BP&R September 2012

British Plastics

and Rubber

bp&r

THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR BRITAIN’S POLYMER PROCESSORS

SEPTEMBER 2012

Achieve Optimum Performance with a complete turnkey solution

An electric partnership Why colour Packaging processors for polymers and management matters see clearly with IML automotives for plastics

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

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

ART

How plastics are driving the ELECTRIC vehicle trend Plastics and automotives have gone hand-in-hand for some time now. From recycled content, composites for lightweighting and CO2 reduction as well as innovative engineering plastics for both durability and design, plastics are driving the industry forward as it looks towards both environmental and technological advancements. This is particularly good news, of course, given the fact that the UK automotive industry is experiencing a production boom, with some pretty heavy investment resulting in positive reverberations being felt throughout the supply chain.

However, one area of the automotive industry where plastic is really making its mark, and showing the versatility that no other material can offer, is the electric vehicles market. After a slow start, electric vehicles (EVs) are garnering attention from some of the biggest names in the plastics industry, such as Sabic, Bayer and BASF, who are all investing time and research in developing materials and applications for components both in, and outside of, the vehicles. With EV production set to grow at a CAGR of over 80 percent until 2017, plastics used in these vehicles will increase immensely.

The need to increase EV mile range, paralleled by the inherent advantages of

plastics — particularly that of lightweight — will drive penetration rates.

Sabic chose to make its recent work on EVs a focus at its stand at this year’s NPE exhibition in the US. You can read my interview with V. Umamaheswaran (UV), Sabic’s Automotive Marketing Director, about the company’s current and future projects in this area on page 18.

Research suggests there will also be almost 30 new models of electric or hybrid car brought to market in the next 18 months, with BMW preparing to launch its first ‘all electric’ cars, the i3 and the i8, Ford unveiling the Focus Electric and Vauxhall premiering the Ampera, which has a small petrol-fuelled generator that extends the range of the car to 360 miles. Daimler and BASF have been working since 2010 on the Smart Forvision, an electric concept car that is said to combine automotive expertise with material-science capability.

So, it would appear with the electric revolution driving forward in terms of research and investment, it is apparent that the automotive industry is sold on EVs – it’s now just a case of convincing the consumer.

Enjoy the issue.

Leanne Taylor - Editor

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

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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 new system is fully automated

THE BIG STORY Achieve Optimum performance with a complete turnkey solution

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Ancillary solutions provider, TH Plastics, has provided a complete, costeffective and comprehensive turnkey solution for a client needing a bespoke installation for a new project.

When Denso (holders of the majority share of the worldwide vehicle air-conditioning market) needed to develop a new material handling and recycling solution, they found there wasn’t anything available ‘off the shelf’ to meet their requirements, so they approached TH Plastics.

Steve Crowther, Senior Production Engineer at Denso, explained: “We were looking to introduce different polymers to the site for some new tooling projects and needed the material selection system to be completely automated. It also had to have the ability to handle a number of different materials, without the risk of contamination or downtime during the changeover.”

TH Plastics delivered a fully automated material handling and recycling system, able to handle a number of different materials that removed any potential for human error or contamination and significantly improved the quality of the product produced. They provided a complete, turnkey solution, from initial designs through to installation including ground works, power and air supplies.

“TH Plastics supported us through the whole process, developing a unique solution that responded to our needs,” Mr Crowther continued. “The company thought of everything to ensure the efficient running of the system, including the staff training and standard operating procedures which have been uniquely produced for our plant.”

But it’s the unexpected benefits TH Plastics’ solution delivered that are said to have really impressed the automotive components giant, with the new system having reportedly resulted in considerable financial savings.

“By automating the process, we’ve been able to remove the cost of one person per shift plus a member of staff to clean the filters after each one. This equates to £47-£48,000 savings each year,” Mr Crowther commented.

Denso is also said to have saved on material costs through the integration of existing equipment into the new system, as well as significant energy savings and improved efficiencies as a direct result of the solution TH Plastics designed for them.

“The new drying system is saving 60 percent of energy costs. The granulating equipment is saving us approximately £7,000 a year. We are also recycling a lot more with the new integrated system: about 25 percent of the product is put back so we are producing a lot less wastage,” Mr Crowther continued.

The thoroughness of the job done

by TH Plastics also means that diagnosis of problems should be easier in future, even developing an automatic back-up system to help ensure any potential downtime is minimised.

“We can bounce ideas around with TH Plastics, they‘re flexible and keen to look at innovative ways of doing business. We worked very much as a team at the concept stage and they were absolutely committed to finding the right solution. We ended up with a system that far exceeds our expectations,” Mr Crowther concluded.

TH Plastics installed a complete turnkey solution for Denso

further information: WWW.THPLASTICS.CO.UK

11 26 13 15

on the cover

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bp&r BRITISH PLASTICS &RUBBER

contents

SEPTEMBER 2012

on the cover Optimum performance with a complete turnkey solution Ancillary solutions provider, TH Plastics, has provided a complete, cost-effective and comprehensive turnkey solution for a client needing a bespoke installation for a new project.

See page 4

26-29 REGULARS FEATURE ENGINEERING MATERIALS AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS Industrial robot sales reach alltime high

30-31 FEATURE

3

In-Mould Labelling

EDITOR’S LETTER

Packaging processors see clearly with IML film

FROM THE FRONT LINE

38 39

RECLAMATION AND RECYCLING 40 RUBBER

42

CURRENCY CORNER

43

SOFTWARE

43

BUYERS’ GUIDE

44

How plastics are driving the electric vehicle trend

8-14 FEATURE INJECTION MOULDING: FAKUMA PREVIEW Injection moulding takes the spotlight at Fakuma 2012

15-20 FEATURE Automotives: Plastics in EVs

32-35 FEATURE Packaging Designing milk packaging of the future

36-37 FEATURE Medical Polymers in medical devices present opportunities for high margins

An electric partnership for polymers and automotives

21-25 ]FEATURE Colour Management Expertly managing the art of colour

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FAKUMA PREVIEW - injection moulding

Engineering Passion

www.kraussmaffei.co.uk

news Over 1200 exhibitors will take part in the Fakuma exhibition next month

Injection moulding in the spotlight at Fakuma 2012 As the key European plastics technology event of 2012, the Fakuma international trade fair for plastics processing is seeing a “catapulted” growth this year, according to organiser P. E. Schall GmbH & Co. KG, with well over 1200 exhibitors signed up and nearly 95 percent of all available net floor space already booked at time of printing.

Fakuma 2012 will see the return of some of the biggest names in the plastics industry at the five-day exhibition in Friedrichshafen, from 16-20 October, and is an exhibition renowned for new product launches and machine premieres.

With a focus on increasingly efficient use of resources in production and greater material and energy efficiency in plastics processing, we take a closer look at injection moulding at Fakuma over the following pages, showcasing a handful of the exciting new products that will be displayed at the fair. further information: www.schall-messen.de

KraussMaffei to introduce latest machine series at Fakuma KraussMaffei has announced it will display its most recent addition to its machine portfolio, the GX series, at Fakuma 2012, with a focus on efficiency.

At the trade fair, the company will produce a thermoplastic lightweight part in CellForm technology (MuCell) for the automotive industry using a GX 450-3000.

KraussMaffei states the entire production cell will demonstrate maximum productivity and innovative detailed solutions for zero defect production and production intelligence.

"When combined with a MuCell equipment package and the precise injection and plasticising unit, the GX series is almost predestined for processreliable production of foamed parts,” said Dr. Bourdon, Vice President Technologies

at KraussMaffei. “This automotive application shows the enormous potential still contained in lightweight thermoplastic solutions.”

The high shot weight consistency of less than +/- 0.1 percent ensures reliable production, even with high demands.

KraussMaffei states that as the fastest dual platen machine on the market, the GX offers short travel times and maximum productivity. The smooth-running mechanics are claimed to reduce traction resistance by up to 80 percent and ensure, together with the hydraulic concept designed for minimum flow losses, maximum energy efficiency.

Completely automatic production takes place in a fully integrated production cell, with a LRX 250 linear robot that is fitted with the handheld pendant of the new MC6 control system. "The robot is

The production cell comprising the GX machine and a LRX robot

fully integrated both in the control system and the mechanics,” explained Frank Peters, Vice President Sales at KraussMaffei. further information: www.kraussmaffei.com

Precision counts!

Tolerances smaller than 0.01 mm – in high-volume production.

Impressive, isn’t it? Precise and delicate: this is only achievable with leading, cost-effective injection OQWNFKPI VGEJPQNQI[ $WV [QWoTG CNTGCF[ HCOKNKCT YKVJ VJKU NGXGN QH RTQFWEVKQP GHƂEKGPE[ HTQO WU

ARBURG Ltd. Tachbrook Park Drive Warwick CV34 6RH Tel.: +44 (0) 1926 457 000 Fax: +44 (0) 1926 457 020 e-mail: uk@arburg.com

www.arburg.co.uk

#4$74) HQT GHƂEKGPV KPLGEVKQP OQWNFKPI

FAKUMA PREVIEW - injection moulding

Engineering Passion

news All-round efficiency to be name of the game for Arburg at Fakuma Efficiency will once again be a key focus for Arburg at Fakuma this year.

Highlights will include particle-foam composite injection moulding (PCIM), longfibre direct injection moulding and inline printing.

The company states it has new features in the area of efficient machine technology, such as the new electric Allrounder 630 A, the productivity package for the Golden Edition series and the servo-hydraulic drive concept for the large Allrounders of the S series. Over 20 Allrounders will be on display at the show (taking into account machines running on other exhibitors’ stands).

