British Plastics
and Rubber
bp&r september 2018
Customer Customer
hub
INTERPLAS 201 7 INTERPLAS 2industry 01 7 The UK's biggest plastics hub
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process event is here! The UK's biggest plastics industry event is here!
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know-how Let’s make it that work.defines the customer experience know-how Let’s make itthat work.defines the customer experience TALKING TCO What’s the real cost of ownership of your injection moulding machine?
DKT REVIEW Important developments and launches from the recent conference on rubber
100 DAYS WRAP reflects on progress since the launch of its groundbreaking plastics pact
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editor’s letter
A plane opportunity
for recycling?
www.britishplastics.co.uk head of content: Leanne Taylor
T: +44(0)1244 952 371 E: leanne@rapidnews.com Deputy Group Editor: Rose Brooke
“The pilot in Spain will conclude in 2020, when it will be replicated in the UK. Rather than wait until then, it would be encouraging to see operators taking the lead by implementing measures to help reduce waste to landfill and make travelling more sustainable.
T: +44 (0) 1244 952 370 E: rose.brooke@rapidnews.com ASSITANT editor: GRACE NOLAN
T: +44 (0) 1244 952 375 E: grace.nolan@rapidnews.com head of media SALES: Lisa Montgomery
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Senior Sales Executive: MANDY O’BRIEN
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head of studio & production: SAM HAMLYN
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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 rate: UK, Europe and rest of the world £249 British Plastics & Rubber is published monthly (8 times/year) by Rapid Plastics Media Ltd, Carlton House, Sandpiper Way, Chester Business Park, CH4 9QE T: +44 (0) 1244 680222 F: +44 (0) 1244 671074 © 2018 Rapid Plastics Media Ltd While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained within this publication is accurate the publisher accepts no liability for information published in error, or for views expressed. All rights for British Plastics & Rubber are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. ISSN 0307-6164 Incorporating Polymer Age and Rubber and Plastics Age.
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s a regular business traveller and commuter, my diary often comprises multiple trips on planes, trains and in automobiles, the same goes for many of my colleagues and thousands of others the world over. As is the nature of my job, I enjoy noticing the plastic innovations that help make these journeys more comfortable, affordable and efficient. However, what was not so pleasing to notice was the sheer amount of plastic waste generated on a package holiday flight I recently took. Although necessary for safety, hygiene and weight saving, the disposable cutlery, tableware and packaging contributed to the collection of several large polythene bags of waste. Research shows that, at a global level, air passengers generate 0.82 kg to 2.5 kg of waste, depending on distance and flight class, with an average of 1.43 kg (IATA, 2014). According to the Airports Council International (ACI), there were about 6.3 billion plane passengers worldwide in 2013, which equates to an annual estimate of 9 billion kg of waste. Although some airlines are taking the lead in instigating sustainable solutions and on-ground waste segregation, very little is recycled as it is typically low quality due to multiple mixed fractions. That is what the ‘Zero Cabin Waste’ pilot project is aiming to overcome. The EUsponsored initiative is hoping to create an integrated model to reduce, reuse and recycle (including energy recovery) waste collected on aeroplanes, and to establish the basis for airlines to replicate this approach. It is hoped the project, which will be trialled at Madrid’s Barajas airport,
will not only divert 80 percent of total cabin waste from landfill, but help waste reduction through better design of the target products and the creation of jobs in the recycling sector through the need for segregation and separation. The pilot in Spain will conclude in 2020, when it will be replicated in the UK. Rather than wait until then, it would be encouraging to see operators taking the lead by implementing measures to help reduce waste to landfill and make travelling more sustainable. Enjoy the issue. Leanne Taylor, head of content
the big story Your success is our success: Why customer experience matters in materials
P PLASTICS RAW MATERIAL DISTRIBUTOR, PLASTRIBUTION, BELIEVES THAT BUSINESSES CAN NO LONGER COMPETE SOLELY ON PRODUCT OR PRICE, BUT THAT CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE IS PIVOTAL FOR MARKET DIFFERENTIATION. HERE, BP&R FINDS OUT MORE ABOUT THE COMPANY’S STRATEGY AND HOW IT PLANS TO BUILD UPON ITS OFFERING IN THE FUTURE.
At Interplas in 2011, Plastribution launched its ‘knowhow’ brand. In doing so, the company paved the way for an experience-focused customer service strategy that would see it become one of the leading UK plastics raw materials suppliers. In the intervening years, the Leicestershirebased company has reorganised its entire company structure to comply with the ethos that customer experience – through technical knowledge, flexibility and responsiveness – is a key differentiator in a competitive marketplace. KNOW-HOW - AN EVOLVING STRATEGY From its original guise of being a format through which to share commercial and technical knowledge, Plastribution’s know-how brand has become multi-faceted since its launch. Working with the original concept, the company has launched several spin-off brands that focus on helping customers achieve further success with their own business activities. These include the know-how hub, a free, subscription-based online library based on a collection of articles covering insights, opinion, market intelligence and innovation; price knowhow, a monthly publication looking at key factors that affect UK polymer markets; process knowhow, a platform to share technical advice on injection moulding processing parameters across a comprehensive range of standard thermoplastics; and, training know-how, involving courses aimed at advancing the knowledge and skills of its customers’ process technicians, commercial and supply chain management teams. MEASURING THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Eager to measure the impact of this strategy and its products to allow it to develop further, Plastribution is using the feedback from customers to benchmark their experience, comparing it to both the plastics sector and the wider B2B environment. It says the most recent customer survey, which took place earlier in the year, provided some “unique
Every channel they use, everything they see and experience, what kind of service they get before and after a purchase, are all incredibly important elements of the customer journey overall and the aim is to make our response even more specific to individual customer requirements. 4
challenges”, which has led the business to look more closely at the interaction that it has with its customers, both on a functional and emotional level. “It is clear from the results of our most recent customer survey that we still have some fine tuning to do,” explained Mike Boswell, Managing Director at Plastribution. “Given the success of our knowhow brand over the years, it makes sense to use the concept as a vehicle to help us define and further improve the overall customer experience, so we can meet our customers’ needs in the most intelligent way we can.” CUSTOMER KNOW-HOW? In continuing its aim for both a completely personalised experience, in addition to a model that can continually adapt, the company has hinted that the next instalment of its know-how concept is expected to be customer-experience related. “Being able to understand our customers’ interaction with us is critical,” continued Boswell. “Every channel they use, everything they see and experience, what kind of service they get before and after a purchase, are all incredibly important elements of the customer journey overall and the aim is to make our response even more specific to individual customer requirements.” www.plastribution.co.uk
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Sustainable Development: The Ultimate Goal of Our Company! Ampacet, the world expert in masterbatch solutions, strives constantly to develop products and processes that contribute to more efficient use of Energy, Water and Raw Materials, advocating the economical use of renewable resources. Ampacet offers to its customers a wide range of sustainable masterbatch solutions that helps to Reduce, Recycle and Re-use. Sustainability is dynamic, ever changing Susta and evolving. Ampacet has been, is currently and will continue to be proactive with its sustainability solutions for environmental and societal concerns.
Come to visit us at Fakuma, booth B1-1309, and discover Ampacet carbon black free colour solutions, our BIORANGE of masterbatches for compostable bioplastics & biodegradable applications, REC-O-BLACK 216 made from recycled & recovered post-consumer feedstock, Blue Edge 78 counteracting the “dirty� effect of recycled PET, Odour Scavenger neutralising odours of post-consumer recycled material and other sustainable solutions helping to preserve our planet. Email: marketing.europe@ampacet.com Website: www.ampacet.com
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september 2018
on the cover
YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR SUCCESS: WHY CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE MATTERS IN MATERIALS Plastics raw material distributor, Plastribution, believes that businesses can no longer compete solely on product or price, but that customer experience is pivotal for market differentiation. BP&R finds out more about the company’s strategy and how it plans to build upon its offering in the future. SEE PAGE 4
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Editor’s Letter
A PLANE OPPORTUNITY FOR RECYCLING?
24-25 Feature
WHAT’S THE REAL COST OF YOUR INJECTION MOULDING MACHINE? Investing in a new injection moulding machine can be off-putting for companies if cost pressures are high. However, could continual investment in maintenance and running of older machinery be a false economy? Nigel Flowers believes so, as he explained to BP&R when he spoke to us about reducing total cost of ownership (TCO).
30-31 Review
DKT RUBBER CONFERENCE BRINGS TOGETHER BEST OF INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS BP&R reviews the highlights from the triennial meeting of the international rubber and elastomer industry in Nuremberg, Germany. 6
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REGULARS
SABIC SPECIALITIES BROADEN POLYDIST’S UK PORTFOLIO Materials distributor, Polydist UK, has broadened its partnership with SABIC and is now offering its specialities products alongside its existing portfolio. BP&R spoke to Polydist about the new materials available in its range and what the advantages are for processors in the UK.
