’t put at risk by continuing to export, especially as we can create jobs and add value by not doing.

enough UK-sourced rPET to achieve its target of including 25 percent rPET in all its plastic packaging in Britain by 2012.

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BP&R: congratulations on being named an industry champion for the Make it in Great Britain campaign. How important is it that the recycling industry is represented?

JS: I think it’s very important. Five years ago it would have been unheard of that recycling would have been asked to join such an elite bunch, but it speaks volumes for how far the industry has come over the last few years. Manufacturing is absolutely

key to any economy’s growth and if you look at the green manufacturing industry, it’s one of the current great growth areas and poses a real opportunity for further development. Whilst we’ve lagged behind Europe for the last four or five years, this can change due to the way collection and supply has grown and the way that businesses have been able to capitalise on the larger equipment that’s available, we’re actually in a position where we can overtake Europe when it comes to recycling

BP&R: 2011 was an exciting year for ECO Plastics, with the Continuum venture deal with cce.

Can you give me an update on the project going into 2012?

JS: Everything is going according to plan.

The new building is up, the new estate road is in and the new extrusion equipment is on site and operational. The second line of hot wash equipment is coming in as we speak and the flake sort module, which is the real ground breaking installation, went in on time and has been operational since January. This module is the largest of its kind anywhere in the world and is the first where we’ve got a combination of colour and polymer sort on different levels to ensure we reach the quality that’s required

www.ultrapolymers.co.uk

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a Spirit of Partnership

BP&R: Do you think the Government’s recycling targets for packaging waste for 20132017 are realistic?

JS: Yes I do. I think they are ambitious and I can understand packaging manufacturers being concerned, as it will drive up the cost of compliance. There is going to be more demand for PRNs than there is supply, but we must recognise that the cost of compliance in the UK is the lowest across Europe by a long way. I think it’s time the industry contributed to ensuring that the recycling infrastructure is developed and there is further investment throughout the supply chain. On the back of the recycling targets we also need to consider the recyclability of plastic, for example black plastic trays need to be removed from recycling collections as they cannot be picked up by the near infrared technology currently employed by many companies.

BP&R: Is working in collaboration with a high-profile name, such as Cce, a benefit in showing other companies that recycled PET is the way forward for beverage bottles?

JS: Yes I think it is. There are a number of benefits that have come with the joint venture, such as a better understanding between the recycling and reprocessing industries and the beverage industry; especially regarding an understanding of the issues that each faces around quality and yield. In the beverage industry, brand owners in particular want to see more recycled content in their bottles, but they need to play their part by making their bottles more recycling-friendly. Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) has made great inroads in the last few years to do that, they are now at 98 percent recycling-friendly packaging, which will reach 100 percent by the end of the year, putting them head and shoulders above many of their competitors.

I’d like to think where a company the size of Coca Cola leads, others will follow, so that in itself is a benefit. It is the first venture of its type between a reprocessor and a brand owner and it shouldn’t stop here. We hope to see more joint ventures like this taking place, not necessarily for PET but perhaps for HDPE. It’s a ground breaking venture that should give the whole industry confidence going forward.

BP&R: Is there a potential for growth in the UK sustainable packaging market through the increased recycling of plastic bottles?

JS: Absolutely, I think the biggest area that is overlooked when considering plastics packaging recycling and other sorts of initiatives is the fact that over half of the plastics bottles consumed in the UK today still end up in landfill, that’s well over 300,000 tonnes.

We are talking about material that there is demand for, that customers are waiting for and that companies like ourselves have invested millions to reprocess.

There are reprocessors waiting with open arms for the material to come and yet it’s going to landfill, which is crazy.

BP&R: WRAP has recently provided funding for an additional 15,000 tonnes of rigid plastic recycling at the ECO Plastics site in Lincolnshire. what does this mean for the UK industry?

JS: It means we’ve now got funding to learn more about the mixed rigid plastic material that we get. We’ve come to an aligned agreement with WRAP that yes, non-bottle, rigid plastic processing is the next frontier, but, we’re still losing over 300,000 tonnes of bottles to landfill which we need to prevent. Before we look at any new recycling initiative, we need to develop markets for the finished product, as there’s no point in recycling something unless there’s a market for it, and there are not established markets out there for some of the non-bottle rigid plastics packaging that’s coming through our systems at the moment. We need time to develop those markets, the markets need to understand the quality that we’re able to supply them and that will culminate in more investment in wash plants. There is a huge opportunity to create more jobs and add value within the UK PLC. BP&R: What opportunities do the Olympic Games hold for the recycling industry?

JS: The 2012 Olympics are a big opportunity for us, as we’re getting ready to recycle all the soft drinks from the Games venues through Continuum for reuse in the next Coca-Cola bottles. In four years time the games are in Brazil and the BRIC countries are crying out for this sort of recycling infrastructure. The brand owners would want to position themselves in those countries and want recycled content from a known process, not something from a fareast manufacturer but from westerngenerated manufacturing equipment. This relates back to the green growth story starting in the western world and in the

facility ECO Plastics' sorting

by our customers, but also ensure that our yield losses are minimised.

rPET pellets

rPET pellet for making bottles

western economy – we need to keep hold of our knowledge and capitalise from it.

BP&R: What is next for ECO Plastics?

JS: 2012 is all about getting this latest expansion nailed down; our budget tells us that we’ll hit sort line capacity by the end of this year. We’ve got customers waiting for the material, which is a nice position to be in. We are in discussions about other potential opportunities going forward, it is too early to say what they are, but we have got room within our existing infrastructure for expansion in the medium term, with room on site for further infrastructure when looking to the longer term. We’ve got the room, we’ve got the infrastructure, we’ve got the processing knowledge, we’ve got the supply chain, we’ve got customers and we’ve got keen investors, so we’re not going to stop here, there are opportunities both within the UK and abroad. further information www.ecoplasticsltd.com

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materials handling

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news Materials handling processes for economic efficiency Supplier of auxiliary equipment for plastics processors, Conair, has announced the theme of its display at NPE 2012 will be ‘pathways to profitability’, presenting products and technology that can help plastics processors operate more efficiently.

According to the company, more than a dozen new products will be on display at NPE, including solutions in material handling, resin drying, heat transfer, blending, scrap reclaim and extrusion.

However, the focus will not only be on equipment, according to Marketing Director, Dori Raybuck. “We plan to show how you can use these technologies to solve problems, cut waste, save energy and improve process yield,” she commented. “Our NPE booth will be all about sharing knowledge on how to properly manage and condition raw materials, optimise processing conditions

The FLX control

and product quality and recover value from scrap and off-spec parts.”