“In order to recognise and exploit the full potential for increasing production efficiency, it is important to consider the entire value-added chain,” emphasised Michael Hehl, Managing Partner and Spokesperson for the Arburg Management Team. “That is why we are not only presenting a representative cross-section of our range of products and applications at the Fakuma, but also emphasising the advantages of each exhibit in terms of production efficiency.”

Arburg will present its new long-fibre direct injection moulding process developed together with German Plastics Centre, SKZ, in Würzburg. The process allows inline feeding and enables longer fibres than ever before to be processed, so that lightweight injection moulded parts with thin walls and high strength can be produced.

Particle-foam composite injection moulding (PCIM) is a joint project with Krallmann and Ruch Novaplast in which a foamed part is combined with plastic for the first time. The two components are bonded, so that there is no need for subsequent assembly steps and a

Arburg will display a range of technologies at Fakuma

Production efficiency will be a focus for Arburg at the show

finished part is produced in a single step.

This production of composite components made from particle foam and injection moulded plastic opens up a whole field of new options for the electric mobility, lightweight construction and insulation sectors.

Efficiency through product design and process integration will feature on a production cell with an inline printing system. The “Inkbot” process from FPT Robotik combines digital printing and robotics and enables parts with irregular geometries and curves to be printed on.

This means that customised injectionmoulded parts can be produced fully automatically in a single step. The integrated finishing process for the plastic parts means that injection moulders can increase added value and respond quickly

to new demands in relation to design changes.

The electric Alldrive series, designed chiefly for high-end applications with high demands on cycle time, precision and energy efficiency, will also feature at Fakuma. The Allrounder 630 A with a clamping force of 2,500 kN and a size 1300 injection unit is new to the range.

According to Arburg, the new machine size refines the gradation of the electric series in terms of clamping force and performance. This makes it possible to precisely tailor the machine to the application, which is a major factor in the efficient production of moulded parts. further information: www.arburg.com

www.kraussmaffei.co.uk Netstal to unveil new ELION 3200 model at Fakuma 2012 Netstal has expanded its product range with a new injection moulding machine, which will be unveiled to the public for the first time at Fakuma 2012.

The Elion 3200 is said by the company to be ideally suited to manufacturing complex moulded parts in the packaging, caps, medical technology and highprecision technical parts sectors.

At Fakuma 2012, the Elion 3200 will be producing thin-walled lids for cream

cheese packaging. Using a 4+4-cavity stack mould, the polypropylene injectionmoulded part is produced in an overall cycle time of less than 3.5 seconds. The fully automated system places the labels, extracts the finished parts and stacks them, thereby achieving a maximum output of 8,230 units per hour. “The Elion 3200 is the epitome of production efficiency, which greatly benefits our customers,� said Marcel Christen, Head of Project Management at Netstal. The company states its high-

performance machine is based on an innovative hybrid drive concept that combines different drive technologies. The energy-saving potential of hybrid technology is fully exploited using the innovative Eco-Powerunit drive, meaning in comparison to conventional, hydraulically-driven toggle lever machines, the Elion hybrid is claimed to reduce energy consumption by up to 40 percent. further information: www.netstal.com

The machine will be producing thin-walled lids for packaging

The new state-of-the-art Elion 3200 hybrid

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Three new technologies from Ferromatik Milacron at Fakuma At Fakuma 2012, Ferromatik Milacron will present three exhibits, each featuring all-new technologies. For the first time, multi-component moulding and cube technology will be demonstrated in the new modular F-Series. The F 270, the latest addition to the F-Series, will also be introduced. Finally, the second generation of the all-electric Elektron series will be unveiled, featuring a new design and a new control panel.

The first multi-component machine in the new modular F-Series, the F 160-2F, has a clamping force of 1,600 kN and is configured as a hybrid machine. It offers tie-bar spacing of 570 x 570 mm and houses a 2+1-cavity mould. At Fakuma,

www.kraussmaffei.co.uk

the machine will be making ‘chickPack’, a plastic egg box with a two-part hinged lid.

The two-component part has an average wall thickness of 0.35 mm, is made from transparent polypropylene (PP) and has a weight of 19g. The F 160-2F produces the part in a cycle time of 2.6 seconds.

“The F-Series offers moulders a highperformance solution that can produce thin-walled, two-component parts at high speed without any issues,” said Dr. Thorsten Thümen, Director of Research and Development at Ferromatik Milacron.

Ferromatik Milacron will also demonstrate the F 270 Cube, with a clamping force of 2,700 kN, which is a new intermediate size in the modular FSeries. It is also the first cube moulding

The F 270 Cube

technology machine in the new line. “For 15 years Ferromatik Milacron has offered hydraulic and hybrid machines with flexible stack-turning mould systems leading to the development of advanced cube and twin-cube moulding technologies,” said Gerold Schley, Managing Director of Ferromatik Milacron.

“With the F 270 Cube, Ferromatik Milacron now has an all-electric cube moulding machine on the market.”

Fakuma will see the public unveiling of the second-generation all-electric Elektron series. Visitors will see an Elektron 50 with a clamping force of 500 kN specially set up to work with liquid silicone (LSR).

The machine features an international size 55 injection unit including a special plasticising unit and a silicon screw with a diameter of 22 mm. The Elektron 50 will produce two transparent baby pacifiers in a single shot, made entirely of silicone. In contrast to conventional two-component pacifiers (ABS and LSR) all-silicone pacifiers are manufactured as a single part, reducing production costs.

FAKUMA PREVIEW - injection moulding

Engineering Passion

further information: www.ferromatik.com

chickPack, produced on an F 160-2F multi-component machine

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Electric vehicle technology extended thanks to performance polymers Lightweight plastics from DuPont have contributed to a recent breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) motor technology from Japan-based SIM-Drive Corp, with driving range reportedly extended 30 percent further than mass-produced EV vehicles.

DuPont is one of 34 companies to work with SIM-Drive on the prototype SIMWIL, the next generation EV vehicle unveiled in March that is said to feature nearly 50 new technologies.

SIM-Drive credits a unique ‘in-wheel’ motor system and extensive use of lightweight materials for the significant increase in kilometres per charge. SIMWIL also delivers a maximum speed of 180 km/h (110 mph), sports car acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 5.4 seconds, and offers a higher level of interior space and comfort.

DuPont states its bio-based polymer, Sorona, improves the environmental footprint of the vehicle and is used in interior applications. SIM-WIL also uses DuPont coatings and DuPont Corian for refined touch points.

"Clearly collaboration plays a powerful role in helping showcase new and innovative ideas and in the last few years, DuPont has stepped up to the challenge with innovation centres networked around the world to connect materials-science innovation to market needs, especially in vehicle electrification, lightweighting and renewable materials," said Hay.

PLASTICS IN EVs

news

"Especially in electric vehicle (EV) applications, these high temperature, chemically resistant products and electrical insulation materials contribute to increased EV system reliability and performance under severe conditions such as wide ranging temperatures and high voltage," said Tomoyuki Shinkai, Operating Officer, Vehicle Development Co-Ordination Division General Manager, SIM-Drive Corp.

DuPont high-performance plastics, such as Zytel HTN PPA in the in-wheel motor and Kapton polyimide film in the indicator lighting, helped SIM-DRIVE keep weight lower than EVs on the road today.

DuPont Zytel HTN, used in key in-wheel motor bobbins, is said to be stronger, lighter and more cost effective than the PPS it replaces. Kapton, known for use in applications from the Mars Rover to mobile devices, replaces the need for a circuit board, shaving 80 percent of the weight from the lighting component.

"This project shows how lightweight, high-performance materials such as Zytel HTN PPA can take extremes, allowing designers to bring innovation to electric and hybrid electric vehicles without adding weight associated with metal," said James Hay, Regional Director, DuPont Performance Polymers, Asia Pacific.

further information: www.dupont.com

The SIM-WIL vehicle

First electric car charging stations with polyurethane housings Spanish electrical engineering firm, Ingeteam, has developed charging stations for electrical cars using polyurethane housing for the first time.

Baydur 110 rigid polyurethane foam from Bayer MaterialScience has been used for the housing of the charging stations, which are available in two different versions – one for outdoor installation along public roads, and a wall-mounted model for installation in private homes.

Charging stations More than 500 prototypes of the charging for electric stations have already been installed at Spanish vehicles with supermarkets, parking garages, conference and polyurethane exhibition centres. So far the charging stations are housing available only in Spain, but expansion to other countries and continents is possible.

"This development is another example of how Bayer MaterialScience develops solutions for future mobility concepts," said Alp Sarici, a Marketing Expert for polyurethane systems. "Unlike other plastic solutions, the polyurethane housings can also be produced profitably in small numbers, not least because the moulds are relatively inexpensive."

Bayer MaterialScience was involved in the development from the very beginning. The collaboration with Ingeteam was arranged by Policam, a long-standing partner of the Leverkusen company and also the manufacturer of the charging station housings. further information: www.materialscience.bayer.com www.policam.cat www.ingeteam.com

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PLASTICS IN EVs

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news Multi-million boost for UK electric vehicle battery technology UK Government has pledged further support for the automotive industry by announcing the creation of a new ‘UK Energy Storage R&D Centre’ for the advancement of electric and hybrid vehicle batteries, including polymer types.

Co-funded by Government (£9 million) and industry (£4 million), the £13 million centre will be created to capitalise on the growing electric and hybrid vehicle battery market, which has been estimated to be worth £250 million for the UK by 2020.

The centre is the latest move by Government to secure future growth opportunities for the UK’s automotive sector, building on its £400m commitment over the next four years to supporting electric cars and other ultra-low carbon vehicles.

Business Minister, Michael Fallon, said: “I’m pleased to announce this joint Government and industry project to develop an energy storage R&D centre at

The new centre will provide R&D for green vehicle technology

the University of Warwick. It will put the UK in a much stronger, competitive position to capitalise on a growing worldwide market for low carbon vehicles, alongside other world leaders in the field including the United States, Japan and Germany.