09 INDUSTRY NEWS 17 INJECTION MOULDING 41 MO’S CORNER 45 POLYMERMAN 46 RECLAMATION AND RECYCLING 56 MATERIALS 59 BUYERS’ GUIDE 61 SOFTWARE 62 NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
Feature
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Feature
WRAP REFLECTS ON 100 DAYS OF THE UK PLASTICS PACT Launched on 26th April, the UK Plastics Pact was heralded by WRAP as a “once in a lifetime opportunity to think and reshape the future of plastic” through wholescale transformation of the system and through the involvement of all stakeholders. Marcus Gover reflects on progress 100 days in.
57-58 Feature
A PLACE FOR POLYMER RESEARCH IN THE STEEL CITY As products become more innovative, more sophisticated materials are needed to satisfy demand in an ever-changing market. John Carlon visited Sheffield University spin-out, FaraPack Polymers, to find out how this company is using its polymer chemistry and engineering knowledge to aid all areas of polymer development in the UK and beyond.
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INDUSTRY | NEWS LyondellBasell completes acquisition of A. Schulman LyondellBasell has completed the acquisition of A. Schulman, Inc., in a move that more than doubles its existing compounding business. The combined business will operate as a stand-alone Advanced Polymer Solutions segment, which, in addition to LyondellBasell’s existing polypropylene compounding (PPC) assets and the A. Schulman assets, will broaden the company’s reach into growing, high-margin end markets such as automotive, construction materials, electronic goods and packaging. The new Advanced Polymer Solutions segment will include LyondellBasell’s ‘Catalloy’ thermoplastic resins and Polybutene-1
IRC 2019 in London announces change of date The International Rubber Conference (IRC) taking place in London next September has announced a change of date. Due to circumstances outside the control of organisers, the conference will now take place one week earlier than originally scheduled, from 3 – 5 September 2019. The location, the Kia Oval in London, UK, will remain the same. The three-day event is accepting papers for consideration with a deadline of 31 January 2019. Papers on the topics of engineering applications of elastomers; polymer innovations; process and manufacturing advancements; and fillers and additives are welcomed. There will be additional themes on sustainability, materials characterisation and modelling, for which papers are also invited. The event will also host an extensive range of training programmes allied to the rubber industry, a large exhibition and taster events provided for local schools. www.irc2019.org
resins, as well as new materials previously manufactured by A. Schulman that will also be included, such as engineered composites, powders and masterbatches. “With the combination of LyondellBasell’s vertically integrated polypropylene compounding business and A. Schulman’s agile customer focus across broad
and growing markets, Advanced Polymer Solutions is well positioned to deliver significant value for our customers and our shareholders,” said Jim Guilfoyle, Executive Vice President, Advanced Polymer Solutions and Global Supply Chain, for LyondellBasell. www.lyondellbasell.com
EEF launches dedicated Brexit hotline EEF has launched a dedicated Brexit hotline for businesses to call for advice following the publication of the first raft technical notices on what they can expect in the event of the UK reaching a ‘no-deal’ scenario when it leaves the EU in March next year. So far the notices have included the decision to allow importers to defer VAT payments, as well as the commitment to create UK replacements for the regulatory bodies it will leave next March if a deal with the EU is not reached. The organisation says whilst it welcomes the increased clarity for businesses, it urges Government to publish the remaining notices as soon as possible so companies can have the full picture of what a no-deal scenario will mean for them. The hotline will accompany “easy-to-understand” summaries of the technical notices on the EEF’s website. EEF BREXIT HOTLINE 0808 168 5874
The organisation says whilst it welcomes the increased clarity for businesses, it urges government to publish the remaining notices as soon as possible
www.eef.org.uk EEF has launched a dedicated Brexit hotline WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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OPRL’s recyclable packaging design tool goes into final testing OPRL’s PREP UK packaging design tool is undergoing final testing with UK recycling infrastructure data, ensuring recyclability assessments fully reflect current UK collections and processing infrastructure. As part of its support to member signatories of the UK Plastics Pact, OPRL committed to launch the sustainable packaging design tool as a standard part of membership, enabling members to meet their UK Plastics Pact commitments by designing packaging which both avoids unrecyclable plastics and ensures design aids easy separation and recycling of components. This final testing phase keeps the project on course for full launch this autumn. “The research undertaken for us by Axion Consulting ensures the tool
is calibrated to reflect UK infrastructure, and we will continue to update this in the current fast paced policy environment,” said Stuart Lendrum, Executive Director of OPRL. “Once this final phase of testing is complete, we believe we have a tool with the potential to underpin Extended Producer Responsibility assessments, deliver against the National Infrastructure Commission’s recommendations on recyclability of plastic packaging, and enable UK Plastics Pact signatories to make rapid progress in fulfilling their commitments.” Anthony Peyton, CEO and Founder of PREP Design Pty said: “We’re very excited to have the opportunity to work with OPRL to assist its members in designing 100 percent recyclable packaging and meet commitments under the UK Plastic Pact.”
This award is recognition of the way my team engages the trainees in the many training courses RJG offers The RJG team celebrate winning the award
www.oprl.org.uk
RJG Technologies receives ACQ5 award OPRL’s PREP UK packaging design tool is undergoing final testing
ACQ5 has presented RJG Technologies with the UK ‘Niche Training Consultancy of the Year’ award. The award recognises the quality of the company’s courses and apprenticeship training offered from its site in Peterborough and at its customers’ facilities. The ACQ5 Global Awards honour teams, firms and professionals whose activities set the standard for their markets. Companies and individuals representing every major market in the world were finalists for the awards, with the nominations chosen by ACQ5’s readership. This year the total number of nominations received stood at a record-breaking number of 98,621 and only nominees receiving an average four star rating or above achieved a short-list status. “This award is recognition of the way my team engages the trainees in the many training courses RJG offers,” said Andy Nicholls, Training Manager at RJG. “When it is voted on by the industry, it is a reflection on the professionalism of our trainers and how they pass on their industry knowledge to increase the skills in our sector. We are looking to build on this success in 2019 with an increased range of courses on offer.” www.rjginc.com
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IsoCool announces new appointments after Eurochiller acquisition
There is high support for the using the tax system to reduce waste from single-use plastics.
Consultation on single-use plastics receives largest response in Treasury’s history The call to evidence on plastic waste and litter announced in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement has received 162,000 responses - the largest number in the Treasury’s history. There is high support for using the tax system to reduce waste from single-use plastics. In a statement summarising the responses to the consultation on August 18, Philip Hammond said the Government would consider the evidence received from all stakeholders, before announcing the policy changes as part of the Budget statement in Autumn. The most “promising policies”, he wrote, included ideas to use tax to encourage the use of recycled plastics in manufacturing; reduce the use of difficult-to-recycle plastics; reduce demand for commonly littered ‘single-use’ coffee cups and takeaway boxes and to incentivise recycling of waste that is currently incinerated. He said that through the revenues generated from these taxes, he is “committed
to investing to develop new, greener products and processes” and referenced the allocation of £20million in plastics innovation funding announced earlier this year as an example of such action. The document outlines that “the vast majority of responses from organisations advocated reform of the packaging waste regulations in some form or other”. In response to this, the Government says it “recognises that industry are concerned about coherence between any taxes or charges and PRN reform, as well as inconsistency across the UK” and that it will work to developed joined-up policy. The BPF recently held a meeting with a selection of members to garner opinion on PRN reform. It is keen for the Government to implement a revised system that rewards good practice and invest money to make UK waste management self sustainable. The BPF is just one of 222 organisations, manufacturers, environmental groups, retailers and recyclers that responded to the call to evidence, along with the public.
IsoCool has announced new appointments along with its acquisition by Eurochiller, the Italian cooling group. The acquisition will see Nigel Hallett, current Managing Director, take on a more targeted role as Sales and Marketing Director and Angus Hall move into the role of Managing Director. IsoCool has also recently appointed Luke Eccles as Northern Area Sales Manager and says it predicts further expansion in the future. The Essex-based company supplies energy saving and performance enhancing cooling systems to an extensive range of industries, with an accreditation from The Carbon Trust. Nigel Hallett, Owner and current Managing Director of IsoCool said: “We have worked as a partner of Eurochiller for many years. Both companies know each other very well, with many complimentary competencies and we have achieved an enviable level of cooperation. It has therefore, been a natural progression for Eurochiller to acquire IsoCool and I believe that this will make both companies stronger.” www.isocool.ltd.uk
We have worked as a partner of Eurochiller for many years. Both companies know each other very well, with many complimentary competencies and we have achieved an enviable level of co-operation
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13
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METRO G - better than ever before. The highly successful METRO G loader system, which is extremely flexible thanks to its modular design, has been further improved in cooperation with customers. The user-friendliness and ease-ofmaintenance are the main advantages of the design changes and unification of components.
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06/08/2018 14:16:15
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celebrating 180 years
EXCLUSIVE Q&A:
Examining investment in temperature and circuit connection for productivity gains
IN THE SECOND OF AN EXCLUSIVE TWO-PART SERIES, CRAIG FORRESTER OF STÄUBLI CONNECTORS UK TALKS TO BP&R ABOUT THE PRODUCTIVITY AND EFFICIENCY GAINS THAT CAN BE ACHIEVED WHEN PLASTIC PROCESSORS TARGET THEIR INVESTMENT IN MODEST ITEMS OFTEN OVERLOOKED BY PROCESSORS. IN THIS EDITION, HE LOOKS AT OPTIMISING TEMPERATURE AND CIRCUIT CONNECTION.