Conair states it will be introducing major improvements to its most popular material handling control systems – the Intelligent Loading System (ILS) and the FLX loading control – and in the ControlWorks plant-wide management system. The ILS, Conair’s most powerful material-handling control platform, is being completely reinvented to create a system that is fully distributed via Ethernet communication.

The company states it is also introducing a new material selection station that automatically routes resin from one place to another based on digital instructions entered in the system control, as well as a new colour touchscreen user interface, which Conair states is being used to add capabilities – like data trend

analysis -- to several of its drying products, including mid-sized dryers (Models W150 to W400) used alone or as part of a ResinWorks central drying system.

New mould-temperature control units to be presented at NPE include the TW-HT Series and the TW-ALT Series. The TW-HT units use superheated water instead of oil to develop mould temperatures up to 200°C. Conair states compared to oil heat-transfer media, water offers higher specific-heat capacity, better thermal conductivity and a heat-transfer coefficient that is more than double.

Water is also safer to use and a better environmental choice than oil. further information: www.conairgroup.com

further information: www.genesisps.co.uk

Complete materials handling solution from UK company AB Systems Ltd, agents for SB Plastics, have recently supplied, installed and commissioned a total ancillary solution for Arrk Europe’s new 2300 tonne Krauss injection moulding machine at their Petersfield factory.

Working closely with Arrk at the design stage of the project in order to fully understand their requirements resulted in them ordering a material drying and handling system, mould temperature control and chilled water all controlled from a single HMI control system.

AB Systems has been involved in a number of projects involving brand new turnkey factory installations and existing factory equipment upgrades during the past 12 months, these have included Brightwell Dispensers in Newhaven and Flight Plastics in Hampshire.

Due to their continued growth, the Buckinghamshire-based company have recently purchased a new storage warehouse next to their existing head office, which will allow them to hold more stock and spares in the UK and extend their workshop and repair facility.

system The recently installed

A less stressful night shift at Hallam Plastics UK It isn’t often that the purchase of a silo can make a significant difference to the way a company performs.

Genesis Process Solutions has recently installed two Krause five tonne capacity fabric silos for Nottingham-based structural foam and injection moulding company, Hallam Plastics, which are said to have helped make life much easier for the production staff.

Prior to the installation of the silos, staff were said to be emptying 25kg sacks of pellets into one tonne big-bags. The pellets would then be transported to the injection moulding machines using vacuum conveyors and a suction wand in the bag. Problems were occurring when the big-bag emptied, as there was a chance the wand would try to suck the side of the big-bag, effectively stopping pellets reaching the injection moulding machines. This was reportedly stopping production during night shifts at the factory where there was a limited workforce on hand to rectify the problem.

“Unlike a conventional silo, a Krause silo can be delivered and installed quite quickly without disruption to the factory,” said Phil Cameron, Sales Director at Genesis Process Solutions.

“We had been speaking to Hallam preceding September's Interplas Exhibition, and secured the order at the show. Less than two months later the silos have been installed and are part of the production process.

In actual fact, Hallam’s production losses have decreased as a direct result of these silos due to the machines not running out of product,” Mr Cameron continued.

The silos are said to have made an immediate difference. Staff fill the silos with pellets from one of two rip-and tip stations which feed hopper loaders sited on the top of each silo. Vacuum systems then feed one of four injection-moulding machines via a transition table, the only difference being that they now pull from the silos instead of the big bags. The night shift now have enough capacity in the silos to keep them going all night.

Steve Lacey, Managing Director of Hallam Plastics, said: “Genesis delivered on time, erected both silos in less than one day, and were a pleasure to deal with.”

Managing Director, Jeff Day, states the company can supply any solution including hot air and dehumidifying dryers, mixing and dosing equipment, loading vacuum systems, cooling and temperature control and bulk handling and storage solutions, all, if required, integrated into a single HMI touch screen control.

With many years of technical experience and the extensive range of SB plastics equipment, the company can design and supply energy efficient turnkey ancillary solutions, also offering a complete one stop shop installation service using their own experienced engineers. further information: www.ab-ltd.co.uk

The two Genesis supplied silos at Hallam Plastics

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materials handling

news New range of materials handling products to be displayed at NPE Universal Dynamics (Una-Dyn), a company owned by Piovan, has expanded its PCT3 product line to accommodate a broader range of process drying applications for lower processing throughputs.

The PCT3 Dryer Series, which will be on display at NPE 2012, has a new standard throughput range of 100 to 6000 lbs/hr and drying temperature range of 120–375°F. PCT3 drying technology is said to deliver extremely stable dewpoint and drying temperatures throughout the entire drying cycle for the lowest possible energy consumption by

FDM dosing unit by Loss in weight

incorporating an advanced heat recovery system, adaptive energy optimiser and a water saver valve. According to Una-Dyn, significant energy savings have been validated with data from actual installations.

The company will also introduce the new Focus series controls for resin dryers and crystallisers. Featuring full VGA graphics and touch screen controls, the Focus series controllers are said to interface with Una-Dyn’s entire resin drying and crystallising line; supporting full data—logging capability, a simple operator interface and the ability to communicate with Una-Dyn’s Factory Acquisition Control System, FACS. The new RLM series self-contained, multiple machine cell loading module is said to be designed specifically for small injection moulding cells, which can be configured to load single or multiple stations. According to Una-Dyn, the unit has a small footprint, is easy to setup and operate. Said to be ideal for beside the press, up and in loading of IMM feed hoppers, glass tube chambers, blenders or drying hoppers; this system can be configured as a stand alone with on board controls or controlled through the resin dryer, Una-Dyn’s FACS Control System or configured with the loader

sequence valves integral to the RLM housing.

Also on display will be the HGP series dual fuel power pack. Designed to provide optimum user energy management, a single self-contained unit houses both gas and electric heaters. This permits the user to choose the most economical energy source, depending on energy costs. Said to offer a small footprint, simple setup and operation, the HGP offers the possibility of significant energy savings.

The GS series low throughput dryer is said to have a number of energy and process modifications significantly improve the dryer performance and reliability. The GS3 incorporates the focus controller for stable dewpoint and temperature control throughout the drying cycle. Housed in a mirrored stainless steel enclosure, the GS3 is said to have an extremely small footprint.

Also on display will be the Piovan Genesys dryer, specifically designed for the treatment of PET and a loss-inweight blender from FDM, specifically designed for extrusion processes. further information: www.piovan.com

Una-Dyn dryers range

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Cramming it all in: new downforce amplifier to solve recycled material processing difficulties TSM Control Systems has launched a downforce amplifier that it states is offering plastics producers new ways to weather the economic storm and improve profit margins.

The technology is said to focus on combining standard processing requirements; accurate dosing and homogeneous material mixing, with material head pressure, a third critical component when processing regrind and flake materials.