“This £13 million facility will help accelerate the development of battery cells for the next generation of vehicles, is a vital investment in the future of the automotive sector. It complements over £5.5 billion that global vehicle manufacturers have committed to UK projects in the last 18 months.”

The Automotive Council Technology Group worked alongside Government to

secure the funding for the new R&D centre. Jerry Hardcastle, Chairman of the Group and Global Chief Marketability Engineer at Nissan Motor Company, said: “The announcement of the UK Energy Storage R&D Centre is great news and is further evidence that collaboration between the Government, industry and academic institutions in the UK continues to create opportunities to increase innovation and further develop the supply chain in the automotive industry.” further information: www.bis.gov.uk

Use of lightweight plastics in EVs expected to drive growth are typically made up of different type of plastics. These need to be sorted out before they are recyclable.

Therefore, on the one hand there is a need to lightweight cars to improve the mile range in EVs. On the other hand, ELV recycling legislation requires the OEMs to use recyclable materials.

"This issue can be solved if OEMs work with tier-one suppliers to develop recycling technologies," continued Shree Vidhyaa.

"This will ensure sustainable use of plastics in the long-term."

With the electric vehicle (EV) production set to grow at a CAGR of over 80 per cent until 2017, plastics used in these vehicles will also see a tremendous growth. The need to increase EV mile range, paralleled by the inherent advantages of plastics - particularly that of lightweight - will drive penetration rates.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, ‘Strategic Analysis of Plastics in the Electric Vehicles Market in Europe and North America’, finds that the market earned revenues of $0.5 million in 2010 and estimates this to reach $73 million in 2017. The research covers power train plastics, battery casing plastics, thermal management system materials and wire and cable plastic materials.

As the electric vehicles market takes off, it is set to have a positive ripple effect on the uptake of plastics.

"Plastics for EVs are driven by lightweighting trends which, in turn, are fuelled by the need to improve EV mile range," explained Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst, Shree Vidhyaa Karunanidhi. "EVs are typically characterised by huge batteries, which add to the overall weight of the vehicle and affect the mile range. To compensate for the battery weight, metals are increasingly being substituted by plastic."

Important structural components such as gears and motors are made of metal.

Strength and crash-resistance requirements indicate that metals will remain the preferred material for these applications.

However, plastics have huge potential in some of the minor, non-moving components such as energy recovery devices, cooling pipes, pumps, fans and casing materials.

The current level of penetration of plastics in these components varies. In the case of cooling pipes and fans, plastics are preferred, whereas for other components, such as energy recovery devices (pedal and pump) and casing materials, plastics have low to moderate penetration. The inherent features of plastics are, nonetheless, set to push their rapid growth rate in these segments.

"The reduced scope for plastics in EVs in comparison to conventional, gasolinefuelled vehicles poses a major restraint to market prospects," said Shree Vidhyaa.

"EU end-of-life vehicle (ELV) recycling legislation, which entails the use of recyclable materials, poses another challenge to market participants."

Although thermoplastics used in these cars are recyclable, automotive shredders

An electric vehicle being charged

further information: www.frost.com

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An ELECTRIC partnership for polymers and automotives

To reduce weight in EVs, plastics can replace steel in applications such as the battery housings.

With environmentally progressive hybrid electric vehicles projected to capture a significant share of the global automotive industry by 2015, many companies are dedicating significant research and investment into materials to support the growth of this market.

At NPE 2012, SABIC’s Innovative Plastics business exhibited its portfolio of Noryl and Valox automotive resins designed to help customers create alternative power train solutions by displacing weight and increasing performance for hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV).

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Leanne Taylor spoke to V. Umamaheswaran (UV), SABIC’s Automotive Marketing Director, at the show to find out more about the company’s investment in this area.

LT: How is SABIC addressing the trend for electric vehicles in its materials portfolio?

UV: With the electrification of vehicles, we are looking at both on-board and off-board infrastructure in the type of application.

One highlight of our efforts in this area is our work with Leviton, who specialise in electrical devices and systems, to develop home chargers that can be installed in the user’s garage, as well as high-powered chargers that charge a vehicle in a matter of hours as opposed to ones that take all night.

Our Valox iQ resin is being used for the housing of the chargers. The resin contains up-cycled post-consumer PET from water bottles, contributing to the environmental efficiency of the product.

These are applications where we started with the enclosures as well as developing materials specifically for the connecting device to comply with the flame-retardant requirements for the electro properties in terms of shielding.

LT: Lightweighting is critically important in electric vehicles, how do SABIC’s materials contribute to this?

UV: In electric vehicles, lightweighting is important to maximise environmental efficiency. To reduce weight, plastics can replace steel in applications such as the battery housings. SABIC’s Noryl PPO resin battery enclosures offer significant weight reductions, as well as chemical resistance, dimensional stability, being inherently flame retardant and having a low specific gravity. All of these combined make it an ideal fit and a great default material for battery housings.

LT: Is the electrification of vehicles an important area for growth?

UV: We are looking at the whole range of electric vehicles as a strategic growth area. We offer a variety of different products for invertors, for example our LNP line of products are ideal for electrical shielding and thermal conductivity to keep the vehicle environment cool and the battery at a constant temperature. Going forward we are looking at developing products for lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries in terms of membranes and separators. This is a clear example of organic investment being made in R&D activities in areas where SABIC expects to see growth.

PLASTICS IN EVs

LT: Will the trend for electric vehicles continue?

UV: In the automotive world we tend to look at 5-, 10- and 15-year horizons as that’s what you need to think about in terms of influencing the ways cars are built and the materials and processes that will be used in the future. I think electromobility will be a continuing trend. I think we’ll start to see new materials and formulations being developed specifically for the e-mobility sector that will improve the performance, as well as the safety, of an electric vehicle. We’ll also see continuous lightweighting as the industry strives to offset the additional weight that is typically found in electrically powered vehicles. further information: www.sabic.com SABIC is working with Leviton to develop home chargers for EVs

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news Measuring appearance on the production line as well as IN the laboratory In today’s industry there are two main technology types that are used to measure the colour and appearance of plastics, the colorimeter and the spectrophotometer.

The colorimeter is ideal for routine comparisons of similar colours and the spectrophotometer is ideal for colour formulation and the measurement of Metamerism, and would be typically found in the research and development and quality control laboratory.

As demands in the plastic industry grow for solutions to monitor quality, cut wastage and prevent returns, Hunterlab, specialists in colour and appearance measurement technology, have launched the new SpectraTrend HT online spectrophotometer.

HunterLab’s next generation SpectraTrend HT spectrophotometer is said to take colour quality control to its highest level with 0/30 design for the ultimate in colour measurement precision.

A simple guide to colour matching for packaging M&H Plastics and Silvergate have joined forces to produce ‘A Simple Guide to Colour Matching’ to help customers in the selection of colours for their packaging.

A range of 40 different colours has been selected which are featured in the style of a paint chart. Colour plaques have been produced, thus avoiding the need to undertake colour matching.

Accurate colour control is critical to many projects and is an essential part of

Said to combine versatility, simplicity and performance, the SpectraTrend reflects almost 60 years of colour measurement innovation in one easy-to-use, compact, continuous online non-contact colour and height measurement.

The SpectraTrend HT works by sending targeted light powered by four LED’s to the sample and receives the spectral response back. This wave length data is then turned into colorimetric data such as the L,a,b colour scale.

The Hunter L, a, b colour scale is interpreted as follows: The L-Axis runs from top to bottom.

The maximum for L is 100, which would be white or a perfect reflecting diffuser.

The minimum for L would be zero, which would be black. The a- and b-Axes have no specific numerical limits. Positive a is red and negative a is green. Positive b is yellow and negative b is blue.

The communication of colour and/or appearance by numbers can remove the subjectivity often involved in the discussion of the two. It must be remembered, however, that numbers alone have no meaning unless the specifics of the measurement process are included.

Hunterlab is represented in the United Kingdom and Ireland by Think Stothard. further information: www.colourmeasure.com

COLOUR MANAGEMENT

When the appearance of your product matters... Think Stothard • www.colourmeasure.com + 44 (0) 116 2300080 hello@thinkstothard.com

The SpectraTrend HT

The Hunter L,A,B colour scale

ensuring brand integrity especially across a range of products. New concepts for packaging need to consider colour in both component selection and final decoration.

M&H Plastics is a supplier of plastic packaging components and Silvergate is a UK producer of masterbatch used in the manufacture of plastic packaging. further information: www.mhplastics.com www.silvergate.co.uk

The new guide to colour matching

COLOUR MANAGEMENT

When the appearance of your product matters... Think Stothard

news Pantone extends range of lighting indicator stickers Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company and provider of professional colour standards for the design industries, today announced the availability of Pantone D65 Lighting Indicator Stickers.

Similar to the D50 Lighting Indicator Stickers announced earlier this year, the new D65 Lighting Indicator Stickers make it easy for designers and manufacturers to determine if colours are being viewed under the right lighting conditions for accurate colour evaluation, specification and matching. Whereas D50 lighting is commonly used for evaluating printed design work and photography, D65 is commonly used to evaluate the colour of textiles, paints, plastics and other manufactured products.

“Quality of light has a critical impact on colour appearance, and making a colour decision under the wrong lighting conditions can lead to costly and timeconsuming mistakes,” said Giovanni Marra, Director of Corporate Marketing at Pantone. “The new Lighting Indicator Stickers for D65 lighting provide a simple and economical way for designers and manufacturers to determine if colours are being viewed under the correct lighting conditions, allowing designers to be more confident in their colour choices.”