WHICH AREAS CAN ACHIEVE GOOD RETURNS? Preheating moulds to operating temperature, eliminating coolant loss and ensuring fast, errorfree connection of every circuit are all activities where targeted investment can yield major productivity gains and provide an attractive payback. Achieving the correct operating temperature for both the mould and the material is essential for successful moulding. A cold mould will result in a ‘frozen’ layer of plastic that is too thick, increasing stress on both the machine and higher moulding pressures on the system, resulting in increased wear on the machine and the mould tool. Cold mould tools do not result in shorter set up times, in fact, they result in a poorly-filled part (short shots) and poor quality parts showing defects such as sink holes, flow marks, gramophone lines and dull spots. This leads to lower yields as the sub-standard parts are discarded. Moulds can be heated in the injection moulding machine or pre-heated in a separate unit positioned close by. Where preheating is not employed, the correct operating temperature is often achieved by running plastic through the mould – producing incomplete parts needing a second operation – or, often parts that are just discarded as scrap. Alternatively, the hot runner system can be used to heat the tool, but this is inefficient and only applies heat to the gate area. These actions increase the length of time between the last shot of ABOUT THE EXPERT Craig Forrester is the Connectors Division Manager of Staubli UK Ltd, based in Telford. He has over 23 years’ experience in the plastics market and over 36 years in factory automation. His technical qualifications include HND in Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
Injection moulds usually need to be connected to a range of circuits e.g. water, hydraulics and electrics.
the previous tool to the first good shot of the new tool. Tool change time is therefore increased, further reducing machine efficiency. Pre-heating the mould away from the machine ensures that the mould is loaded at the correct temperature and is immediately ready for production of components to the quality required. This reduces the time to change tools significantly and minimises material losses increasing yield. WHAT ABOUT CONNECTION? The use of clean-break, spill-free circuit connections is an area of production where modest investment can see significant rewards. There is a vast range of quick release connectors available, but when the application demands absolute spillage-free connection/ disconnection, such as on hot oil or water glycol circuits, clean-break, flat-face connectors need to be specified. This type of connector eliminates not only the spillage of the medium, but also prevents any ingress of air or contaminants into the circuit, which could inhibit the performance of the process resulting in efficiency losses or, in the worst cases, damage to the expensive tooling and machinery. The implication of medium spillage is often under-estimated. There are the obvious costs of the medium itself but, more importantly,
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there are potential health and safety issues. Relatively low levels of hydraulic oil or water glycol on the shop floor present a danger to operators, creating a potentially unsafe environment that will need to be addressed. Last, but not least, the not insignificant clean-up costs resulting from spillage have a negative impact on profitability in an ever-demanding industry. A further step that prevents any connection error as well as eliminating material loss is a multi-coupling system, where all connections are made simultaneously in one secure action. The design of the multicoupling plate ensures that connection can only be made in one orientation, guaranteeing circuit integrity and eliminating any chance of wrong or cross connection. WHERE’S A GOOD PLACE TO START? The journey to maximising productivity and efficiency is a stepby-step process, not necessarily all to be undertaken at the same time. Investment should be matched to the individual needs and goals of the plastics processor. A welldefined and structured analysis of all operations in the mould shop should provide a roadmap for any future investments. www.quick-mold-change.com 17
The world of ENGEL Efficient. Reliable. Innovative. As one of the world’s leading companies in the field of plastics machine manufacturing, we offer our customers integrated system solutions. This means: injection moulding technology from a single source. Machine, automation, process, training and service are all perfectly integrated with ENGEL. And we always look to the future. Innovation and the latest technologies offer our customers a decisive competitive advantage. be the first.
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celebrating 180 years
INJECTION MOULDING | NEWS Negri Bossi’s new NOVA sT offers versatile toggle design Negri Bossi has launched a machine range with new design, upgraded clamp and injection unit that it says offers UK manufacturers versatility, compactness and control. The new NOVA sT product range offers a unique new x-design toggle system, meaning that movement is largely vertical in direction, whilst simultaneously improving both rigidity and platen parallelism. The machine is available in three sizes - 700, 850 and 1150 tonnes - with tie bar spacing reaching 1620mm x 1320mm for the largest model and platen strokes that are 16 per cent higher than on previous equivalent models. Negri Bossi says performance figures are also heightened, with maximum material pressures
raised by over 15 per cent and a regeneration system that enables injection speed to be increased by over 25 per cent. Twin electric servo pump motors allow simultaneous clamp, ejector and core movement without reduction in performance, while delivering up to 30 per cent improvements in energy consumption over variable displacement pump technology. An innovative new closedloop toggle lubrication system has also been introduced. This thoroughly lubricates the toggle pins, but then draws excess oil through a filter system and back into the lubrication reservoir. As well as reducing waste, the system minimises the risk of product contamination. The NOVA sT range features the company’s new ‘MOTUS’ controller, which it says is the first ‘true’ multitouch interface, with features such as swipe, scroll and zoom. This form of gesture navigation will feel familiar to users of smart phones and allows each user to personalise
the display. “Customers have always loved the low-level design of our mid and large tonnage machines, as this provides superior access to the platen area, as well as allowing machines to be automated where there is restricted crane clearance,” explained Negri Bossi UK Managing Director, Alan Dodds. “Many of our customers prefer the greater flexibility offered by toggle systems, maximum opening stroke always being available regardless of the tool mould height. The new x-clamp design now provides the best of both worlds, with tie bar spacing to machine length ratios being similar to those of the equivalent twin platen models. “This new machine range complements the mid to very large tonnage Bi-Power two-platen series, offering our customers a greater choice of technologies and machines up to 7000 tonnes locking force.” www.negribossi.com
Negri Bossi NOVA sT with close up of the MOTUS Controller
Red Dot Award presented to Arburg for its Gestica control system Arburg has won a Red Dot Award for its ‘Gestica’ Control System. Presented in the category of ‘Industrial Equipment, Machinery and Automation’, it is the second time Arburg has won the prestigious design award, having received one for the Freeformer in 2014. The panel of judges evaluated
more than 6,300 entries from 59 countries this year and tested the functionality of the Gestica control system using a simulator to obtain an impression of the system. Criteria for the award included the degree of innovation, functionality, ergonomics and selfexplanatory quality. Arburg Managing Partner, Juliane Hehl, said the company’s aim is to “underscore outstanding technology with an appropriately outstanding design.”
Arburg’s Gestica system has been recognised for its design and functionality
www.arburg.com
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celebrating 180 years
BOY to launch new moulding machine BOY will launch a new injection moulding machine this Autumn as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The newest addition to the portfolio will be kept under wraps until October, where it will be unveiled at the Fakuma trade show in Germany. BOY has released very few details about the new model, although Alfred Schiffer, Managing Partner, said it both expands its range and offers users “optimum additional application options.” The company will use its presence at the trade fair to showcase 50 years of its history, demonstrating a total of 15 machines. www.dr-boy.de/en
BOY is keeping details of the new machine under wraps until October
Fibrax Group invests in Engel’s Victory to increase UK capacity
The Engel Victory 120 installed at Fibrax Limited, Wrexham
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Fibrax, a global injection moulding manufacturing group, has invested in two Engel Victory machines with tie-bar-less technology, to increase the company’s capacity at its facility in Wrexham, North Wales. The group says this investment is part of its strategic growth strategy and 2018 will see the installation of more advanced technical equipment aimed at streamlining manufacturing processes, implementing efficiencies and optimising performance. Fibrax operates a range of
injection moulding machine sizes, including 30 to 560 tonnes for rubber and 50 to 450 tonnes for plastic and specialises in precision overmoulding of multi-part components. Rob Winterbottom, Fibrax’s Technical Sales Director, said: “By investing in the 50 and 120 tonne Engel Victory machines, we are able to extend our UK manufacturing capabilities, whilst harnessing greater control of smaller shot weight tools. The tiebar-less technology complements our continual improvement strategy, as we are able to drive greater efficiencies in the future.” www.fibrax.com
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celebrating 180 years
UK processors ‘BOLE-d’ over by new range
B
OLE machinery was established in China in 1998, making it a relative latecomer to the country’s injection moulding market. That said, the brand has quickly established itself as one of the largest global IMM manufacturers, with an output of around 8,000 machines a year and a successful export business extending to over 70 countries. With Europe and the Americas currently A FURTHER ASIAN dominating INJECTION MOULDING sales in BOLE’s MACHINERY non-domestic markets, the BRAND SETS UP A introduction of SUBSIDIARY IN THE a UK agent in UK, BP&R SPOKE TO November last HARDEEP KHERA, year aims to DIRECTOR OF further establish BOLE UK, TO FIND the brand in OUT WHAT THE new territories. MACHINERY OFFERS BOLE’s UK PROCESSORS AND office, based HOW THEY COMPARE in Wednesbury TO THE TRADITIONAL in the West COMPETITION. Midlands, comprises a facility offering machinery demonstrations as well as training and support. It held a successful open day in June, where it showed customers its latest, patented technology. Hardeep Khera, Director of BOLE UK, explained that prior to the establishment of the dedicated sales office, there were a small percentage of machines, ranging from 70 – 750 ton already operating in the UK and Irish markets. However, the opening of a UK-specific facility has led the company to build upon these initial sales, with a West Midlands customer recently commissioning an 1850-ton toggle machine. “For a customer to purchase a machine of such size only solidifies the trust shown in the BOLE brand,” Khera told BP&R. “At BOLE, gaining trust, whether that be through the purchase of a 70-ton or 6800-ton machine, is key to building the relationship between us and the end user.”