The new downforce amplifier, developed and patented by TSM, is said to offer further downward head pressure to the existing cramming action created by the patented reverse flight auger. The downforce amplifier ensures that material throughput, and therefore production speed, is maximised when processing difficult regrind materials.

TSM states that this development will not only improve material flow and mixing characteristics but will also enable higher percentage regrind processing while eliminating material throat blockages.

A TSM blender on which the regrind-handling feature is available

“Plastics processers are constantly looking to push the boundaries of the materials that they can efficiently process, using more difficult materials which may be cheaper and more plentiful,” said TSM’s Shane O’Callaghan.

This technological advance is said to allow the processing of even the most difficult flake regrinds by being able to cram materials into the throat of the extruder eliminating variations in flow due to bulk density variations.

“We have recognised the need for better processing capabilities for difficult regrind materials amongst plastics processors. Our new downforce amplifier combined with our patented mixing technique will give our customers unique processing ability and ultimately a competitive advantage in today’s market place,” Mr O’Callaghan continued.

TSM states it now has a unique solution for difficult regrind materials combining its new downforce amplifier with its existing patented reverse flight auger mixer, guaranteeing homogenous

mixing, regardless of regrind percentages, material density or material geometry while cramming mixed material into the throat of the extruder. further information: www.tsmcontrols.com

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Motor-less vacuum hopper loaders prove a tidy asset Jenco, a UK supplier of materials handling equipment, announced it has made major advances with its new stainless steel range of motor-less vacuum hopper loaders.

UK injection moulder, Javelin Plastics, has invested in the hopper loaders, with Technical Manager, Simon Pepper, describing them as “very nice, small and compact.” Mr Pepper went on to describe the units as “not noisy due to being motor–less, very easy to use — a very tidy unit. I wasn't sure about the motor-less route, but so far I am glad Jenco pushed me this way.”

The motor-less vacuum loader is said to solve many problems with customers that have dusty regrind. There are no blocked filter issues, thus eliminating costly electric motor replacement. In addition to this it will convey free-flowing powders with ease.

The motor-less vacuum hopper loader

materials handling

news

The unit is said to operate in the same way as a conventional electric vacuum loader and comes with a 6 year warranty. further information: www.jenco.co.uk

The ControlNet system

Controlled materials handling now improved Material handling specialist, Motan Colortronic, has launched an upgrade to its Ethernet web-based integrated control systems.

The newly upgraded ControlNet system from Motan Colortronic is said to represent a major step forward in versatility and integration of controls in the areas of storage, drying, blending and conveying of plastic materials.

“By using common communication standards, the cost effective modular controls are expandable and allow for a degree of freedom and flexibility,” said Karl Miller of Motan Colortronic Limited.

This control system is said to allow the processor a completely new level of management capability, helping to meet the ever-greater demands for product quality and cost efficiency.

The company states customers can view how initial stand-alone equipment can be integrated step-by-step into a fully integrated network at its Chesterfield Tech Centre. further information: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk

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K-Tron will display a large amount of equipment at NPE

Also on display will be the PSeries Sanitary Receivers, which are designed to convey difficult powders for continuous conveying applications such as hopper loading and loss-inweight feeder refill applications that require a high level of sanitary design and frequent cleaning, the Filtair Series Filter Receiver, which provides automatic material-from-air separation with filter bags that are cleaned by bursts of compressed air and Aerolock Rotary Valves, which include the Heavy-Duty (HD), Maximum-Duty (MD), and Blow-Through (BT) Aerolocks.

The Series 2400 Powder and Pellet

Materials handling and feeding systems for production, compounding and extrusion Materials handling solutions provider, K-Tron, has announced it will feature feeding, pneumatic conveying and systems engineered solutions for plastics processing applications including primary resin, compounding, extrusion, and related applications at NPE 2012.

Amongst the products featured will be its ProBlend Zone Blender, which is said to provide blending action in a hopper or silo by allowing different zones of material to discharge at different rates. With its special geometric shape, the Zone Blender reportedly offers multiple flow zones with material passing through the silo at different velocities and residence times, and blending as it leaves the vessel. K-Tron states the Zone Blender uses a combination of mass flow (first in/first out) and funnel flow (last in/last out) helping blend homogenisation, reducing the effect of segregation in recirculating, batch or continuous systems.

The company will also show its Bulk Solids Pump Feeder, a patented feeder line specifically designed and engineered to provide gentle, precise feeding of freeflowing pellets and granules. The BSP feeders do not use screws/augers, belts, or vibratory trays to convey materials.

These feeders are said to utilise positive displacement action to move material uniformly, from storage hopper to discharge outlet. Units on display will include the BSP-100, BSP-135, and BSP150.

Receivers from K-Tron provide a high capacity sequencing system designed to handle powder, pellet, regrind and granular materials. The Quick Change Feeder with ActiFlow is specially designed for applications requiring the maximum possible material handling and changeover flexibility along with the convenience of fast cleaning.

K-Tron will feature a complete range of materials handling and feeding systems for primary resin production, compounding and extrusion at booth 6645, Hall D. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.ktron.com/npe

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npe preview

Plastics head to the sunshine state W

hen you think of America’s sunshine state, it’s probable that a few things spring to mind – Disneyworld, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, but how about plastics?

For the first time Orlando, Florida, will play host to the triennial NPE international plastics exposition after 40 years of the show being held in Chicago.

Show producers, SPI: The Plastics Industry Trade Association, have pronounced the highly anticipated 2012 show as the “return of the machines”, after the 2009 show suffered at the hands of the recession, with less machinery on display than was seen previously.

“The improved economies and logistics of the new venue have encouraged many NPE 2012 exhibitors to purchase more exhibit space and bring more machinery to the show, much of it to be operated on-site,” said Gene Sanders, SPI Senior Vice President of Trade Shows and Conferences. “Contributing to this enhanced commitment by exhibitors is the steadily improving manufacturing sector of the US economy.”

Sanders cited reports from three exhibitors of injection moulding systems and a fourth company specialising in auxiliary systems as representative of the positive response to NPE 2012 from machinery companies, showing how the greater scale of exhibits can increase the return on trade show investment for attendees.

“We know moulders want to see equipment making parts, touch the controls, witness tangible differences from what they already have, and experience for themselves what they otherwise might only see in a brochure,” said David Preusse, president of Wittmann Battenfeld, Inc. “At the same time, since

our company handles large projects such as new moulding plant launches, NPE 2012 will give us an opportunity to show that we can produce a state of the art moulding shop in only eight setup days.”

Preusse reported that, in comparison with NPE 2009, the Wittmann Battenfeld booth will be larger and have more machines in operation, among them six integrated turnkey moulding cells up to 1,000 tonnes, complete with robots, temperature controllers, dryers, loaders, and downstream automation, along with web-based support service.