All Pantone Lighting Indicator Stickers (D50 and D65) have two light-sensitive patches that react to viewing illumination and change colour under different lighting temperatures. Under proper D65-range

New liquid colour technology developed for blow moulding (Photo: Clariant)

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s g sticker ne lightin to t s an P te e Th rs to ufacture allow man nder different colour u onditions lighting c

lighting, the two patches will appear to match, and, if lighting conditions do not fall within the D65 range, the two patches will appear different. The further the light source is from the D65 range, the greater the contrast in appearance.

To ensure that accurate colour decisions are made throughout the production process, Lighting Indicator Stickers feature a peel-off adhesive back so designers can attach them to colour proofs, colour samples and references. further information: www.pantone.com www.xrite.com

New liquid colour technology developed for polyolefin blow moulding New liquid vehicle technology (LVT) developed by Clariant Masterbatches is said to eliminate many of the problems that have prevented wider use of liquid colour and additive concentrates in extrusion blow moulding of polyolefins (high- and low-density polyethylene and polypropylene).

Clariant states initial testing in monolayer containers shows that these highly compatible systems allow for higher pigment loadings and lower usage rates, while practically eliminating past challenges related to screw slippage.

Improved resin compatibility results in stronger weld lines in the finished container as evidenced by scores in standard burst and compression-loading tests.

“Extrusion blow moulders and brand owners in the personal care and household products markets often find liquid masterbatches to be an attractive alternative to solid concentrates,” said Raymond Sloan, Head of Liquid Colour, Clariant Masterbatches North America.

“However, until now, use of liquid colour has been limited in blow moulding of polyolefin resins because many liquid based carrier systems (including mineral oil) would not incorporate well with the resins. It was pigment friendly, but not resin friendly.”

The new Clariant masterbatches use a liquid vehicle system that incorporates suspension aids and binders, which have been incorporated into the new LVT masterbatches to allow for higher pigment loadings and (in most cases) lower usage rates. Additional components are said to enhance flow and make for dramatically faster colour changes.

“So far,” Sloan continued, “testing has been completed in several types of monolayer containers and we are confident that similar results can be achieved in multilayer applications involving both opaque colour and pearlescent effects.” further information: www.clariant.com

www.colourmeasure.com • + 44 (0) 116 2300080 • hello@thinkstothard.com

news True Colours: Why colour management matters for plastics Written by Walter Franz, Director Global Key Account Management, Datacolor

For every person with normal sight, the concept of colour is intuitive and is acquired by the infant at a very early age.

‘Perceived’ colour is associated with detection by receptors in the eye, followed by interpretation in the brain of the energy scattered or transmitted by the material in sight – i.e. colour is the cerebral interpretation of the observer. In addition, there are many variables that make up colourant conditions – is the sample flat or curved, glossy or matte-finished, smooth or textured? All of these variables affect our perception of colour and as a result, this makes communicating colour to someone else extremely difficult.

Demand is strong for plastic materials to offer improved performance, new effects and the latest colour trends. For producers of plastics, colour management is probably the most important part of overall quality control. The appearance of plastic moulded parts for example,

Datacolor’s recently launched 45G Portable Spectrophotometer

depends on colour, gloss and texture - all of which can change in the moulding process due to improper mixing of resin and colourant, temperature and speed variations, and mould wear. There is therefore a strong requirement for technologically advanced colour management tools that can take all of these requirements into account.

The methods used to maintain colour consistency between suppliers, products and individual parts are referred to as colour management. The technology enables an exact analysis to be achieved, without ambiguity, making possible the reproduction and communication of colour. This intelligence enables visual assessments to be made during the quality control process, resulting in products getting to market faster.

Using reliable, precise instrumentation is the only way to objectify the perception of colour, ensuring that expensive

There is a demand for plastic materials to have a wide range of finishes and effects

mistakes are avoided in the production process. During the last few years, significant progress has been made in the design and manufacture of colour measurement instruments. Current equipment provides more stable and more repeatable measurements with greater accuracy. They are also faster, lighter and smaller. In addition, they offer the capability of analysing diverse samples, are more flexible in the processing of information, are easier to use and are frequently less costly.

Datacolor’s recently launched 45G Portable Spectrophotometer provides the performance required to effectively control colour, gloss and appearance in a complex manufacturing supply chain. The 45G is useful for inspection and control of painted surfaces, plastic parts, package prints, automotive parts and other manufactured goods, producing measurement results that correlate far better to visual assessment. further information: www.datacolor.com

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Colour Management feature

When the appearance of your product matters... Think Stothard

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Bob Thomas

With advancements in colour meaning that plastic products can now be produced with a whole range of effects and finishes across a broad range of industries, Bob Thomas, Technical Director at Colloids, offers his opinion on how the right knowledge and expertise can result in successful colour management at the highest levels.

Our analytical understanding of colour can be traced way back - some 450 years - to the experiments conducted by Isaac Newton, refracting white light through a prism into its components: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. All these centuries later, and now it seems everyone has a spectrophotometer, specialist software and sophisticated systems for measuring and managing colour scientifically, making the science more accessible than ever. Yet for me, I still see these advances simply as tools.

Useful, yes, especially for ensuring consistency, but no standalone replacement in themselves for expertise.

Knowing the scientific theory is important, as well as having a fully equipped laboratory plus international calibre support, but success at the highest level depends on more than just reading data off a computer screen. Companies, such as Colloids, with a high level of expertise in colour management can apply both experience and theory to a project, as well as utilising knowledge from R&D or production processes.

It is this knowledge that has generated tangible benefits in colour management, including the use of new pigments not based on heavy metal (lead/cadmium); a range of masterbatches to be used in biodegradable polymers, as well as higher strength (super-concentrated) formulations which allow lower dosing and highly stable colour formulations essential for outdoor weathering, such as artificial grass or stadium seating - to give longer product life for clients.

When working on a product, colour and additive formulations must be selected not only for colour management, but also

Expertly managing the art of colour for compatibility with the polymer, the client’s processes and a host of other factors. You need to take into account not just individual properties but also the combined effect of multiple additives - to avoid unwanted surprises.

Across the plastics industry, companies are experimenting with products that incorporate high opacity colours in addition to tints, as well as specialities such as metallic, pearlescent, thermochromic and glow-in-the-dark effects, and also products required to meet the relevant food contact, toy and waste packaging regulations.

For non-standard applications, bespoke colours can be engineered to encompass a whole range of effects and finishes for some of today's most demanding markets.

Coloured products incorporating differing functional properties such as antistatic, UV stability, mould release and antibacterial properties etc are also being developed and produced.

When you are engaged in colour management for the most demanding clients in the world - whether it be car interiors or pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, outdoor installations, or whatever, you want to have the best expertise in the world on hand.

No-one in the industry should be without a spectrophotometer for measuring colour scientifically, but there are some instances - metamerism for example - judging how humans recognise different colours and their relation under different light sources (outdoors/indoors, fluorescent/incandescent, etc) - where even the best colourist needs to draw on deeper knowledge.

Knowing how to resolve problems if they arise is essential. But even more valuable is having the expertise - the art to avoid them in the first place. The art means needing to ask fewer questions at the outset, and getting started on the right track quicker. This results in more successful production in a time when competitive advantage is essential. further information: www.colloids.co.uk

www.colourmeasure.com • + 44 (0) 116 2300080 • hello@thinkstothard.com

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Automation & Robotics

www.pmmuk.net Tel: +44 (0) 1296 658 638

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news Powerful and precise new lightweight arm from Schunk Schunk, suppliers of clamping technology and gripping systems, has launched a new Powerball-Lightweight arm, the LWA 4.

The LWA 4 features a weight/payload ratio of 2:1 and is said by Schunk to be one of the most high-powered lightweight arms in the world. At a dead weight of 12kg, it can dynamically handle loads of up to 6kg and has a gripping radius of more than 700mm. With the compact design of the front end or wrist joint, the arm can be easily maneuvered in close spaces.

Schunk states the LWA 4’s excellent repeat accuracy of 0.06mm provides for high process stability for demanding measuring and testing tasks. The intelligent design also prevents dangerous crushing and shearing movements, making it safe to use around people.

Central elements of the lightweight arm are three compact ERB Powerball

modules, which combine the movements of two axes. The entire electronic control and regulation circuitry is integrated in the joint drives. Position, speed and torque can be flexibly regulated. An innovative quick-change system with integrated signal feed-through allows for fast and easy commissioning of the Plug and Performance gripping system. Since the supply lines for the gripper and tools are completely within the module, there are said to be no interfering cables on the peripheral devices. With integrated intelligence such as universal communication interfaces and cable technology for data transfer and power supply, the arm can be quickly and easily integrated into existing control concepts.

The manipulator is supplemented by an industrial robot controller with an integrated CoDeSys PLC. The 24V DC supply voltage enables mobile use as well as use at alternate locations. Schunk states consistent lightweight construction and state-of-theart torque motors keep the energy demands of the lightweight arm down to an average of 80W. This consequently lowers energy costs, provides for longer work periods when using rechargeable batteries and also allows the use of smallformat batteries.

The new Powerball-Lightweight arm, the LWA 4

further information: www.schunk.com

World class Robotics from Max-Robot

ATM assembles diverse range of automation technologies Supplying robotics and automation to multiple market sectors, each with quite different and specific demands, requires not just a wealth of expertise but also a comprehensive range of automation modules and systems.

The increasing use of technical plastics for complex components, especially within the automotive and medical device industries, has led to a growing demand for more sophisticated automation solutions. Product ranges now offer everything from a simple gripper, through to complex fully automated assembly cells often incorporating multiple technologies.