AS
TRIPLE WHAMMY When it comes to competing with established European manufacturers for a share of the UK market, Khera believes that BOLE technology gives the company a leading edge. “The European monopolisation of the market has made it difficult for so-called ‘newcomers’ to break into,” he explained. “However, through innovation BOLE has broken that trend with a winning formula of patented toggle and servo motor technology, which resonates throughout the machine ranges.” Of these machines, BOLE is offering the UK market three of its main series. Firstly, the hydraulic EK-S series, which features a unique patented central toggle design. BOLE says the central toggle system can save between two and five per cent of material for some 80 per cent of customers, compared to traditional edge clamping toggle designs. Additionally, the combination of this toggle system and servo-driven technology can help customers see a slash in energy consumption by up to 80 per cent. The EK-S, now in its third generation, is the ‘flagship model’ of the portfolio, and, according to Khera is likely to be the most popular amongst UK manufacturers. “The central toggle structure offered by the EK-S series is its USP, as BOLE is the only Chinese company to have this,” Khera explained. “The benefit of this system is that it exerts 100 per cent clamping force, in a similar way to a hydraulic machine, whilst keeping the high precision and accuracy of a conventional toggle.” Secondly, the company’s Full Electric (FE) series implements all the technology and patented designs from the EK series, but converts it into electric models. This, says Khera, brings benefits such
as energy saving though reduced power consumption, efficiency through synchronous machine movements and up to 0.01mm high precision control accuracy. It is also clean, as it needs no hydraulic oil, offers high speeds and quiet operation. Finally, the DK series two platen machine, now into its second generation, offers all-new design and technological advancements. BOLE says the influence of the company’s German Chief Engineer, who is based at its main manufacturing plant in China, means the DK machine series can compete with its European counterparts. The DK series offers dry cycle times equal to EU machines, a patent pending high overload and unbreakable tie bar design and a symmetrical mould open and close design. BOLE says the series will appeal to automotive manufactures, with whom it is already proving popular in China. “As the UK agent for BOLE, we strongly believe in providing a swift and reliable service with all our experienced engineers receiving the highest training direct from BOLE China,” Khera continued. “Along with comprehensive stock of spare parts, we understand that customer satisfaction is key, and therefore offer an 18-month warranty on select parts along with a 12month warranty on all machines. We also offer tool trials to help tailor the machine to meet customer needs.” Khera said uniquely, BOLE in the UK offers part exchange on any old machinery that can be used against the price of new machines. The company plans to further build on its presence in the UK when it makes its exhibition debut at Interplas in 2020, where it will have one of the largest stands at the show. www.BoleMachinery.co.uk
BOLE’s assembly workshop, China WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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YES
UK injection moulders say
to
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0ver 50,000 sold worldwide...and now, satisfied UK customers speak out:
“YES!”
“Our first Yizumi was installed over a year ago. Its reliability – and the support from STV Machinery gave us the confidence to purchase three more...” Nicholas Skidmore, Fenton Precision Engineering Ltd
“YES!”
“Very pleased overall with our purchase of the 400 tonne, STV were on the ball with commissioning as soon as it was offloaded, machine running faultlessly, low power consumption and currently running a tool that previously needed a 500 tonne machine.”
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“Having already experienced the after sales support STV Machinery provide, our decision to buy a 200 tonne Yizumi machine was not a difficult one.”
“We’re delighted with our new Yizumi machine. It meets our requirements perfectly and reliably. The service from STV is also excellent. It’s been a great business decision.”
Geoff Gibbs, GLH Mouldings Ltd
Yizumi FE Series All electric 60T – 260T
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Yizumi A5 Series Toggle lock, 60T – 2600T
Yizumi DP Series Two platen direct lock, up to 3400T
Call us on 01933 27 27 47 or visit www.stvmachinery.co.uk WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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celebrating 180 years
DEMAND FOR KRAUSS MAFFEI’S PX LEADS TO EXPANSION KraussMaffei is expanding its production capabilities in Slovakia and Munich in a bid to keep up with demand for its all-electric PX series machines. The company says in the first year following launch demand has “already exceeded” the expectations placed on the series. It has doubled production capacity at its plant in Sucany, Slovakia, and now to produce the PX in Munich. It has also acquired Plamag GmbH, based in Germany, which has been producing components for the PX series since mid-2017, as well as overseeing the spare parts business. The decision to increase capacity will enable KraussMaffei to shorten delivery times. Dr. Hans Ulrich Golz, President of the Injection Moulding Machinery segment of the KraussMaffei Group, said that
or high f X nd is Dema Maffei’s P s ines Kraus mach s ie r se
the market launch of the PX at K 2016 was a “smashing success” and that its popularity comes from “high precision and flexibility in configuration, production and retrofitting.” Currently available in five different sizes in a clamping force range from 500 to 2,000 kN, KraussMaffei is expanding the range of the PX series by adding a new minimum and maximum clamping force size. Both will be launched at the Fakuma tradeshow in October. www.kraussmaffei.com
MGS Plastics makes £43,000 investment in solar power at Blackburn site MGS Technical Plastics has invested in a solar power unit costing £43,000 as it looks to build further upon its environmental credentials. The injection moulder has installed the 49kW unit at its site in Blackburn, Lancashire, where it is expected to help power the company’s facilities, as well as reducing its carbon footprint and energy bills. The business says it expects the ROI of the solar power unit to be within six years. The five-figure purchase is the latest environmental initiative the firm has introduced, including switching 97 per cent of its lighting to low-energy bulbs, implementing a recycling policy for sprue and investment in an ongoing machinery replacement programme. “It is important to take care of the environment around us for the local community and for future generations,” said MGS’
Wittmann Battenfeld extends SmartPower series Wittmann Battenfeld has extended its SmartPower moulding machine range up to a clamping force size of 400t. The SmartPower series, including the multi-component Combipower option, will be available with clamping forces ranging from 600 to 4000 kN and each injection unit will be equipped with its own servohydraulic drive. The company says the advantages for users are independent, parallel operation of all injection aggregates, the shortest possible cycle times and low energy consumption. Due to the large distances between tie-bars in the servohydraulic SmartPower, which allows for the installation of larger rotary units and larger moulds, the machine series is ideally suited for multi-component operation. The aggregates are available in V, S or L configuration as standard and arrangements, such as H-H configuration, are also possible. Wittmann Battenfeld launched the servo-hydraulic SmartPower at Fakuma in 2014. The company says the new, larger model launch comes because of customer demand. www.wittman-group.com
The solar installation at MGS in Blackburn
Manufacturing Director, Neil Garrity. “We are dedicated in reducing our carbon footprint through lower energy use, recycling and more efficient working practices.” www.mgsplastics.co.uk WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
Wittmann has extended SmartPower moulding machine range up to a clamping force size of 400t 23
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celebrating 180 years
EXCLUSIVE
What’s the real cost of your injection moulding machine?
I INVESTING IN A NEW INJECTION MOULDING MACHINE CAN BE OFF-PUTTING FOR COMPANIES IF COST PRESSURES ARE HIGH. HOWEVER, COULD CONTINUAL INVESTMENT IN MAINTENANCE AND RUNNING OF OLDER MACHINERY BE A FALSE ECONOMY? NIGEL FLOWERS BELIEVES SO, AS HE EXPLAINED TO BP&R WHEN HE SPOKE TO US ABOUT REDUCING TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP (TCO) ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nigel Flowers is the Managing Director of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UK, the UK subsidiary of one of the world’s largest manufacturers of injection moulding machines for the processing of plastics.