The improved economy has prompted Engel Machinery, Inc. to increase its display of equipment to its pre-NPE2009 size. The company will have 33 percent more equipment at its booth than in

2009, stated Engel North America president Mark Sankovitch. “All of our equipment at NPE 2012 will be in operation, including part moulding, downstream processing, and automated part handling,” he said. “A machine in operation allows visitors to see for themselves that the specifications quoted — cycle times, energy usage, and so forth — are achievable in operation, not just on paper.”

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag brought only three machines to NPE 2009 but will be exhibiting twelve at NPE 2012, all of them running. “We’re making a major investment in NPE 2012 because of the improved economy, everything Orlando has to offer, and the need for our industry to come together and strengthen its capabilities,” said Jim Mitchell, Executive Vice President. “NPE 2012 represents tremendous opportunities for exhibitors and attendees alike—it will be all about moving forward.”

The exhibit of auxiliary equipment systems manufacturer, Conair Group, will be “the biggest we’ve ever had since we started exhibiting at NPE in 1963,” said Larry Doyle, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, “and we’ll take about 30 percent more equipment to NPE 2012 than we did in 2009.”

NPE 2012 will take place Sunday through Thursday, April 1-5, 2012, at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida. further information: www.npe.org

Vis

t us a t i

Seven injection moulding machines TO BE displayed across the pond Injection moulding specialist Engel will bring seven integrated and automated manufacturing cells to NPE, covering a wide range of industries from automotive and technical moulding to packaging and medical.

At the Engel booth, visitors can take a seat in ‘the automotive cockpit of the future.’ Various control functions can be activated via the centre console in the simulation cell, which Engel is presenting in cooperation with Magna Exterior and Interior Systems of Germany.

Engel Clearmelt technology and the integration of a capacitive foil via in-mould labelling have been combined to bring more elegance to everyday items like vehicle controls. “This trend not only gives interior designers a new level of freedom; it also reduces the costs of producing functional elements,” said Mark Sankovitch, President Engel North America. “We are already talking to various OEMs and automotive companies. In four to five years the first vehicles will be equipped with this sensitive surface technology,” added Franz Füreder, Head of Automotive at Engel Austria.

The exhibits from Engel’s Medical unit aim to reach a greater output and to reduce the costs per unit. “Even in medical technology the cost pressure is constantly increasing,” Christoph Lhota, Head of Engel medical explained. “The consequence of this are two trends: on the one hand the demand on large-scale machines for high cavity moulds is increasing, on the other hand medical technology is experiencing a large-scale integration.”

The technical moulding exhibit will be equipped with a fully integrated six-axisrobot. Complex three-component hollow parts will be produced in a single working step on a compact tie-bar-less Engel victory 1050H/500W/200 combi machine. further information: www.engel.at

Arburg will focus on energy efficiency at this year’s NPE

Injection moulding in the sunshine state At this year’s NPE, Arburg will present a total of six exhibits from its current range, with a focus on efficient production on booth 3729.

The exhibition will mark the US premiere of the new Edrive series and the company will display electric and hybrid exhibits from the high-performance Alldrive and Hidrive series, as well as a vertical machine. There will be demonstrations involving the production of moulded parts for the automotive, medical technology, electronics and

packaging sectors. The Selogica control system will also be on show, providing evidence of its benefits in increasing efficiency.

“The focus during our appearance at NPE will be on efficient moulded part production,” explained Friedrich Kanz, Managing Director of the Arburg Inc. subsidiary. “Important factors in reducing unit costs are energy efficiency, optimised production and, above all, cycle times.” further information: www.arburg.com

The Engel cockpit simulation

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Vis

npe preview

Techne industrial fluidised baths offer “fastest and lowest cost plastic extrusion tool cleaning system” Industrial Fluidised Baths remove all polymers and hydrocarbon-based products from tooling, components and parts.

Cleaning time is dramatically faster than with oven methods, while the risk of tool damage from scrapers, brushes or blowtorches is eliminated. The typical cleaning time is as fast as 20–30 minutes.

Temperature control specialist, Techne Industrial, has previously supplied hundreds of customers who manufacture

plastic extrusions, including tubes, pipes, rods, sheets, films, fibres, electrical cables and other extruded shapes. There are seven models available from the IFB-51 with a working size of Ø 259 mm x 305 mm up to the IFB-131 which is Ø 450 mm x 1200 mm. Complete systems including baskets, extraction fans, fume scrubbers and afterburners are also available.

Techne Fluidised baths offer safe, efficient and cost effective cleaning of tooling, components, systems and parts (dies, breaker plates, nozzles, tools, tips, spinnerettes, extruder screws, manifolds, etc). These baths will remove all polymers, including plastic, paint, epoxy, rubber and adhesives, as well as other hydrocarbon-based products such as oils, fluids, grease, lubricants and coatings.

Hi-Temp MMS

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t us a it

Parts immersed into a fluidised bath are cleaned by the high temperature typically 450°C (but can be used up to 600°C) environment within a bath media of fluidised aluminium oxide that instantly starts to degrade plastic to carbon, which then leaves the bath as CO2. This instant heating and minimised quenching results in shorter cleaning times than those of ovens, and when paired with the even and consistent heat of the bath, results in greatly reduced metal fatigue and tool damage.

Techne Industrial will be exhibiting the IFB-51 system at Booth 8942 at NPE 2012. further information: www.techne-calibration.com

Bunting designs high temperature machine-mounted all-metal separator Bunting Magnetics Co. has designed and created a new High Temperature Machine-Mounted All-Metal Separator (MMS). This metal detection product, which can handle temperatures up to 350ºC, works on applications within the plastics industry by mounting on the throat of extruders, injection and blow moulders.

The Bunting separator is said to provide efficient rejection of both ferrous and nonferrous metal contaminants. The MMS is designed especially for choke-feed applications where the product is at a higher than normal temperature. It bolts directly to the in-feed of processing equipment and supports the weight of hoppers and other auxiliary equipment. A fast pneumatic rejection mechanism aided by precise timing is said to result in accurate cycling and conservation of good material.

“We have seen a significant increase in the number of applications with dryers that emit temperatures up to 350ºC,” stated Rod Henricks, Bunting Product Manager for Metal Detection. “There are very few metal detector manufacturers providing this type of unit. So, we felt it was critical to meet this rising demand.”

This product features a rugged housing and a unique slide gate reject design, which is said to eliminate contaminant ‘leaks’.

Bunting will display a range of its products at NPE on booth 6163. further information: www.buntingmagnetics.com

rubber

news ‘Green’ tyres take centre stage at conference High-performance tyres for energy efficiency and safety need to be made of special-purpose rubber products tailored closely to the demands of the tyre industry, according to Lanxess at the recent Tyre Technology Expo in Cologne.