ATM, suppliers of automation and robotics across many sectors of the plastics industry, has seen a marked change in the typical automation systems

ATM systems for the Optics and Medical Device Industries incorporate diverse automation technologies

in the last 30 years. In the 1980s the typical automation system supplied by the company would include a three-axis Cartesian robot, gripper, conveyor and safety guarding. By comparison, systems supplied today, for the optics and medical device industries, incorporate rotary indexing systems, precision fixturing, sixaxis robots, vision systems for inspection plus additional processes specific to the application, all driven and monitored using a PLC or PC based control system.

ATM still sees a demand for their range of ES three axis Cartesian robot systems, however, the company says even this type of robot is being integrated into ever more sophisticated systems. Its range of 6 and 7 axis robots compliments the Cartesian systems offering greater flexibility for access into hard to reach areas, component re-orientation and assembly tasks.

ATM states the benefits of six Axis technology can be seen in a recent system it supplied for the production of automotive components. Here the robot performs multiple operations including component manipulation, picking parts from vibratory bowl feeders, plus insertion and assembly operations.

Even in manual assembly applications, the requirements to guarantee quality, consistency and traceability mean that the once simple assembly workstation now often incorporates a range of technologies such as bar code scanners, vision inspection systems and label printers in addition to intelligent component fixturing.

These features combine to provide the levels of fail safing demanded for example by the automotive industry. further information: www.atmautomation.com

ATM system for the production of automotive interior components

Workstation for the assembly of automotive interior components

Automation & Robotics

www.pmmuk.net Tel: +44 (0) 1296 658 638

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news PMM Maximises solutions Quainton-based Premier Moulding Machinery (PMM), has announced that it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for the UK and Ireland with the Chinese robot manufacturer Ningbo WellLih Robot Technology Ltd (better known as Max-Robots), following an initial partnership building period.

Richard Hird, PMM Sales Director, explained: “It is common for Chinese companies to work with partners for a period of time prior to signing official agreements, as they like to get comfortable with the company and more importantly the people they intend to work with before they commit themselves.”

Max-Robot Chairman, William Qiu, commented on the partnership with PMM: “We are pleased to sign this distribution agreement with PMM. During the past 12 months, the trust and support for our products and service between both sides made the decision to sign the distribution agreement a natural one.

We will devote ourselves to providing the best turnkey solution for the customer in the UK plastic industry, together with PMM. This will meet the increasing requirement for the quality and efficiency of production, to ensure our customers gain the advantage in a competitive market sector."

PMM have been working hard over the last 12 months by installing a number of Max Robots as part of turnkey packages alongside their other UK partners Haitian and Zhafir moulding machines and FASI material handling equipment.

PMM will distribute Max-Robot products in the UK

Such packages include a Haitian Mars 800t, complete with a Max-Robot EBW20 series full servo robot and FASI material conveying system for a customer on the south coast. Other projects that are to be installed within the next few months include a 470T and 1000T Haitian machine with Max-robot EBW20 and ECW15 series full servo models, and an over-moulding project based on two Zhafir Venus series All Electric machines with two off Max-Robot EA04 fast servo driven units.

PMM is working in close partnership with PC Moulding and Automation to assist in promoting and supporting Max-

Robot within the UK. Peter Crossley recently commented: “to partner PMM is a very exciting opportunity, as we share the same total solution philosophy with state of the art equipment.”

Richard Hird continued: “We are equally excited to add Max-Robots to our portfolio, as they have proven to be an invaluable asset to our ability to provide the complete moulding solution, especially given their wide product range of standard units and special applications such as InMould Labelling.” further information: www.pmmuk.net

World class Robotics from Max-Robot Sales of industrial robots have reached an all-time high

Industrial robot sales reach all-time high After sales of robots from January to March 2012 outstripped figures in any other quarter to date, sales for the first two quarters of 2012 have exceeded all previous full year sales on record, according to the PPMA group.

In the first quarter, robot sales of 923 units were recorded, which is larger than the annual total for many of the previous years. The second quarter brought this figure to 2000 for the half-year end. However, automotive component orders contributed 85 percent of this figure in the first quarter and 89 percent of the sales in the second. This trend appears to be continuing, at least in the short term. Whilst in most other sectors robot sales are increasing, the growth still remains sluggish and, in some sectors, in sporadic decline.

Mike Wilson, British Automation and Robot Association Chairman, said: "Whilst we welcome the level of robot orders from the automotive sector largely driven by product demand in global emerging markets, it is a real concern that other sectors are still not understanding the potential implications of not automating. Other countries such as China, Germany and most of the major European manufacturing nations are investing heavily in automation to sustain competitive advantage.

Part of the problem in the UK is a short term approach and the perception that the payback period is longer than it often is,� he continued.

Allen Green, Managing Director of A K Industries, who recently completed the free Government automating manufacturing review, said: “We have recently had our automation review carried out on site and we have found this very useful. The automation expert has highlighted several areas that we could cost effectively automate and the payback period is a lot shorter than we had thought. We are pleased that the government is prepared to help UK manufacturing take the next steps in remaining competitive in an increasingly global market place. We have just completed our first 6-axis robotic cell.� further information: www.automatingmanufacturing.co.uk

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In-Mould Labelling

Arrowquint – introducing the new low cost Eltex

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Range

news Packaging processors see clearly with IML film Printing company, Verstraete, has developed a super-transparent film that makes it possible to leave sections of an IML transparent, creating a see-through packaging effect.

By leaving sections of the label without lacquer, ‘SuperClear IML’ allows for transparent areas, creating the illusion of no IML label at all in certain parts of the packaging.

Verstraete states SuperClear IML provides the injection moulder and the brand owner with great flexibility. The technique is said to allow an infinite number of different IML looks to be created with the same keyline. If the brand owner wants to switch to a label that has a different shape, the company states there are no further costs required for reprogramming the IML robot.

With this technique Verstraete says it is also capable of creating the illusion of a floating label. This label is only printed on the upper part of the packaging, something which would be a huge challenge - or even impossible - with a standard white IML label.

By only printing the upper portion of the SuperClear label, the label appears to be floating. However, the label is actually injected underneath the IML base layer so that it can be processed easily. further information: www.verstraete.be

The SuperClear IML allows for partially transparent packaging

SuperClear IML allows for transparent areas, creating the illusion of no IML label at all in certain parts of the packaging.

0845 0655455 www.arrowquint.co.uk

MuCell lightweighting technology brings 3D to In-Mould Labelling Trexel, provider of MuCell microcellular foam technology, was awarded the ‘Emerging Technology Award’ for a 3D IML packaging application at the International Plastics Design competition held earlier this year at NPE 2012. Leanne Taylor takes a closer look behind the technology and how the winning design is opening up new design freedom for the packaging industry.

The awardwinning application was a 3D In-Mould Label (IML) margarine tub, injection-moulded in expanded polypropylene using the MuCell process.

The MuCell 3D IML technology is said to enhance brand presentation with a unique soft touch effect, while the tub is manufactured with 13 percent less weight. The brand owner, designer and moulder was Paccor Packaging of Germany, with machinery supplied by Netstal and tooling from Plastisud.

Trexel states this application is unique in that it is for a thinwall package. By achieving both a 10 percent reduction in material viscosity as measured by hydraulic injection pressure, as well as a 30 percent reduction in clamp tonnage by using the gas expansion to perform the function that in solid moulding is done by the pack/hold phase, the container was reduced in wall thickness to give a nine percent weight reduction through design and still achieve a four percent density reduction (13 percent total weight reduction). This compares to an initial design, which allowed for a six percent density reduction. The enhanced design freedom allowed for the thickest wall section at end of fill (sealing lip functionality).

“The margarine tub has a 0.34 mm wall thickness. Very few people think the MuCell process can be used for anything that thin. This is something we are starting to educate the packaging market about, that the process is not only for automotive applications or big parts, but can be used very effectively for packaging,” Stephan G. Braig, Trexel President and CEO, told BP&R. The innovation resulted not only from In-Mould Label technology being used along with the MuCell process, but this unique application also featured a 3D graphic based on special film technology utilised in conjunction with the process.

While standard IML labelled products feature the ability to incorporate a wide variety of graphics, including faux 3D effects through the printing process, the extreme conditions in the mould, including 270ºC melt temperatures and the 20,000 psi injection pressures required, would have compressed and

destroyed any true 3D graphics incorporated in the label prior to moulding. The Paccor margarine tub combines the MuCell process with a unique label construction, which incorporates a selective barrier coating to create areas without adhesion to the moulded substrate. On moulding, the nitrogen used as the physical foaming agent in the MuCell process creates a microcellular structure in the polymer. Incorporated in the moulded part is a level of excess nitrogen that then migrates out of the part.

Where there is adhesion between the label and polymer, the nitrogen migrates through both structures as in all other IML applications with MuCell technology. Where there is a barrier coating and no adhesion by design, the nitrogen accumulates between the polymer substrate and label causing the label to bulge. By creating patterns on the back of the film with masking layers, the deformation of the label can be matched to text as in the above or to other design features. This has the effect of creating a true 3-dimensional graphic effect through IML. further information: www.trexel.com

The winning margarine tub

Packaging

Storopack specialises in protective packaging

news Growth in sales at Storopack Protective packaging specialist, Storopack, has announced a sales increase of 4.2 percent during the first six months of 2012 compared to the same time last year, with earnings for the period also above budget.

Against a backdrop of volatility in market demand, Sheffield-based Storopack

states its strategy of innovation and its integrated approach to finding solutions have remained the basis of its success.

The company believes its new Bubble Film, which allows customers to produce air-cushion sheets in-house, is among its most successful innovations in the area of flexible protective packaging.

Storopack said increased sales in the area of custom-made protective packaging and technical moulded components have come primarily from sophisticated solutions tailored to fit customer needs - for example, in products that make use of a material’s insulating properties, such as a palletshipper for thermo-shipping or insulation for room ventilation systems with heat recovery.