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According to Nigel Flowers, conversations with injection moulding customers have a familiar theme when it comes to maintenance and investment, with most viewing the investment costs as simply how much a new machine will be to buy and install in a facility. “Understandable, given that it’s the most visible initial cost,” he says. “Yet, it’s so much more than that.” “In the UK, customers are often purely interested in the initial machine price instead of the subsequent running costs,” explains Flowers. “As a result, factors such as energy consumption and service costs are routinely overlooked. Part of the challenge could be attributed to how machines are costed over the course of a three- or four-year product lifespan. Providing the machine lasts that duration, many will view it as having done its job.” However, Flowers warns that thinking short-term could be a false economy when it comes to machinery investments. “When talking to customers about investing in a higher quality piece of equipment, it’s difficult to provide evidence that the breakdowns will be fewer and the machine will be more reliable. Often, a customer thinks short-term with their costs and revenues, rather than into the future,” he adds. Examples of the costs moulders should consider when running older machinery compared to new, he explains, include cooling, water consumption, temperature regulation – especially in clean room environments – and, finally, oil quality. These, he says, have significant impact on efficiency, operating costs and cycle times. WHERE’S YOUR TCO TIPPING POINT? The holy grail for many injection moulders is to reduce TCO without compromising on quality. Flowers maintains this combination is possible, with some relatively straightforward steps. “The biggest impact will be ensuring proper maintenance. Ideally, parts will be replaced when they are worn and reaching the end of their useful life and in doing so maintenance becomes a planned activity rather than unscheduled downtime caused by a part failing, which causes more disruption,” he says. “Once a machine is installed, look after it properly with routine
servicing. This approach means not only are you replacing components when they are needed, but you can also catch and address potential issues early, such as oil leaks or damaged cabling, etc.” TRAIN TO GAIN For those companies who do invest in new machinery, Flowers says that training workers in new skills is essential to help attain maximum efficiency. “Quite often customers replace an older machine with a new one, but continue to use the old moulds and run them at exactly the same cycle time, meaning the output is the same as the old machine,” he reports. “However, new machines can handle increased output yet moulding operatives might not have the skills to take advantage of these improvements. One of the biggest impacts on TCO and production is cycle time. Simply, if you can reduce cycle time by 10 per cent, you will produce 10 per cent more products at the same cost. We find that this factor is often overlooked and customers aren’t getting the maximum benefit of new equipment.” Flowers says that training those who set up the machine, clean the moulds and make the colour changes can speed up the production process and help take advantage of potential lower running costs of a new machine. “If you reduce the setup time, or identify a quality issue faster, it all makes a big difference,” he reasons. WEAR AND TEAR Regardless of machine type, Flowers says that it is imperative to monitor moving parts that are subjected to varying degrees of wear and tear. “Whether it is the toggle systems, seals or bearings, components that are designed to wear will, at some point, have to be replaced.” While he understands these components can’t be replaced before they wear out, Flowers warns of the perils of not changing them in time. “If you leave it too long to change the worn parts, it does significant damage to the machine and impacts the process further down the line. So instead of doing the maintenance that would cost £300-400, suddenly you’re committing thousands of pounds to take corrective action because the part wasn’t replaced
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indicator of wear, so it is easier to spot the status of the moving parts. Regular thermal imaging checks of electrical cabinets can give early indication of impending component failure, typically carried out on an annual basis with specialist equipment. Thermal image checks are a quick and cost effective way to spot potential issues early. when it reached the end of its useful life.” One advance in this area, explains Flowers, has been the use of thermal imaging because heat is a good
WHAT’S IN A NUMBER? The older the machines, the more TCO comes into play and should be at the forefront of the minds of company
bosses. “The average age of one of our machines is around 12 years, which means there are a lot of machines that are several decades old,” Flowers reports. “The point where it becomes unviable to use these machines is when spare parts are not available. These parts would typically be control systems, because integrated circuits change – some machines have chips that have been obsolete for 15 years. When it fails you either change the control system or scrap the whole unit – which is a significant cost. “Some customers have spent a lot of money on old machines and, yes, the machine may be up and running, but at what cost? You still have a machine using old and inefficient technology,” cautions Flowers. “For the amount of money spent on repairs – which can be up to half of the cost of a new machine – it seems unwise and can be a money pit. Understandably, it comes down to budgets. Yet, dialling back investments not only erodes a moulding company’s ability to grow, but also diverts valuable financial resources that can be used to innovate in the increasingly competitive and cost-driven injection moulding market.” HTTP://UK.SUMITOMO-SHI-DEMAG.EU/
Quite often customers replace an older machine with a new one, but continue to use the old moulds and run them at exactly the same cycle time, meaning the output is the same as the old machine
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Robot tool change systems from Stäubli Tool change systems from Stäubli extend the range of applications of all robots and turn them into a highly flexible production system for a diverse range of tasks in all assembly and handling processes. Our robot tool changers offer our customers
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www.biesterfeld.com | European Master Distributor for Dow Corning/Xiameter Silicone Elastomers
RUBBER | NEWS Lanxess to sell stake in Arlanxeo JV to Saudi Aramco Lanxess is to sell its remaining 50 percent stake in Arlanxeo to joint venture partner, Saudi Aramco. The two companies, which founded Arlanxeo in 2016 as a 50:50 joint venture for synthetic rubber, have signed a respective agreement. Subject to approval of the relevant antitrust authorities, the parties expect the transaction to be complete by the end of 2018. Arlanxeo is valued at €3.0 billion (approximately £2.7 billion) and Lanxess expects to receive approximately €1.4 billion (£1.26 billion) in cash after deducting debt and other financial liabilities for its 50 percent share. “With the envisaged transaction we would complete another important milestone of our strategic transformation earlier than originally planned. This should allow us to even better focus on our position as a leading player in mid-sized speciality chemicals markets,” said Matthias Zachert, Chairman of the Board of Management. “At the same time, we increase the resilience of our business, strengthen our financial basis and gain additional strategic flexibility for further growth.” Back in 2016, the transfer of the business with synthetic rubber into the joint venture Arlanxeo was the foundation for Lanxess’ strategic realignment. Since then, Lanxess has been focusing on growth in midsized speciality chemicals markets and has made various acquisitions in this area. www.arlanxeo.com Arlanxeo’s manufacturing site in Geleen, the Netherlands
Pan Stone Europe launches new low bed vertical injection moulding machine Pan Stone Europe has announced the launch of a new, low bed vertical rubber injection moulding machine that offers advanced control options with built in ergonomic design. The Wrexham, North Walesbased company says the new model has an operation height of 900mm maximum combined with a clamp stroke of 800mm and an adjustable daylight of 950mm to 1100mm. A variety of platen sizes can be added to this machine along with core pullers and sliding tables, which gives customers total design flexibility. In addition, the design of the machine incorporates intuitive features designed for space saving, ease-of-use and enhanced safety. For example, the compression block slides to the left of the machine and is encased within a housing unit on the exterior, which doubles up as stairs for the operator to use. Space is also saved by the integration of a narrow hydraulic tank, which has a total volume of 500 litres. It also features large windows and doors to allow users maximum visibility of the process, as well as accessibility to internal pumps and drives from two sides. In-built covers and slides protect from rubber waste contamination and there are separate safety valves for the injection light curtain. In keeping with the trend for connectivity and digitalisation, the low bed machine is also fitted with Pan Stone’s latest ICON control system, which has total connectivity and is ‘Industry 4.0’ ready. Stephen Murphy, Managing Director of Pan Stone Europe, says the new machine is ideal for processors looking to invest in a quality machine at a competitive price point and that parent company, Taiwan-based Pan Stone Hydraulic Industries, is constantly innovating to meet customer demands. “We have customers in many countries across Europe and regularly take prospective clients
The new, low bed machine
to see our machines on site at customers’ plants and at our showrooms in Wrexham and Slovakia as well as reference sites at customers in the UK and Europe,” he explained. “We are investing in our UK business both in terms of talented people and putting in place the best possible systems and processes.” This investment has led to a dedicated service team specialising in servicing and repair of not only Pan Stone’s own machines, but all makes and models of plastics and rubber machinery. “We have team members dedicated to diagnosis of problems relating to mechanics, electrics, hydraulics or software,” continued Murphy, “and we’ll also carry out independent testing and checking of vital safety features such as light guards, scanners, emergency stop and hand control systems.” This effective servicing offering, along with high numbers of machinery sales has led to extensive growth for Pan Stone Europe in 2018. The company remains committed to its North Wales base, where it says it will continue to develop its business with the global support of its parent company. www.panstone.eu
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REP international celebrates 111 years REP international celebrated its 111th anniversary recently, with customers, partners and suppliers at its head offices in Corbas on the outskirts of Lyon, France. The company, which specialises in vertical and horizontal machines designed for rubber, liquid silicone (LSR) and thermoplastic injection moulding processes, has supplied over 12,000 machines, installed in more than 1,000 customer plants in 77 countries. Over 275 guests attended the event where technical conferences were delivered throughout the day to showcase its technologies, including the operation of the injection moulding presses and process and equipment optimisation for dual-compound injection processes. The 111th anniversary also saw the introduction of ‘Area 111’, a new showroom dedicated to injection moulding demonstrations and the presentation of existing and new technologies. Within this, the company highlighted its current and future focus on ‘lean manufacturing’, where it aims to optimise industrial performance by minimising under-
TARRC marks successful 80 years with open day The Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC), the UK research and promotion centre of the Malaysian Rubber Board, has celebrated 80 years of successfully raising the profile of the Malaysian rubber industry globally. Held on 18 July at TARRC’s
utilised machine functionalities combined with competitive prices. For example, REP’s ‘G10 Core Lean’ range, which is designed for customers that require simple processes in a clamping force range from 1,600kN to 5,100kN, without paying for functionalities they don’t use. The G10 Core Lean is fitted with a patented REP injection unit with separate plastification and injection functions and offers high shot size precision and accurate compound temperature control. It also benefits from a reduced piston diameter, a three-stroke closing unit with clamping block system and an intuitive 17” touch-screen. “The G10 Core combines the entire technology of REP with no-waste, as is what is meant by ‘lean manufacturing’,” explained Olly Sanders of REP Rubber Injection Ltd (RRI), REP’s UK distributor. “It enables the customers who want simple solutions to reduce their costs by paying only those functionalities they need.” As the UK distributor, Sloughbased RRI has been supplying, installing and maintaining machines since the early 1970s and has clients across all regions, from those with single presses to large internationals with multiple
laboratories in Brickendonbury, Hertford, eight Malaysian manufacturers met over 100 guests from the global rubber industry, including rubber scientists, technologists, academics and industrialists from across Europe, North America and Australia. The day was designed to provide a platform for buyers, importers and distributors of rubber-based products and materials to meet
ARRC has celebrated 80 years of successfully raising the profile of the Malaysian rubber industry globally
The G10 Core Lean Range
units. RRI maintains strong working relations with REP’s head office in Corbas. www.repinjection.com
face-to-face with Malaysian manufacturers in the UK and discuss topics of mutual interest. Since it was established in 1938, TARRC has been a key player in raising the profile of the Malaysian rubber industry globally in diverse sectors such as civil engineering, automotive, healthcare and bioscience. The centre is renowned as an innovative and collaborative research organisation and scientists continue to be recognised for excellence in their respective fields. The celebrations on July 18 formed part of a ‘Rubber Week’ for the Malaysian manufacturers, with visits made to two factories, Clwyd Compounders Ltd in Wrexham, to see their state-of-the-art new facility, and Plastic Products International Ltd, in Harlow, which supplies customers including Volkswagen, Bentley Motors, Aston Martin and other Tier 1 companies. www.tarrc.co.uk
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www.biesterfeld.com www.biesterfeld.com| European | European Master Master Distributor Distributor forfor Dow Dow Corning/Xiameter Corning/Xiameter Silicone Silicone Elastomers Elastomers
DKT rubber conference brings together best of industry developments
B BP&R REVIEWS THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE TRIENNIAL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL RUBBER AND ELASTOMER INDUSTRY IN NUREMBERG, GERMANY.