Experts from the specialty chemicals company participated in the conference, delivering presentations focused on advancements in the field of butyl and styrene-polybutadiene rubber, the development of new grades for winter treads using the nano-additive Nanoprene, functionalised styrenebutadiene rubber products for green tyres and process improvements with modified Nd-polybutadiene rubber.

“With an annual growth rate of some 10 percent, energy-saving ‘green tyres’ are the fastest-growing segment in the global tyre industry,” said Dr. Ron Commander, Head of the Butyl Rubber business unit, in his presentation.

“At the same time, pending tyre

labelling requirements pose a major challenge for the tyre industry: as of November 2012, European consumers will be able to see at a glance whether tyres save or waste energy, and whether a good rating possibly means a compromise on safety. This is a challenge we can master, by combining our partners’ decades of experience in the tyre industry with existing Lanxess high-performance synthetic rubber grades, products we are constantly improving on.”

Dr. Heike Kloppenburg, Head of Product and Process Development in the Performance Butadiene Rubbers business unit (BU PBR), spoke about “Modified NdBR for Easy Rubber Processing,” explaining how classical conflicts between processability and tyre properties can be resolved using modified neodymiumpolybutadiene rubber (NdBR).

In her talk on “New Lanxess SSBR Grades for Improved Tyre Tread Properties,” Fernanda Albino, Lab Manager, PBR business unit, described, among other things, how rolling resistance can be improved with both functionalised

The ction o pr du icle h e v of e is th s e r ty most t tan impor ion at ic l app nxess a L r fo r rubbe ls a ic chem

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styrene-butadiene rubber and SSBR grades with a variable vinyl and styrene content.

Functionalised SSBR rubber products also were the main topic of a presentation entitled “Functionalised Carbon Black with Functionalised SSBR Matching Green Tyre Properties” by David Hardy, Technical Marketing Manager, PBR Business Unit, who stated these products have the potential to deliver the rolling resistance and wet grip properties typical of silica, without the expensive silane additives.

This would also reduce the number of blending steps – when using innovative SSBR rubber grades with suitable functional groups across the entire polymer molecule.

Dr. Dietmar Hoff from Marketing and Sales of Release Agents and Bladders at Rhein Chemie, explained in his paper on “High Performance Curing Bladders” how the application of expertise in rubber and manufacturing technology combined with the targeted use of highly effective release agents can increase bladder service life, while at the same time reducing vulcanisation time and increasing surface quality, which ultimately reduces reject rates.

Lanxess emphasised a corporate strategy tailored deliberately to the growing market of green tyres at the event. “Many users see Lanxess as a world market and technology leader for high-performance synthetic rubber products,” Ron Commander said. “And we want to live up to this reputation.”

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.lanxess.com

Perlast Ice has been developed to perform under extreme conditions, in temperatures as low as -40°C

New material for freezing conditions Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE), a manufacturer of high performance moulded rubber seals has launched a revolutionary low temperature perfluoroelastomer material.

Perlast Ice has been developed to perform under extreme conditions, in temperatures as low as -40°C and beyond, depending on specific circumstances and environmental conditions.

The material is said to offer the thermal and chemical resistance superiority associated with FFKM (a formulated perfluororubber compound) but now with extremely low temperature capabilities. PPE states the material provides reliable, repeatable and sustained sealing performance over time because the low temperature properties are achieved by polymer structure changes rather than additive techniques.

Perlast Ice has a wide range of application opportunities across various industries where extremes of high and low temperature and aggressive chemical conditions exist. These include oil and gas operations, bio-medical, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, scientific instrumentation and analysis equipment.

Managing Director of PPE, Paul Gillyon, said: “We are delighted to introduce Perlast Ice to the market and we are confident that it will address a need to provide reliable, durable and highly effective sealing in conditions where other materials fail. During recent trials, Perlast Ice has consistently performed extremely well.

“We are excited about this new, innovative material and are looking forward to working with customers to help solve their difficult sealing challenges”. further information: www.prepol.com/ice

Rhein Chemie NAMED Supplier of the Year to the Tyre Industry During this year’s Tyre Technology Expo, Rhein Chemie was announced the winner of the ‘Supplier of the Year to the Tyre Industry’ award.

The panel of judges praised Rhein Chemie’s innovative expansion of its product portfolio, achieved last year through the successful completion of three acquisitions.

“We are very pleased to have won the award as best supplier to the tyre industry,” said Dr. Dietmar Hoff, Marketing and Sales, Release Agents and Bladders, Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH, on receiving the award.

“It recognises the outstanding

achievements of our employees and the successful expansion of our product portfolio last year. Rhein Chemie now supplies tyre manufacturers with even more innovative solutions, know-how and quality. And with the three acquisitions, we have laid a solid foundation for further growth. Projects already are underway to expand our global position even more,” he added.

The company recently opened a new production facility for rubber additives and release agents in Jhagadia, India. Rhein Chemie increased bladder production by 40 percent in Burzaco, Argentina, and has a new bladder manufacturing plant under construction in Porto Feliz, Brazil. further information: www.rheinchemie.com

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rubber

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Rhodia launches new HDS ranges for EU tyre label legislation Impending EU tyre label legislation due to come into effect on November 1, 2012, provides opportunities for tyre manufacturers to differentiate their product offering to further improve fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise for passenger cars and light and heavy commercial vehicles.

Zeosil and Zeosil Premium benchmark ranges of Highly Dispersible Silica (HDS) from Rhodia, a member of the Solvay group, are said to be key components in providing better performing, safer and fuel-efficient tyres worldwide.

“The new tyre labelling draws attention to three basic criteria, two of which are directly linked and influenced by silica,” said Christian Léger, Silica Global Business Director for Rhodia. “Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions economy, which is high on the agenda of today’s cost and environment conscious consumers, and safety, equally top-of-mind and which concerns handling, breaking precision in both wet and wintry conditions.”

At the Tyre Technology Expo in Cologne (February 14-16) Rhodia delivered a paper highlighting the benefits of their newest Zeosil Premium and Zeosil 1085GR products which are said to meet and surpass the specific criteria and additional challenges imposed by the new tyre labelling legislation.

Zeosil Premium is claimed to be the only highly dispersible silica to achieve both the best performance in rolling and wear resistance. In addition, Rhodia states the handling performance brought with this breakthrough silica makes it possible to use full silica compounds in sport and high performance tyres.

Soline de Cayeux, Business Development Manager at Rhodia, said: “The new Zeosil 1085GR is a Very Low Surface Area (VLSA) highly dispersible silica technology. The use of this new silica in passenger car tyre tread improves traction in wet conditions and contributes to providing up to 10 percent shorter braking distance on wet surfaces, a key safety factor underlined by the new legislation. It also enables new levels of snow grip in wintry driving conditions while guaranteeing wear resistance and handling performance.