Storopack has expanded its reach into new markets geographically as well. A new facility was opened in São Paulo, Brazil, at the beginning of the year. further information: www.storopack.co.uk

Eastman packaging resin gives a crisp look to wine bottle Eastman’s Embrace HY copolyester for shrink film has been selected for the packaging on a range of premium wine.

The shrink sleeve, used on Baarsma Wine Group’s white wine, is said to facilitate enhanced 360° distortion-free graphics on a white film for complex bottle shapes.

Rivièra Product Decorations was commissioned to create the bottle labelling sleeve for the Baarsma Group’s ‘94 wines concept’, where each bottle has a unique colour, number and taste.

“The bottle sleeve and its printed design had to remain absolutely distortion-free in 360° despite the complex wine bottle shape. The high but controllable shrink rate of film made from Embrace HY was essential in ensuring no distortion of the 94Wines brand image,” commented Frans Rienks, Packaging Designer and Converter at Rivièra Product Decorations.

“The natural matte white finish of the film is ideal for overprinting, and matches the wine colour to create an exclusive appearance,” he continued.

The controlled high shrink of Embrace HY, which has up to 70 percent shrinkage, is said to enable the film to form successfully around highly complex or contoured containers, yet the low shrink force and machine direction growth prevent gaps at container bases.

Eastman states its shrink film packaging such as Embrace HY also provides a method for tamperresistant packaging as an alternative to other techniques such as different types of bottle closure.

Shrink film made from Embrace HY is said to offer a high yield-per-unit weight, requiring less material for the same size sleeve compared to other sleeve materials, as it has a 30 percent lower density than other copolyesters. Halogens and BPA (Bisphenol A) are not used in the manufacturing process, so Embrace HY is free of both substances. further information: www.eastman.com/embrace

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The #50 white wine from 94Wines uses Eastman Embrace HY copolyester shrink film for its packaging

Faerch Plast launches new range for food packaging Faerch Plast Ltd has launched a new range of packaging, Mapet II mono packaging, which is set to compete against containers produced from multilayer materials.

The plastics recycling industry has for several years argued against the use of multi-layer and laminated materials for food packaging owing to the difficulties of separating them for recycling. With better potential to be sorted and recycled, Faerch Plast is calling on the plastics recycling industry to back Mapet II as the new industry standard.

The brand new packaging product, designed primarily for manufacturing trays for meat and poultry, has the same properties as multi-layer materials, but is produced from just one substrate, Mono amorphous polyethylene terephthalate or Mapet, which offers better sealability than its predecessor, Mapet I. Traditionally the meat industry has used trays produced from multi-layer or laminated materials to ensure adequate sealing with film. Faerch Plast wanted to develop a new type of tray produced from a single material that would have better clarity to meet the growing consumer trend to assess the quality and integrity of food products prior to purchase. The tray had to have the ability to be sealed similar to laminates. Similar speed, similar ability to handle the inevitable rim contamination and similar strength.

Joe Iannidinardo, Managing Director of Faerch Plast in the UK, explained: “With Mapet II, instead of adding a top layer, we have used a small amount of special adhesive suitable for food packaging applications around the rim of each tray to ensure that it can be sealed easily. At the same time the quantity of adhesive is so low that there will be no contamination of the waste stream. Of course the fact that the trays are made using post-consumer recycled materials gives them a very low environmental footprint.”

Mapet II is produced by extruding an APET mono sheet, thermoforming the tray using Faerch Plast’s standard production process, and integrating a robot station at which a specially developed adhesive is rolled on to the sealing flange. The adhesive, which was also developed by Faerch Plast, has been approved for direct contact with food at temperatures up to 40°C. Mapet II may be used with a wide range of sealing films, including market standard PE. Faerch Plast states the packer will not need to make any changes to either lidding films or machine adjustments.

It is anticipated that Mapet II will be used initially for top sealed fresh meat products with further applications for various chilled foods and snacks. And, since MAPET II has better potential to be recycled than multi-layer products, it is hoped that the plastics recycling industry will back it as the new industry standard.

Danish parent company, Faerch Plast A/S, opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the North East of England earlier this year. A large part of its production for the UK market will be moved to the new Durham-based plant as part of an on-going strategy to secure costs, improve efficiencies and minimise its environmental impact.

The new Mapet II packaging uses special adhesive for food packaging

further information: www.faerchplast.co.uk

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Packaging

Infini bottle base

Designing milk packaging of the future Infini HDPE milk bottles

As environmental performance, food contact safety and good design increasingly impact on consumer purchasing decisions, James Crick, Business Development Director at Nampak Plastics, gives his opinion to BP&R on what the future holds for plastic milk bottle packaging.

According to recent statistics*, each UK household consumes on average 207 litres of milk every year – all of which has to be safely transported from shops, supermarkets and dairies to the fridge.

Along with the decline in doorstep milk deliveries, demand for the traditional glass milk bottle has reduced dramatically over the past 20 years, and now an estimated 90 percent of our milk is packaged in HDPE bottles. Around three billion HDPE milk bottles are used every year, with the four-pint plastic milk bottle being the consumer’s number one choice of milk packaging.

It’s easy to see why HDPE is the ideal packaging solution for short shelf life products such as milk and juice – and the first choice for environmentally conscious consumers. HDPE bottles are 100 percent recyclable and closed loop or bottle-tobottle recycling allows the bottles to be recycled, super-cleaned and processed into recycled HDPE pellets, which are then used in new plastic milk bottles.

The ‘standard’ design for HDPE milk bottles has remained largely unchanged for the past 15 years but, with increasing competition in the packaging sector and a greater focus on environmental performance, plastic milk bottle manufacturers recognise the need for innovation, improved environmental credentials and enhanced consumer convenience.

These challenges will shape the three key milk packaging trends over the next few years: recycled content, lightweighting and design innovation – without impacting on the bottle’s usability. Ultimately, the main goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of milk packaging – and keep consumers happy.

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Recycling and recycled content Recycling is one of the key ways the packaging industry can reduce its carbon footprint. The UK has experienced rapid progress in plastic packaging recycling in recent years and in its ‘UK Household

Plastics Packaging Collection Survey 2011’**, Recoup (RECycling of Used Plastics Limited) identified that the recycling rate for plastic milk bottles had reached an all-time high of 76 percent.

This much-increased recycling rate has enabled Nampak to achieve a current inclusion rate of 12 percent rHPDE (recycled HDPE) in its milk bottle manufacturing process. The company is also on track to increase this further ahead of the targets set in the Dairy Roadmap (30 percent rHDPE by 2015 and 50 percent by 2020). Blow moulding processing trials are already underway to determine the feasibility of including 30 percent and 50 percent rHDPE in Nampak’s milk bottles, with independent research confirming that the addition of up to 50 percent recycled content is feasible without impacting on bottle performance.

Lightweighting While the industry recognises that recycling is one of the key ways to reduce packaging’s carbon footprint, the innovative lightweighting of products can also play an important role. By making subtle changes to the design of plastic packaging, significant weight savings can be made, together with associated materials and transportation savings.

Nampak’s recently launched Infini HDPE milk bottle has been specifically designed to be lightweighted and has significant advantages over the standard

bottle design. In particular, it offers an average 15 percent weight saving across the range, with specific bottle sizes achieving savings as high as 21 percent.

From an environmental perspective, this has significant results - with savings of approximately 10,000 tonnes of material per year and a carbon saving of 23,000 tonnes annually.

Design innovation Finally, while recyclability and lightweighting are of key environmental importance, these characteristics must be balanced by the need for packaging to be fit for purpose, provide adequate protection for the product it contains and offer a cost-effective solution.

Consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally savvy, but will still often base their purchasing decisions on brand and familiarity. Therefore, any new milk packaging solution entering the market must offer more than just the novelty factor. To become a credible competitor to the traditional plastic milk bottle, a new design must offer consumers ease of use in terms of storing and pouring, recyclability and the ability to keep milk fresh. * BBC - Britain's Favourite Supermarket Foods ** Figures derived by Recoup specifically for Nampak Plastics from Recoup’s UK Household Plastics Packaging Collection Survey 2011 ® Infini is a registered trademark of Nampak Plastics

further information: www.eu.nampak.com

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news Trelleborg invests in silicone manufacturing for medical applications Trelleborg has announced investment in silicone manufacturing for Investment will be made in the Swiss site’s medical applications will be made at its clean room facility facility in Switzerland.

Investment will be made at Trelleborg’s Stein am Rhein facility, which was acquired from Silcotech Group in April 2011, to triple the site's cleanroom and increase overall manufacturing capacity by 30 percent.

"Life science is an important and growing market where our innovation, materials and manufacturing expertise can provide real value to customers," said General Manager, Matthias Jakob. "This investment is a further step to us increasing our global footprint in liquid silicone parts for medical and pharmaceutical applications."

In April 2011, Trelleborg acquired operations from within Silcotech Group that expanded the company's know-how in clean room manufacturing of silicone components and in the production of silicone multi-component products for the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries. Silcotech's technology gives Trelleborg capabilities in automated processes to produce precision parts in high volumes and components with very tight tolerances in liquid silicone.

Silicone is a premier material within elastomers with unique and advanced attributes. Specific to medical applications, its matchless bio-inertness makes it the most suitable elastomer when considering bacteria growth and alleviating contamination concerns. Additionally, silicone's mechanical properties prove to be an excellent fit in dynamic applications such as pump tubing where accuracy, consistency and longevity are important determining performance factors. further information: www.trelleborg.com

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Speciality plastics put body parts in their place DSM has designed speciality medical materials in order to repair, replace and secure knee joints.

Following injuries or accidents, the materials needed to repair and secure knee joints must be super-strong, flexible and capable of interacting with the human body over a long time.