Organised by the German Rubber Society (Deutsche Kautschuk-Gesellschaft e. V., DKG), the three-yearly meeting of the rubber and elastomer communities from around the world descended on Nuremberg once again in July. Comprising a lecture programme with over 130 presentations, as well as a trade exhibition with 300 exhibitors, the event is known for premiering new technologies, processing methods, raw materials and compounds, simulation, sustainability, and testing.
Nordel EPDM suitable for automotive dense and sponge profiles. The company also showed parts produced using new ‘Evolv3d’ LC 3335 liquid silicone rubber for 3D printing. Based on Silastic elastomer technology and developed in collaboration with 3D printer manufacturer, German RepRap GmbH, Dow says this breakthrough technology brings the power and versatility of silicone technology to liquid additive manufacturing.
DYNEON LAUNCHES TWO NEW PRODUCTS FOR AUTOMOTIVE AND AVIATION For example, the 3M subsidiary, Dyneon, chose the DKT to launch two products new to its portfolio. The first, PFE 7305BZ, has been developed to address the need for high temperature applications in the aviation industry. Targeted for use in aircraft turbines, the new product has a higher performance in high temperature applications than all other Dyneon high performance materials. The second new product launch from Dyneon was aimed at cleaner automotive engines. New Low Temperature LTFE E-19788 is the first low temperature fluoroelastomer with improved resistance to AdBlue and biodiesel. The new LTFE offers improved sealing performance at low temperatures (TR-10 = -40 °C) and exhibits the resistance to high temperatures and fuels of a fluoroelastomer with a high fluorine content. It also features improved resistance to lubricants.
ENGEL HIGHLIGHTS TAILOR-MADE APPLICATIONS FOR ELASTOMER PROCESSING ENGEL presented three applications to demonstrate its expertise in systems solutions for elastomer processing. It demonstrated an Engel 500/300 flexseal machine with a clamping force of 3000 kN, to produce PBT inserts sheathed in solid silicone (HTV). The two-component parts were then inspected with a vision control system and handled by an Engel easix articulated robot. It also showed an e-mac all-electric injection moulding machine to produce liquid silicone rubber (LSR) parts for the medical industry and an elast 2700/400 V vertical machine, to demonstrate the company’s spectrum of hydraulic injection moulding machines with a low operating height for ergonomic work.
ARBURG SHOWS MULTI-COMPONENT INJECTION OF HARD/SOFT COMBINATION PARTS Arburg demonstrated its experience in processing liquid silicone rubber (LSR) with the live production of holding brakes for the automotive industry. Using an Allrounder 470 A, the multi component parts were made using a combination of thermoplastic (PBT) and liquid silicone (LSR). The electric Allrounder 470 A, with a clamping force of 800 kN, was equipped with an 8+8-cavity mould. With a size 70 injection unit, the 30-percent fibreglassreinforced PBT component was first injection-moulded spruelessly via a hot runner. The pre-moulded part was then rotated in the mould via an indexing unit. The LSR component (70 Shore A hardness) was moulded on via a cold runner. For this purpose, a second, external piston type injection unit was used, which is bolted directly onto the mould. The pre-mixed liquid silicone, which was supplied via a cartridge, was then injected vertically. Eight holding brakes, each weighing 0.38 g, were produced in a cycle time of 40 seconds. The LSR component share was 0.03 g.
3M Dyneon Perfluoroelastomer PFE 7305BZ 30
DOW EXPANDS RANGE OF SILICONE ELASTOMERS Dow showcased an expanded range of elastomer technology platforms and capabilities, including a range of Silastic-branded silicone and fluorosilicone rubber technologies and an expanded offering of
LANXESS PRESENTS INNOVATIONS IN ADDITIVES Lanxess chose the DKT to show products of the Rhenogran family, which improve handling and processability of rubber chemicals and enhance the quality of finished products. The company highlighted Rhenogran CLD-80, which, unlike ordinary sulfur, ensures an extremely stable vulcanisation network by forming mainly mono- and disulfidic bridges resulting in excellent heat aging resistance of the vulcanisates and preventing premature reversion. Unlike thiurams or morpholine, Rhenogran CLD-80 does not generate carcinogenic N-nitrosamines during vulcanisation, nor do the vulcanisates show any blooming. Lanxess says the product is particularly preferred for rubber parts that are exposed to extreme conditions such as high operating temperatures combined with high loads, e.g. high-performance tyres, seals or anti-vibration elements.
An ENGEL Flexseal produced PBT inserts sheathed in solid silicone
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Ultra Purge™ purging compounds deliver fast color changes. Lanxess produces Vulkanox, a proven antioxidant for tyres and other rubber products.
WITTMANN BATTENFELD RESPONDS TO “INCREASING SIGNIFICANCE” OF LSR SECTOR Wittmann Battenfeld exhibited on a booth of its own for the first time at the DKT in 2018, in what it says is response to the “increasing significance” of the liquid silicone rubber sector. It demonstrated an LSR application using an allelectric EcoPower 160/130 equipped with the companys’ new Unilog B8 control system. The machine produced jigsaw pieces from LSR material supplied by Momentive, Germany, with a mould and an LSR metering device from Nexus. Wittmann Battenfeld said when in open configuration, the machine’s injection unit allows easy integration of the LSR feeding and metering elements. The exhibit also demonstrated an automation system jointly developed by Nexus and Wittmann Battenfeld, where parts are removed and deposited on a cooling belt by a Wittmann W832 robot and are subsequently packaged in a tubular bag machine and then transferred to a conveyor belt. www.dyneon.eu | www.arburg.com www.dow.com | www.engel.at www.lanxess.com | www.wittmann-group.com
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Machine with LSR metering device from Nexus W W W . B R I T I S BPR-265Hx86W_Caps H P L A S T I C S- Sep2018.indd .CO.UK 1
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Tel no. 01384 885 328 www.borche.co.uk email: info@borche.co.uk Bay 2, Building 83, First Avenue, The Pensnett Estate, Kingswinford DY6 7FL
THERMOFORMING | NEWS RPC Bebo designs new thermoformed screw closure design In partnership with German tool producer, Marbach, RPC Bebo has developed a unique thermoformed screw closure system. Called ‘Turner’, the system comprises a cup, lid and lidding film, which is sealed on the cup’s seal flange to cover the lid’s entire surface. To open, consumers peal back the lidding film and turn the lid in a 45° counter-clockwise rotation. This easy-open and reliable reclosing is designed to offer excellent ‘on-the-go’ benefits. It is suitable for car cup holders and is designed to withstand the rigours of modern on-the-move lifestyles. RPC Bebo says in addition to a variety of food-to-go applications including ice cream, snacks and sweets, the Turner cup and film is an ideal alternative pack solution for pet foods. It can be specified with barrier properties for protection against oxygen, water vapour, UV and light. To ensure effective branding and on-shelf differentiation and appeal, a wide range of decoration technologies is available. In common with other RPC Bebo products, these include high definition printing, labelling and premium In-Mould Label Thermoforming (IML-T) for the cup, while the lid can utilise RPC Bebo’s patented Bebo Print for complete edge-to-edge coverage. www.rpc-bebo.com ped s develo ebo ha stem RPC B sy urner’ the ‘T
Thermoformed component and parts handling trays
Belgrade ‘forms’ new automotive partnership Belgrade Polymer Products has been awarded a thermoforming manufacturing contract with a major automotive client. The Wellingborough-based company is now producing custom component handling and storage trays for its customer, designed to hold products – such as steering and door trim components – securely in place and deliver protection during transit and use. “Custom component trays contribute to improving efficiency in many industries where accurate and efficient production is vital to prosperity and success,” explained Patrick Burke, Belgrade General Manager. “Our automotive clients like the fact that the design and tooling
functions are managed from our in-house facility. This provides excellent process and quality control, as well as additional flexibility to respond to specific requirements and lead times.” Burke added the company’s recent receipt of the ISO9001:2015 certification for a quality management system (QMS), which requires organisations to demonstrate that they have a system in place to ensure consistency and continuing improvement, was an additional boost to the firm. “We’re very proud to have achieved the updated ISO9001:2015 certification. It shows that we comply with the most up-to-date quality standards and will lead to on-going improvements in quality and communication,” he said. www.belgrade-polymer.com
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Bosch Sprang launches thermoforming tooling patent for floating PP K-Cups
are well balanced. The production line is based on a Kiefel KTR 6.1 Speed, a Bosch Sprang 91 cavity tool and Mould & Matic downstream equipment. With its production capacity around one billion cups per annum (24/7) Kiefel says this production system represents its ability to provide turnkey solutions.