The rolling resistance of tyres also determines their fuel efficiency grading under the new legislation. Rhodia’s Zeosil range of HDS products are said to reduce rolling resistance by up to 25 percent, and consequently, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to seven percent. further information: www.rhodia.com

testimonials don’t just take our word for it British Plastics & Rubber has been a key platform for TH Plastics’ profile rise in the industry. We’ve advertised with them online and in the magazine throughout 2011 and we have had a tremendous response. Our adverts and articles have been widely seen by our customers and potential customers, helping drive traffic to our website and awareness as a key player in the marketplace. That is why we have been happy to support them going forward into 2012.

BP&R has been fundamental in helping us communicate our acquisitions and new products to the plastics market in the UK. 2011 was a great year for Instron. We had a fruitful Interplas show and finished off perfectly with the 1st Place - Testing and Inspection Machinery Suppliers award from a sister publication. Thank you to all at British Plastics and Rubber.

Samantha Heudebourck, Instron.

Lee Thomas, TH Plastics.

Krauss Maffei has experienced excellent market exposure for a competitive return on investment

Mike Bate, Krauss Maffei Why advertise in BP&R, or more to the point why wouldn't you? BP&R is a long established and highly respected magazine where the unique combination of monthly publication and feature led editorial puts in pride of place on the desks of our key business partners and prospective customers.

The opportunity to promote our business using BP&R has been an important component in developing our brand, and this success has recently been recognised by the readership of EPPM which is a sister publication.

The combination of a makeover for the magazine coupled with the additional promotional opportunities afforded in the parallel electronic platform has brought fresh vitality to a key industry publication.

Mike Boswell, Plastribution.

We have a great relationship with BP&R and are excited by their continued evolution.

Their flexibility allows us to promote Ultrapolymers through a variety of effective mediums.

4Plas are proud to associate themselves with BP&R. Since beginning our advertising campaign in 2011 we have seen our level of enquiries and new projects increase. Here’s to a successful 2012. The 4Plas team would like to thank BP&R for helping launch their successful 2011/12 advertising campaign.

Andy Bastow, 4Plas.

Advertising in the BP&R is a great way to communicate your message, we get a good response and have sold machines from enquiries generated from adverts. An added bonus is the staff at BP&R are great to work with and go out of their way to help you.

Paul Vick, Victor.

James Bradshaw, Ultrapolymers.

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news Plastics for passenger safety on the Tube Icon Polymer Ltd, a specialist in engineered polymer solutions, has been awarded a highly prestigious contract that will see its products help optimise passenger safety on the London Underground.

The six-figure contract will see Icon Polymer supply around 15,000 inter-car inner barriers to be installed on rolling stock on the Jubilee, Central, and Waterloo and City lines as part of a major refurbishment project.

The barriers – usually 14 per carriage – are fitted to the exterior of carriages at the ends to prevent unauthorised egress from the train through the emergency doors.

The products will be constructed using Icon’s unique material – a highly engineered polymer said to have the flexibility to adapt to a carriage’s movements whilst meeting London Underground’s rigorous fire regulations and testing requirements.

The London

engineering materials

Excellence in Nylon Distribution Underground is undergoing refurbishment works

INSET: Inner Intercar Barrier

Neal Hillier, Sales Director at Icon Polymer, commented: “Inter-car inner barriers are key in providing an enhanced safety environment. Following on from a previous contract involving the supply of inter-carriage gap protectors on the Victoria and Bakerloo lines, this latest contract confirms our status as a leading partner to London Underground. Our

extensive experience in polymer technology and commitment to innovation and integrity, supported by a world class supply chain ideally position Icon to further grow our customer portfolio in this sector.” further information: www.iconpolymer.com

Thermoplastic resin chosen over stainless steel for the first time in solar boiler Spanish Soterna S. Coop. has developed the first solar panel system with an integrated thermal boiler for quick installation and reduced cost.

The thermal boiler is made of Radel polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) resin from Solvay Specialty Polymers, which is said to provide long-term hoop stress resistance along with resistance to prolonged exposure to hot chlorinated water.

Soterna’s decision to go with PPSU instead of the traditional stainless steel represents the first use of a thermoplastic for thermal boilers in a pressurised solar panel system. “We needed a partner with a raw material that offered strength and long-term durability, coupled with a history on the market,” said Asier Juaristi, Managing Director of Soterna. Powered by a photovoltaic solar cell, the integrated solar thermal system uses solar energy to produce hot water.

The 80 kg thermal complete system withstands high pressure 600 kPa and hot 95°C chlorinated water. further information: www.soterna.com www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com

Soterna solar thermal energy boiler

01925 750320

Polymer Replaces PTFE in an Electrode Insulator Connector for High Pressure Vessels When Escontrol, a Brazilian manufacturer of control and electronic instrumentation, needed to replace the electrode insulator connectors in its thermal equipment instrumentation for high-pressure vessels, it chose Victrex ST high performance polymer to improve durability, reliability and increase the overall lifetime of the connectors.

The instrumentation, used in the industrial, medical, food and petrochemical industries, is said to be essential for the proper operation of fluid phase power generation equipment.

Originally, the connectors were made with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) but they exhibited a number of durability issues that required the need for interventions and unscheduled downtime for maintenance. Escontrol concluded that PTFE had insufficient strength to withstand the combination of high pressures and high temperatures in which the connectors are subjected. This caused a high susceptibility to electrical leakage and the risk of short-circuiting the system.

Looking for a higher performing solution, Escontrol tested a number of materials. “We tested polyimide (PI) and thermoplastic polyimide (TPI), but these had a much shorter life due to hydrolysis caused by exposure to superheated steam,” said Jaime Denicol, Technical Director at Escontrol. “By switching to Victrex ST polymer, the module’s expected lifetime is now more than three years.”

Because the connectors are exposed to temperatures in excess of 200°C and pressures in excess of 1,015 psi, material requirements demanded a combination of properties including superior electrical and thermal insulation, excellent

a Spirit of Partnership

hydrolysis, chemical and temperature resistance, low water absorption, good dimensional stability and mechanical strength.

Ana Paula Celiberto, High Performance Shapes Manager of Ensinger, the moulder of the connectors, said: “When Escontrol approached us about moulding the connectors, we considered the operating conditions of these components, and chose Victrex ST polymer due to its unique combination of properties.” It was developed to meet the most demanding environments requiring high temperature performance and mechanical performance associated with excellent dimensional stability.

According to Escontrol, the most important benefit of using Victrex ST polymer is the increased durability of the instrumentation module whose previous lifetime, when PTFE was used, was only a few months. “Not only does Victrex ST polymer provide excellent electrical isolation, which prevents failure caused by other problems in other components of the instrumentation, it has downplayed the risks of short-circuiting the system and greatly increased safety,” said Denicol.