Dyneema Purity is a super-strong Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre designed for use in the human body. As the world's strongest fibre, some 15 times stronger than steel on a weight-forweight basis, DSM states Dyneema Purity is increasingly being used to give medical devices exceptional strength, durability, longevity, biocompatibility and the potential to improve clinical performance.

Speciality polymers are also being used in Biomedical implants for operations such as knee replacements. A key ingredient in some of these implants is DSM's Bionate Polycarbonate Urethane (PCU) medical grade polymer, which offers a unique combination of toughness, biocompatibility and biostability, said to aid shorter hospitalisation periods and faster recovery times. DSM is also developing new technologies based on its materials science to help manufacturers produce more efficient devices. further information: www.dsm.com

Biomedical implants containing medical-grade polymers are used in operations such as knee replacements

MEDICAL

Polymers in medical devices present opportunities for high margins Innovation, performance, quality and price are important factors influencing the use of polymers in medical devices.

Although polymer prices are set to increase gradually, they are, nevertheless, expected to replace other materials like glass and metals. Therefore, the ability to engineer and customise polymers according to varied application needs will create lucrative opportunities, according to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan.

The new study, ‘Western European Market for Polymers in Medical Devices’, finds that the market earned revenues of €602 million in 2011 and estimates this to reach €1075.4 million in 2018, boosted by the increasing replacement of other materials by polymers in medical devices. The research covers a range of product segments, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, styrene, thermoplastic elastomers and engineering and high performance polymers.

“A rapidly greying population with its attendant healthcare needs will have a positive impact on the medical devices market and, by extension, on polymers used in such equipment,” noted Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst, Tridisha Goswami. “This will be reinforced by the uptake of increasingly sophisticated equipment by the healthcare industry and the growing importance of portable, impact-resistant medical devices that can be used in homecare settings.”

Already, polymers with higher chemical and impact resistance, superior mechanical and thermal properties have become the material of choice for most medical applications like medical tubing, wound care, adhesives and lubricants.

The healthcare industry is exhibiting increased interest in miniaturisation, homecare, and aesthetics for

Polymers in medical devices present opportunities for high margins

medical devices. Polymers that have exceptional durability, flexibility and strength, which can also be dyed in any colour, meet such demands. Polymers also fulfil the need for lightweight, portable, smaller-sized devices.

In comparison to other verticals, such as automotive and construction, polymers in healthcare is a low-volume market. However, it offers opportunities for higher margins and, moreover, is less tied to GDP growth.

“It has to be noted though that governmental pressure to lower healthcare costs are likely to limit profit margins of polymer suppliers,” cautioned Goswami. “The market is highly regulated and product development is expensive and time consuming.”

Despite being low-volume, the market is defined by high competition and innovation. Efforts to advance polymer functionality and diversify the application base will help companies establish their presence in the market.

“Competition is intense and market participants have to diversify their product lines and be a one-stop-solution for all healthcare material needs,” advised Goswami.

“Manufacturers should focus on developing novel, high quality products that meet the particular needs of varied applications.”

Polymers with higher chemical and impact resistance, superior mechanical and thermal properties have become the material of choice for medical applications

further information: www.frost.com

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engineering materials

Excellence in Nylon Distribution

news The new App offers the important characteristics of polymer materials

Thermal properties of polymers at a glance Polymer processors can now download an App offering all the important characteristics of polymer materials in one place.

The Netzsch App, “Thermal Properties of Polymers”, is available for iPhone, iPad and Android Smartphones and Tablets. The app allows users to quickly filter amongst the following polymer categories: commodity thermoplastics; engineering thermoplastics; hightemperature resistant thermoplastics; thermoplastic elastomers; elastomers and thermosets.

Additionally users can accelerate their search by specifying the values of the measurement parameters of your interest: glass transition temperature; melting temperature; melting enthalpy; decomposition temperature; young’s modulus; coefficient of linear thermal expansion; specific heat; thermal conductivity and density.

Apart from defining these parameters, the App informs you which methods and what instruments are most appropriate to fulfill indivdual needs. It further leads you to the respective instrument pages where you can find additional information.

The App is available free of charge on Apple’s App Store or on Google’s Play. There are two versions available. One is optimised for iPad and tablets; the other one is perfect for smartphones but can be used on tablets as well.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.netzsch.com/tpop-app

is The new product line ter. wa ng nki dri r approved fo Photo: Grohe

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BASF introduces plastics product line approved for drinking water BASF has now started offering a portfolio of engineering plastics specially designed for applications that come into contact with drinking water.

The products from its Ultramid (PA), Ultradur (PBT) and Ultraform (POM) lines that have been approved for drinking water will now bear the additional trademark designation ‘Aqua’ in their names.

Examples are Ultramid A3EG10 FC Aqua, Ultradur B4300G6 FC Aqua and Ultraform N2320 FC Aqua. The drinking water portfolio is complemented by the proven and high-temperature resistant polyaryl sulfones, Ultrason P3010 and Ultrason S3010.

In addition to complying with the regulations for contact with drinking water, these plastics are also said to be approved for food contact and are produced according to good manufacturing practices.

The special requirements of plastics that come into contact with drinking water include very low migration values, a high level of taste neutrality and confirmation that long-term contact with the plastic will not cause accelerated algae growth.

Approval for contact with drinking water is required for many components employed in kitchens and bathrooms. BASF can test customer's components made of the new group of plastics in its own flow laboratory. This is where water meters, pipe fittings and other parts that carry drinking water can be tested for their long-term resistance against chlorinated water at various temperatures, pressures, pH values and flow rates over the course of thousands of hours.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.basf.com

www.ultrapolymers.co.uk a Spirit of Partnership

Bob Dudley-BP Group CEO and Nylacast CEO, Mussa Mahomed

Oil and gas reserves and the global plastics picture The business columns are reporting that Saudi Arabia is to stop exporting oil by 2030 on account of its use as an energy source domestically. BPF Director General, Peter Davis, recently gave a speech at the Global Polymer Innovation Expo (GPIE) in Columbus, Ohio, stating the BPF’s view that not only does the world in fact have plentiful oil and gas reserves, global polyolefin capacity should be sufficient to meet demand up to 2017.

We can certainly be This month, Philip Law, reasonably sanguine Director of Public and about oil and gas in the Industrial Affairs at the global picture; huge BPF, writes about the reserves are open to world’s oil and gas reserves exploitation off the and the global demand for Brazilian coast and the exactly corresponding plastics, as well as taking a geological structures off look at plastics’ heritage in the coast of West Africa the North-West of England are also richly endowed. in light of the association’s Whilst admittedly new upcoming seminar on PVC. discoveries are difficult and expensive to access we do have to place some faith in the development of new extraction technologies and the consequent improvements in economics. I know from BPF members with interesting products to sell into the offshore industry they are incredibly busy and they are travelling the world.

The ongoing demand for plastics reflects the basic truth that they help sustain life in so many ways quite critically. The world population of 3 billion in 1960

over 45 years of experience in manufacturing advanced materials and complex, bespoke components.

Nylacast CEO, Mussa Mahomed, commented: "We are extremely proud of our UK heritage and were delighted at the opportunity to showcase our leading polymeric materials technology at the prestigious, historical Lancaster House to the senior executives of global organisations like BP, Statoil, BG and many more.

“Nylacast, following the event, hope to participate in many overseas projects leading to great business opportunities for our UK-based manufacturing facility.”

In addition to the keynote speeches and discussions, which took place at the Global Business Summit on Energy, BP and the University of Manchester also took the opportunity to announce the launch of their $100 million BP-ICAM project, which is the future development of an international research centre based in the UK. FURTHER INFORMATION: www.nylacast.com

reached 7 billion last year and may rise to 11 billion in 2050. Our own UK population of 61.4 million is growing faster than any other European country. Plastics tanks and pipes are crucial in the conservation and distribution of fresh water, a benefit that surely tells when today over a billion people have no access to clean water.

The plastic industry’s North-West roots The BPF turned to an unlikely quarter to get recognition of importance the plastics industry’s heritage to the UK economy. My colleague Francisco Morcillo and I had a meeting with Labour MP for Stokeon-Trent, Tristram Hunt, courtesy of Lister Frames, a local constituent and BPF Windows Group member. We discussed the strategic positioning of the UK plastics industry in relation to the current political agenda.

Tristram is a celebrated television historian and academic who specialises in the 19th Century and he was extraordinarily interested in the historical evolution of the industry particularly its Victorian origins, his own period. He commented, with ICI’s discovery of polyethylene in mind, that much of the plastics industry’s development is very much a north-west story.

There’s certainly is a fair concentration of the industry in the belt stretching across from Cheshire through Manchester and into Yorkshire. It’s for this reason that the BPF chose the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester as the venue for its annual Vinyls Group seminar to be held on October 2nd, 2012, entitled: ‘PVC: The Positive Sustainable Procurement Choice’.

For more information visit www.bpfevents.co.uk

FROM THE FRONT LINE

Engineering polymers take to the podium at British showcase During the London 2012 Olympics, Nylacast joined a handful of organisations selected to showcase the best of British business at the Global Business Summit on Energy, held to highlight the UK’s ability to be successful in a number of industries, as well as sports.

Along with a small selection of the many businesses operating in the global energy market, Leicester-based Nylacast represented UK engineering by showcasing its engineering polymer solutions for the energy sector at London’s Lancaster House.

The UK oil and gas supply chain exports around US$9 billion worth of goods and services each year in value, representing nearly one-quarter of the UK’s total energy sector exports. The Global Energy Summit included a number of speeches and insights from various industry experts and companies, including a keynote speech by the current Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and President of the Board of Trade, Dr Vince Cable, who reinforced that "UK companies have unique abilities in design, operation and management of complex projects" as well as "strong capabilities in operating in difficult, challenging environments."