Bosch Sprang has developed a new patent pending thermoforming tooling system to produce polypropylene coffee cups that can be recycled in water separation systems thanks to their material density below 1.000kg/m3. Developed in close co-operation with its parent company, Kiefel, the new tooling system has been statistically analysed and tested and can be adapted to most tilting bed-style thermoforming machines. Consequently, it does not require any special machine adaptions. Bosch Sprang says the propriety technology is based on “several unique and innovative multifunctional elements” in the tool that enable and control the production of very specific mechanical properties of the coffee cups. These mechanical properties are said to ensure problem-free usage of the cups in all commercial K-cup coffee systems. The production of cups can only be consistent if the sheet specification, the process parameters and tool
The production line is based on a Kiefel KTR 6.1 Speed machine
www.boschsprang.nl/en
Coffee cups recyclable in water separation systems thanks to low material density
Innovation is key to keeping thermoformed packaging ‘fresh’ says Kingsmoor Kingsmoor Packaging says innovation in thermoforming is key to the partnership with one of its major clients. The Somerset-based firm has been supplying packaging to Blue Skies, a producer of fresh fruit, for several years. It says that to fulfil
its client’s expectations in terms of new product development, market differentiation and short lead times, it places priority on innovation in design and production. “Customers such as Blue Skies are after slick, cost effective, well thought out packaging. The packaging needs to promote the product and make the contents look as good as possible,” explained James Hill, Kingsmoor Packaging’s Managing Director. “For us innovation is key and
we are constantly looking at market trends and consumer needs within the food-to-go sector. The design, materials and lightweighting of our packaging are all vital areas within the innovation process.” All of Kingsmoor’s packaging for Blue Skies is manufactured in rPET containing at least 50 per cent post-consumer recycled waste and at least 30 per cent industry-recycled waste. Hill added: “Consumers have a thirst for ‘fresh’ food-to-go items that are convenient, available every day, reasonably priced and packaged to ensure an element of shelf life - therefore certain substrates like plastics are the most suitable option. As many of the larger retailers are finding, there are not that many alternatives.”
Kingsmoor Packaging fruit trays for Blue Skies
www.kingsmoorpackaging.co.uk WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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FPT-H1 Horizontal Dedicated Friction Peel Tear Tester Mecmesin’s FPT-H1 is a dedicated horizontal test system designed specifically for the packaging industry and for manufacturers, converters and users of sheet and film materials.
Key Features Versatile, perform coefficient of friction, peel or tear tests using one machine Pre-programmed for instant selection of industry standard test methods e.g. BS EN ISO 8295 & ASTM D1894 Comprehensive range of friction, peel and tear fixtures Interchangeable loadcells Stainless steel horizontal plane
t:+44 (0) 1403 799979 • info@mecmesin.com
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Orpic launches new generation of Luban thermoforming grade Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) has launched a new thermoforming grade, Luban HP1151K, that it says will increase both productivity and the overall performance of transparent thermoformed cups, trays and containers. Launched at the Oman Plast show in May, the new polypropylene thermoforming grade is based on Milliken’s nucleating innovation Hyperform HPN-600ei and combines high clarity and aesthetics with what Orpic says is “a new level of superior dimensional stability” for thermoformed products. The new grade offers benefits such as good stacking performance, increased productvity and a broad processing window for product quality and consistency advantages. Additionally, the grade delivers environmental and handling-related advantages associated with using lightweight
VTT researchers develop biobased, biodegradable and thermoformable material Researchers at VTT have developed a fully biobased and biodegradable material they The first model product is a designer chair
Orpic has launched a new generation of high quality thermoforming Luban grade (Credit Milliken)
PP compared to other materials. “The product has a good resin base and tests conducted so far have been successful. Luban HP1151K reduces haze in the product and increases clarity and gloss,” explained Gilles Rochas, General Manager – Polymer, Orpic. “We are confident that upon introduction of Luban HP1151K, this high quality product will offer Oman and the international packaging customers an
opportunity to reduce their cycle times and achieve better results through less wastage whilst offering all-round productivity improvements.” Hyperform HPN-600ei also offers good organoleptics with no contamination risk, making Luban HP1151K suitable for food applications.
say could replace fossil-based plastics in thermally-formable products. The Finland-based technical research centre says the material’s biodegradability, formability and colouring properties make it “an attractive alternative” to wood and biocomposite materials for products such as furniture. “All the goals we set were achieved: the material is 100 per cent biobased, cellulose fibres account for a significant proportion, it looks good and it has excellent performance characteristics,” explained Lisa Wikström, Research Team Leader at VTT. VTT says at the end of their lifecycle, products made from the new material can either be reused, composted, or burned to generate energy without any fossil-based carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, because the material degrades into carbon dioxide and water
due to microbial action, it will not exacerbate the global microplastic problem. “New biobased, thermallyformable materials and composites are a promising alternative for the plastic products market. However, a big breakthrough is yet to come. A major shift requires cooperation between material and process developers as well as designers,” Wikström concluded. The first model product is a designer chair manufactured as a joint effort between VTT, Plastec Finland and KO-HO Industrial design. The chair, manufactured using traditional compounding and injection moulding technologies, is made from wood-based cellulose fibres, renewable and industrially compostable, thermoformable polylactide, and bio-based additives.