Escontrol Connector

www.ultrapolymers.co.uk

further information: www.victrex.com

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injection moulding

Engineering Passion

news Happy 21st Birthday Agentdraw Agentdraw, specialists in plastic injection moulding, product design and tool making, celebrated its 21st birthday recently.

The company, which has enjoyed a busy start to 2012, has recently purchased a new 120 tonne injectionmoulding machine from Engel.

Created in 1991, the Leicester-based company began life producing injection mouldings with a handful of manually operated machines, supported by a basic tool room facility.

The new Engel injection-moulding machine at Agentdraw’s premises

Now, 21 years later, Agentdraw has evolved into a fully integrated, design-led manufacturing company. The in-house design team are able to help provide anything from initial concept design, through to fully engineered 3D CAD files.

The tool room has evolved from providing basic tool support and maintenance, to producing both prototype aluminium tooling and high specification hardened tools.

The mould shop has also completely changed, with the company stating it is now able to produce anything from micro mouldings to parts of up to 3.5kg.

Projects range from low volume batches to the multi millions of components and a complete service including assembly, post moulding decoration and packaging is provided.

The new container from RPC

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Agentdraw states it now uses the latest technologies in production, including robotics and automation to produce parts, monitor quality and ensure repeatability. further information: www.agentdraw.co.uk

RPC injection moulding paints a good-looking pack RPC Containers UK Injection Moulding is supplying 2.5 and five litre paint cans and 10 litre pails as part of the launch of new-look own–brand products for Jewson, a UK supplier of sustainable timber and building materials.

Natalie Davenport, Private Label Manager at Jewson, commented: “The new packaging uses colour coding, icons and product information to make it easy for our customers to recognise the quality and benefits of the product and choose the correct product for their job.”

As part of this process the RPC packs, which are produced at the company’s RPC Barplas site in Bradford, feature enhanced decoration using colour offset litho printing, said to create an effective presence and customer appeal on-shelf.

The RPC ‘Paintainers’ and pails are said to offer excellent strength and durability at a light weight for effective product storage, protection and ease of use by the enduser.

“The RPC packs are practical and user-friendly and these benefits, combined with the stylish new decoration, reflect the quality and value of the paints they contain,” continued Davenport. further information: www.rpc-blackburn.co.uk

L-R: Tony Grimshaw, Director at What More UK Limited, Graham Jones MP and Iain Sellick, Production Director.

www.kraussmaffei.co.uk

Local MP visits UK plastic injection moulder Graham Jones MP visited UK plastics manufacturer, What More, to meet staff and undertake a tour of the factory.

Mr Jones, who has a keen interest in skills and innovation, was eager to see how a company in his constituency has become the UK’s largest manufacturer of plastic household products.

As well as being a successful manufacturer with market and brand leadership in the UK, the company has also been recognised in international trade markets, winning numerous industry awards and exporting to 41 countries, including China.

“Mr Jones was interested to see our high quality products, from the initial design process, through to the finished goods coming off the production line at our high tech factory facilities,” commented Tony Grimshaw, Director at What More UK Limited.

“We only started exporting our goods in 2008, and our expansion overseas has been phenomenal. We now sell to China, India and Pakistan which is great considering those countries are normally associated with producing plastic goods themselves.”

After the tour of the Altham factory, Mr Jones commented: “Innovation, ideas and the drive from a skilled workforce are apparent in every department at What More UK. I’m proud that this successful company in my constituency is bucking the trend and showing British manufactured goods are the best there is, not to mention the jobs created for the local area.” further information: www.whatmoreuk.com

PO Box 253, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 1EN. WANTED PVC uPVC clear, prime, reprocessed, regrind, pulverised or scrap uPVC window profile, white and jazz in any format uPVC pipe in any format PVC either flexible or rigid redundant stocks PVC resins PVC composition raw materials

Please call 01691650559 / fax 01691662463 email enquiries@vinylgb.co.uk

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from the front line

from the front line With statistics for the business performance of the UK plastics industry few and far between, Philip Law of the British Plastics Federation takes a look at its most recent ’Business Conditions Survey’ and outlines some of the hard facts and interesting results.

Harold Geneen, the legendary American business leader of ITT in the 1960s, was obsessed with establishing ‘the facts’ in his extensive, multi-tiered business. He would rigorously and repeatedly interrogate large management groups, forensically testing the information they provided in a quest to establish the indisputable ‘facts’ on which he could base sound decisions.

The multi-faceted UK plastics industry is poorly covered statistically and many conflicting opinions are expressed about what data there is. But the closest we can get to a ‘fact’ about its business performance comes in the shape of the BPF’s Business Conditions Survey’ for the UK Plastics Industry. The most recent, carried out in January 2012 and recently reported, had 90 respondents, the bulk of whom were plastic processors serving a range of key markets. The results showed

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a mixed, cautiously optimistic outlook reflecting the delicately poised nature of the economy as a whole. Whilst 56 percent of respondents were forecasting an increase in sales turnover this was down on the last survey carried out on June 2011 when 66 percent were expecting an increase. In contrast 39 percent expected an increase in profitability, up from 29 percent in June 2011 indicating not only increasing belt tightening but also prudent raw materials and energy procurement.

In terms of export performance 73 percent declared that they are not exporting at all.

52 percent of those exporting expected export sales to remain the same in 2012 and seven percent predicted a decrease due to market slow down in China.

There are strong signs that companies are keeping their belts tight and for 35 percent of respondents there was no pay increase for 2012. However in some firms there was obvious compensation for earlier cuts. In 35 percent of respondents the average rate of increase was 2.5 – 3 percent and a generous 10 percent of companies paid out 4 percent or more.

Skills shortages arose as almost a quarter of companies were having difficulties filling positions. Hardest to recruit were

technical managers which 70 percent found difficult to alight upon and 20 percent found good salesmen thin on the ground. The majority of companies, some 56 percent, had capital investment plans for 2012 but this was down on the 64 percent in January 2011.

Companies are concerned that their competitive position is being put at risk by several extraneous factors. The vast majority, 74 percent, cited energy supply and costs as the most significant factor.

44 percent were concerned about environmental taxes and regulation, a particularly pointed outcome at a time when unrealistic plastics packaging recycling targets are being proposed by UK Government. 39 percent believed employment law put them at a disadvantage and 38 percent had concerns about carbon reduction taxes and regulation. 31 percent felt support for business investment was lacking at government and institutional level.