Nylacast, whose unique materials technology lends itself greatly to a number of arduous environments, particularly those faced within the energy sector, has

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RECLAMATION & RECYCLING

100% Recycled Nylon 100% Prime Properties www.ultrapolymers.co.uk 01925 750320

news Government support essential to meet rigid plastic packaging recycling targets, says Axion Consulting Strong Government support is vital to help boost investor confidence in the waste-to resource sector and develop the infrastructure required to meet the revised 57 percent plastic packaging recycling target by 2017, according to resource recovery specialist, Axion Consulting.

Axion Director, Keith Freegard, asserts that careful monitoring and control of the economic drivers will also be needed to ensure investment in new sorting capacity and re-processing plants matches rising volumes from local authority kerbside collections.

“The UK infrastructure is adapting to deal with the greater mix of plastic types from householders, but what is needed is a solid and well-thought out growth plan across the whole waste packaging supply chain to maintain this positive momentum,” he said.

His comments follow the publication of WRAP’s guide for local authorities on collecting and recycling rigid plastic packaging (pots, tubs and trays), which was produced with support from Axion and AMEC, an environmental and engineering consultancy.

This guide seeks to explain the opportunities and challenges associated with targeting these materials at the kerbside (commonly alongside plastic bottles) and gives information on how they are handled within MRFs (materials recovery facilities)

a Spirit of Partnership

t overnmen led on G al ts c e e rg av ta h ycling Axion meet rec to rt o p p su

and PRFs (plastic recovery facilities), the export market and key communications considerations.

Around 90 percent (over a million tonnes) of rigid plastic packaging is not recycled currently, despite studies showing a willingness among householders to recycle this material.

The guide also includes case studies on local authorities and companies that have found ways to ensure the material is positively recycled, which depends on downstream infrastructure being configured to handle this material. There remains challenges associated with films and black plastic packaging, which are the focus of other WRAPfunded work.

Axion’s research has shown that where bottles plus other mixed plastics are accepted, a higher overall capture rate for kerbside separated plastics is achieved. However, concerns remain over how to optimise collection methods to minimise crosscontamination from other polymers, thereby ultimately maximising the value of packaging streams collected for recycling.

A prominent list of industry stakeholders including local authorities, waste management companies and recyclers/reprocessors attended a workshop that helped identify the key issues affecting the management of rigid plastic packaging in the recycling supply chain.

“Their positive input and the combination of AMEC and our partner Axion's expert knowledge of the subject area have all contributed to the guide,” commented Geoff Sampson, AMEC Associate Director. further information: www.axionconsulting.co.uk

‘Replast 2012’ will examine the challenge of the new plastics recycling targets

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Shadow Environment Minister to speak at BPF plastics recycling seminar Mary Creagh MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, will be the keynote speaker at ‘Replast 2012’ – a BPF Seminar examining the challenge of the new plastics recycling targets.

Ms Creagh will present the Labour Party views on the targets and will also take part in a panel debate as part of the seminar.

The event, to be held on 11th October 2012 at the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in London, will examine the implication of the recycling targets as well as providing an opportunity for delegates to listen to the latest thinking on plastics recycling.

The BPF’s expert speakers will provide a detailed look into the issues facing the UK's plastics recycling industry and will present on a wide range of topics including end of waste legislation; emerging technologies for plastics recycling; the financial attractiveness of the sector to investors; and the perspectives of retailers on using recycled plastics products.

The seminar will be of interest to all companies involved in the plastics recycling business including suppliers, customers and support agencies. further information: www.bpfevents.co.uk

Rubber

news The new winter tyre

Rubber and TPE processing takes spotlight at Fakuma At Fakuma 2012, rubber specialist, Maplan, will present three compact and energy-efficient elastomer-processing machines, as well as the latest generation of machine controllers, the PC5000touch V3.

This year the technical highlight is, according to Technical Division Manager, Rudolf Eisenhuber, a liquid silicone rubber application – a horizontal injection unit.

Two other machines will demonstrate TPE processing – the vertically clamping MTF220P/160editionS and a MTTF100P/40C in a C-frame construction for corner overmoulding.

With Maplan’s modular system, the

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New winter tyres launched in UK in time for start of colder weather Falken, a brand of Sumitomo Rubber Industries Japan, is launching its new winter tyre in time for the start of the colder weather in the UK. A comprehensive set of ten product improvements has led to the creation of the new Eurowinter HS449 winter tyre. The HS449, its name signifying the ten developments over the previous HS439, incorporates tread, compound and construction changes to improve wet braking, stability and noise. Following a rigorous testing programme in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, the tyre will be available in the UK market from September.

Cold weather tyre compounds typically contain silica helping the tyre to be more flexible at low temperatures (below 7˚C).

For the Eurowinter HS449, Falken’s engineers have increased the proportion of silica to improve braking on wet surfaces by 11 percent (compared to the

user can combine TPE injection units up to size 350 with clamping units ranging between 270—4000 kN. All Maplan machines for TPE processing are equipped with CoolDrive II-drives as standard.

The system is said to be suited for the requirements of vulcanisation as well as the processing of TPE. “In the case of automotives we can discern the increasing importance of TPE driven by cost and an increase in TPE applications in general.

Without energy-efficient and compact solutions — effectively straight from the construction kit — we try to do both worlds justice and to offer the potential of added value for injection moulding and vulcanisation,” Eisenhuber explained.

The MHF400/200edition exhibit with 2000 kN clamp force includes the latest

predecessor model HS439). A higher concentration of polymer in the tread compound enhances stability, delivering an increase of 13 percent over the HS439.

Whilst relevant for all cold weather scenarios, Falken has made strides to ensure braking is particularly improved on snow. In such conditions, the 45 percent increase in tread coverage is designed to improve stopping distances. Falken states the novel three-dimensional zig-zag lamellar structure was chosen to boost grip on snow and ice, whilst three dimensional fins optimise even wear of the tyre. Though not a prime consideration for many customers, Falken has lowered tyre noise by incorporating five-phase shifted tread bars.

The Eurowinter HS449, the fifth new tyre introduced by Falken to the UK market this year, will be available from September from all main Falken dealers. Initially 57 different sizes will be available with an additional 32 sizes being offered from January 2013.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.falken-europe.de

generation of control devices, the PC5000touch V3, with a number of new features. further information: www.maplan.at

Do you want a slice of plastics’ £4.2billion exports?

This month’s view from Smart Currency With global uncertainty still furrowing the brows of many and exports falling in June, it is no surprise that questions were asked when George Osbourne set an ambitious target of one trillion on the value of UK exports by 2020.

With so many industries in the UK facing problems caused by a saturated market, it is hugely important to place emphasis on the international arms of a business with particular attention on exports. The huge target set shows that the government believes it is achievable thus sending the right message to UK companies and providing a much-needed morale boost.

The UK plastics sector is no stranger to foreign markets. When it comes to innovation and technical excellence, it is notorious for being at the top of its game with an estimated value of £4.6 billion in exports. Despite this, without an effective global strategy in place, things could be very different.

Working with foreign currency exchange on a daily basis allows Smart Currency to witness first-hand how dramatically fluctuating exchange rates can affect a company. It is vital to set-up a currency strategy that protects assets and reduces risk for companies engaged in international trade. We’ve just renewed our partnership with BP&R into its second year and have established a range of techniques, which provide stability to UK importers and exporters specifically for the plastics and rubber industry, to help our clients to maximise their margins.

To avoid being adversely affected by the debt issues plaguing the economy, adopt an effective currency strategy to defend yourself from the current volatility of the market and call today on 020 7898 0500 or get our latest currency Outlook and forecasted rates here 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

acquisition

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

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

tool making

mouldmaking

conductive plastics and coatings TBA Electro Conductive Products Ltd Unit 3 Transpennine Trading Estate Gorrells Way, Rochdale, OL11 2PX

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

fastenings and fixings

printers printers of plastic mouldings

Contract cleaning Injection Moulding Extrusion • • • • • •

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

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

mouldflow analysis

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

injection moulding mould release

pad

masterbatch

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

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

materials polymer distributors

colour masterbatch

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

equipment COMPOUNDING

AEROSOLS

Eclipse Colours Ltd

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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.

thermocouples

ancillary

co-extrusion die heads and systems Ridgeway Co-Extrusion Technology Ltd

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

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

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

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

chillers/temperature controllers

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

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

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

BS EN ISO9001:2008

hot runner systems hot runner controllers

GATE CUTTERS

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

infra red systems extrusion systems

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

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

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

extruders and downstream equipment

heating equipment

injection moulding

Cooper Plastics Machinery

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

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

To advertise in this space contact lisa montgomery 01829 770037

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

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

In Partnership with PC Moulding & Automation

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

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

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BP&R buyer’s guide 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@motancolortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk PLASTICOLOR B A Thorne (Machinery) Ltd19A Imex Business Centre, Oxleasow Road, East Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 0RE T: 01527 584714 F: 01527 584784 E: bat@bathorne.co.uk W: www.bathorne .co.uk

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

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

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

nozzles & nozzle tips

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

secondhand and reconditioned

screws and barrels

ANGLO PLASTICS LTD Buy/Sell Used Plastics Machinery Rutland Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1HX T: +44 (0) 1276 470910 T: +44 (0) 7740 632907 E: information@ angloplastics.com W: www.angloplastics.com DM Machinery Ltd Used Injection Moulding Machine Stockists 40 Thorne Lane, Wakefield West Yorkshire, WF1 5RR T: 01924 290206 E: sales@dmmachinery.co.uk W: www.dmmachinery.co.uk 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

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

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

thermoforming equipment

static control Arrowquint Ltd

printing machines

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.

silk screen and pad

testing equipment

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

hopper dryers

46 bp&r

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

pad

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

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

WATER FITTINGS