I don’t know what Mr Geneen would have made of this but one thing is certain, he wouldn’t have got any harder facts from the UK plastics industry! further information: www.bpf.co.uk

Managing currency fluctuations for successful business Smart Currency’s Nick Colling provides this month’s view Picture the scene. You agree a price for a product, only for that price to have increased by the time you come to pay for it. That is the situation many UK based companies are faced with on a monthly basis when they order raw materials from abroad. With GBP/EUR moving on average around four percent in each month, ordering goods from abroad can be an expensive necessity. Aside from becoming another cost, currency fluctuation has the potential to severely impact upon, or indeed wipe out, the profit margins that have been factored in.

At Smart Currency we are seeing an increasing amount of companies coming to us looking for a solution to this problem and through having an understanding for our client’s requirements, budget levels and time frame of purchase allows us to provide them with the answer to this problem. An example of this being a company that recently ordered products worth €400,000 when the GBP/EUR rate was at 1.20, they had budgeted at 1.18 feeling the buffer was suitable to pay for the goods at the end of the invoice term. Sadly, as is often the case, GBP weakened against a raft of currencies following the monthly BOE minutes and at the end of the invoice term the rate had moved to 1.15, causing an increase in cost of almost £15,000. Smart Currency could have prevented this.

If you have seen your profit margins affected by currency fluctuation over the last year, contact our British Plastics and Rubber Currency Expert, Nick Colling, on nick.colling@smartcurrencybusiness.com or call 0207 898 0500 or 07775927911 and quote MarchBPR to discuss how Smart Currency can prevent this happening again. further information: www.smartcurrencybusiness.com/bpr

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Affordable systems available for all size of processor.

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

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

Call Lisa on 01829 770037 for details.

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BP&R buyer’s guide services

plasma surface treatment

mouldmaking

fastenings and fixings

acquisition

materials for sale and wanted

injection moulding masterbatch printers printers of plastic mouldings

WANTED

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

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

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

mouldflow analysis

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

pad

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

polymer distributors

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

Unit 326, Hartlebury Trading Estate, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 4JB T: 01299 253300 E: enquiries@flemingptc.co.uk W: www.flemingptc.co.uk Rheometry,TGA,DSC,MFI/MVR Impact

tool making design and manufacture of blow moulds

Beaubury Precision Moulds Ltd

bp&r

additive masterbatch

testing/ consultancy

Fleming Polymer Testing & Consultancy

44

materials

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

mould release colour masterbatch

conductive plastics and coatings TBA Electro Conductive Products PO Box 56, Rochdale, Lancs OL12 7EY T: 01706 647718 F: 01706 646170 E: info@tbaecp.co.uk W: www.tbaecp.co.uk

To advertise in this space contact lisa montgomery 01829 770037

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

1 mm Easysperse MicroPellets to 4 mm MaxiPellets.

Standards second to none.

equipment

ultrasonic plastics assembly systems Branson Ultrasonics

ancillary

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

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

CNC ASSEMBLY MACHINES Cannon ShelleyUK agents for Belotti CNC Machining Centres 32 Roman Way Business Park, Godmanchester, Huntindon, Cambridgeshire PE29 2LN T: 01480 453651 F: 01480 52113 E: sales@cannon-shelley.co.uk W: www.cannonforma.com

control systems and equipment

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

Repairs, servicing or rebuilds.

UK agent for Lyons Electronics

quality monitoring control

induction heating for platens and tools

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.

assembly hot plate welding

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

BS EN ISO9001:2008

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

thermocouples

hot runner systems co-extrusion die heads and systems

Machines Automation Robotic Systems Ltd T: +44(0)1904 489 888 E: sales@mars.gb.net W: www.hotplatewelding.co.uk An innovative specialist in plastic welding solutions providing standard and bespoke plastic welding machines and equipment, tooling and training.

Machine Techniques Ltd Units 3-5, Sutton Court, Bath Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9EW T: 01858 434059 F: 01858 433638 E: davidchatterton@ymail.com W: www.mactec.co.uk

plastic assembly Machines Automation Robotic Systems Ltd T: +44(0)1904 489 888 E: sales@mars.gb.net W: www.plasticassembly.co.uk An innovative specialist in plastic assembly solutions providing standard and bespoke plastic assembly machines and equipment, jigs, fixtures and training.

pulse staking

Ridgeway Co-Extrusion Technology Ltd

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

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

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

hot runner controllers

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

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

extrusion systems

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

infra red systems

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

heating equipment

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

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

www.britishplastics.co.uk

H.T.E. Engineering Services Ltd We have a comprehensive directory of suppliers, products and services.

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

45 bp&r

BP&R buyer’s guide nozzles & nozzle tips

screws and barrels Technical Welding Services (Rochdale) Ltd Corporation Road, Sparth Bottoms, Rochdale, OL11 4HJ T: 01706 655402 F: 01706 657735 E: info@tws-mail.co.uk W: www.extruder-screws.co.uk

secondhand and reconditioned ANGLO PLASTICS LTD

injection moulding printing machines pad

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 Second-hand Injection Moulding Machine Stockists 40 Thomas Lane, Wakefield West Yorkshire, WF1 5RR T: 01924 290206 E: Katy@dmmachinery.co.uk W: www.dmmachinery.co.uk

hopper dryers

silk screen and pad Mascoprint Developments Ltd Stags End Cottage Barn, Gaddesden Row, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 6HN T: 01582 791190 F: 01582 791199 E: info@mascoprint.co.uk W: www.mascoprint.co.uk

mixing, feeding, drying

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

PLASTICOLOR B A Thorne (Machinery) Ltd 19A Imex Business Centre, Oxleasow Road, East Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 0RE T: 01527 584714 F: 01527 584784 E: bat@bathorne.co.uk W: www.bathorne .co.uk

hopper loaders Motan Colortronic Ltd

46 bp&r

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

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

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

BE HERE FOR a YEAR for only £450 contact lisa montgomery 01829 770037

quick mould change systems EAS PO Box 716, St Albans AL4 9ZX Tel: 01727 855758 Fax: 01727 842823 E-mail: angus_mac.eas@bt connect.com Web site: www.EASchange systems.com

Plasplant Ltd Unit 4, Oakhanger Farm, Oakhanger, Bordon, Hants GU35 9JA T: 01420 473013 F: 01420 475152 E: plasplant@aol.com W: www.plasplant.com

Rawmec (EEC) Ltd Rawmec Industrial Park, Plumpton Road, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 0EE T: 01992 471796 F: 01992 471797 E: rawmec@btconnect.com W: www.rawmec.com

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

static control screen changers Arrowquint Ltd 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

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

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

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

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

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

spark testers Buckleys (UVRAL) Limited Buckleys House, Unit G, Concept Court, Shearway Road, Shearway Business Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 4RG, ENGLAND. T: +44 01303 278888 F: +44 01303 274331 E: sales@buckleys.co.uk W: www.buckleys.co.uk

thermoforming equipment