www.orpic.om
www.vtt.fi
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POLYMERS AND COMPOUNDS | NEWS
ALBIS plastic extends portfolio for healthcare applications ALBIS plastic is expanding its product portfolio to include customised compounds for healthcare applications such as medical products, pharmaceutical packaging and diagnostic applications. The products will be grouped under the ALCOM MED brand and are based on different polymers, including both colourings and fillers, such as mineral, fibreglass and barium sulphate. The company says it is reacting to market developments, including the current changes to regulatory requirements. As well as the technical properties, the focus is also on service elements, such as consistent formula, dedicated change management and
AKRO-PLASTIC to introduce alternatives to PA 6.6 for lightweight construction
Cooling water pipe made using PA6.6/ PP-Blend, AKROMID A3 GF 30 4 L black (4678)
regulatory support, for example, with regards to the biological evaluation of materials. “We are seeing a continuously growing demand from the processing industry for compounds that both comply with the regulatory requirements and offer customer specific material solutions,” said Mike Freudenstein, Director of Marketing Healthcare at ALBIS. “The adoption of applicable medical quality standards and processes across the entire value chain provides a practical foundation for us as a compounder and ensures we meet our customers’ high standards in the best way and ensure safety and quality in healthcare applications. Our investment will enable us to be flexible even with small quantities, whilst also being able to deliver worldwide.” ALBIS is also investing in its Hamburg production site, creating an entirely self-contained production line for the manufacture
AKRO-PLASTIC has developed a new PA 6.6 substitution material that it says offers comparable properties and lower cost. The new compound, AKROMID B+, is reinforced with 50 per cent glass fibres and achieves the same strength at 80 °C as a conditioned PA 6.6 GF50 (115 MPa breaking stress). The conditioned material also achieves almost the same stiffness as that of PA 6.6. A portfolio with 30 to 50 per cent glass fibre-reinforced AKROMID B+ compounds is already available for sampling, with a grade with 60 per cent glass fibres due to follow shortly. The first components of the new material will be unveiled at the Fakuma trade fair in October 2018. Our new polymer-modified PA 6 grade is priced between PA 6.6
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Mike Freudenstein, Director of Marketing Healthcare at ALBIS plastic
of ALCOM MED compounds, with plans to enhance its quality management system by implementing standards and measures in line with applicable quality management systems for medical products. www.albis.com
and PA 6 and thereby opens up considerable savings potential,” explained Thilo Stier, Head of Innovation and Sales at AKROPLASTIC. Other naew materials set to be introduced to the public at Fakuma include AKROMID A3 GF 30 4 L black (4678), a new material designed as an alternative to hydrolysisstabilised polyamide. AKROPLASTIC says the blend from PA 6.6 and PP provides excellent hydrolysis properties, with the proportion of PA 6.6 significantly reduced. The material is also optimised for density, therefore provides an additional weight advantage. www.akro-plastic.com
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Q: What are the different types of pneumatic conveying? Following on from our instalment in the May/June issue of BP&R, this issue we continue to look at materials conveying, with a focus on the difference between pressure, vacuum and venturi material loaders. The two main conveying systems are pressure and vacuum conveying for pneumatic conveying within the plastics industry. A combination of both systems is also possible, such as in the case of venturi material loaders. Pressure conveying refers to systems where the material is conveyed from the material supply to the destination via pressurised air. In doing so, the material must be channeled into the pressurised material feedline. This requires a special input of the material. This is often realised through the use of rotary gate valves and pressure containers. Pressure conveying systems are often used for very large throughputs, difficult materials, and large distances. Vacuum conveying (also called suction conveying) is the most common conveying
principle used in the plastics industry. A vacuum pump (E) generates either a centralised or decentralised vacuum. This results in material being sucked up (C) by the material supply (suction pipe, suction probe) and conveyed to the material loader (B). There the vacuum air is separated from the material (A). The vacuum air reaches the vacuum pump (E) via a filter (D) and is released back into the environment. Vacuum conveying is used both for single units as well a complex conveying systems. Systems with numerous processing machines and different materials can be effectively supplied because of the flexibility of the vacuum conveying system. Material loaders that operate according to the venturi principle assume a special status. A vacuum is generated with the help of pressurised air and a venturi valve (named after Giovanni Battista Venturi, an Italian physicist). This results in material being sucked into the venturi valve and is conveyed to its destination with pressurised
Continental Structural Plastics adds to EU compounding capabilities
million (£4.5 million) in a new sheet moulding compound line. The investment, to be made at its site in Pouance, France, is to support the demand for its composite formulations in Europe, including low-volatile organic compounds (VOC) formulas currently under development to meet European
Continental Structural Plastics (CSP), part of the Teijin Group, is to invest approximately €5.1
CSP is to invest approximately €5.1 million (£4.5 million) in a new sheet moulding compound line
Schematic representation of a conveying system
air. Technically, therefore, a venturi material loader works according to the suctionpressure principle. Venturi material loaders are mainly used for small to medium throughputs and are particularly suited when space is limited due to their compact build.
market regulations. The line will be capable of producing SMCs made with both glass and carbon fibres. “The addition of this SMC line to the Pouance facility is an important step in our European growth plans,” said Philippe Bonte, President, CSP Europe. “It will enable us to provide full-service capabilities to our customers here, as well as provide us with an opportunity to further enhance our already significant materials R&D efforts in Europe.” The SMC line is expected to be commercially ready to produce SMC by the third quarter of 2019. www.cspplastics.com
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SABIC specialities broaden Polydist’s UK portfolio
M MATERIALS DISTRIBUTOR, POLYDIST UK, HAS BROADENED ITS PARTNERSHIP WITH SABIC AND IS NOW OFFERING ITS SPECIALITIES PRODUCTS ALONGSIDE ITS EXISTING PORTFOLIO. BP&R SPOKE TO POLYDIST ABOUT THE NEW MATERIALS AVAILABLE IN ITS RANGE AND WHAT THE ADVANTAGES ARE FOR UK PROCESSORS.
Following on from the signing of their first distribution agreement in 2015, Polydist and SABIC recently announced a broader relationship that will see SABIC’s NORYL resins, ULTEM resins and LNP compounds, co-polymer polycarbonate grades, and flame retardant grades of the resin brands LEXAN, CYCOLOY and VALOX available to Polydist’s customers in the UK. “UK customers are becoming more innovative with their designs and end products and we believe that it is our responsibility to provide the materials and services to meet their aspirations, by offering alternative materials and solutions,” explained Simon Cox, Polydist UK’s General Manager. MATERIALS FOR DESIGN CHALLENGES The companies say that the strategic partnership between Polydist and SABIC offers designers and engineers access to the technical support, materials and know-how to make optimal use of the specific material characteristics. These include super-high modulus for metal replacement, flame retardancy at thin wall section for weight reduction and miniaturisation, low friction and wear to reduce noise, hydrostability, improved heat dissipation, antistatic behaviour and electrical conductivity. Such materials are typically used by customers to extend product life span, reduce assembly costs and improve aesthetics. The offerings include LNP VERTON structural composites, which are thermoplastic injection moulding compounds with long glass fibre reinforcement produced by a unique pultrusion process. Moulded VERTON components offer exceptional mechanical performance and weight reduction, combining rigidity and outstanding resistance to impact failures making them an excellent candidate for replacing metal or diecasted alloys in challenging environments. “An interesting fact about these products is that the LNP VERTON range of long glass fibre products is actually produced in the UK, at the SABIC Thornaby plant,” continued Cox. “These are not only some of the best long glass fibre filled products on the market, but UK produced materials are beneficial to the UK market in terms of service and supply.” UNIQUE OFFERINGS Another example of some of SABIC’s unique offerings now available through Polydist are the LNP LUBRICOMP and LUBRILOY compounds that include a variety of lubricants and reinforcements added to a wide range of base resins. The combination of design freedom and improved tribological performance has helped to increase the performance and efficiency of many components without the use of external grease. Conveyor drive systems and linkages, guide bushes, pump components and gears are target areas that can benefit from improved wear resistance, noise reduction, transmission accuracy and operational efficiency.
Polydist UK and SABIC executives sign a distribution agreement
MATERIALS FOR MEGATRENDS Polydist points out that where the demand for advanced electronics applications are rising, the build-up of electrostatic charges and electrostatic discharge limited the acceptance of ‘insulating’ plastics for many applications. LNP STAT-LOY, STATKON and FARADEX compounds offer thermoplastic compounds containing conductive additives that typically span the surface resistivity spectrum from antistatic, through conductive, to EMI shielding respectively. With global trends of urbanisation, potable water distribution becomes an increasingly important issue. Polydist says that for those specifying materials for in the building and construction industry, NORYL resin may be an excellent candidate for increasing the life of multilayer pipe due to its low biomass production potential and its excellent chlorine resistance. The growth of electrical vehicles and autonomous driving demands a new charging infrastructure with compliant materials and creates new applications and requirements within the vehicle. Polydist says that with the availability of VALOX ENH, LEXAN FR, LEXAN copolymer resins, NORYL and ULTEM resins, UK engineers can select material solutions supporting their customers’ need to meet European legislation and OEM requirements for applications ranging from electrical enclosures to opto-electronics. SOLVING GLOBAL CHALLENGES THROUGH LOCAL SUPPLY Polydist will hold an extensive local inventory of the SABIC specialties portfolio, and will be able to offer small-scale sampling for product development, prototyping and part testing needs. This, says Cox, will enable UK-based designers and engineers to select materials that can help solve their toughest challenges, whether it is to design consumer electronics or aircraft interiors, innovate to create a new vehicle charging system or to rethink LED lighting or a home appliance design. “The demand for these types of products, in the UK and Irish market, has grown continuously over the past 10 years and continues to do so. This growth is very much linked to advancing and developing industries such as automotive, medical and lighting sectors where both metal replacement and weight reduction is key,” Cox added.
www.polydistuk.com
NORYL, ULTEM, LEXAN, CYCOLOY, VALOX, VERTON, LNP VERTON, LNP LUBRICOMP, LUBRILOY, LNP STAT-LOY, STAT-KON, FARADEX, VALOX ENH and LEXAN FR are all registered trademarks of SABIC. WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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Is polyolefin price differentiation set to increase?
IN HIS COLUMN THIS MONTH, OUR RESIDENT POLYMER EXPERT, MIKE BOSWELL, LOOKS BACK AT HISTORICAL POLYOLEFIN PRICES AS HE ANALYSES WHAT THE FUTURE COULD HOLD FOR PROCESSORS IN TERMS OF COST AND AVAILABILITY.
Who is ‘Polymerman’?
Mike Boswell is Managing Director of UK materials distributor, Plastribution, as well as the Chairman of the British Plastic Federation’s Polymer Compounders and Distributors Group and its ‘BREXIT Committee’. ‘Polymerman’ is the title used for announcements made via his Twitter account. This column is compiled using data from PIE (Plastics Information Europe) www.plastribution. co.uk | www.pieweb.com
To a greater or lesser extent there are typically a range of polyolefin prices determined by polymer type and/or application. These classifications include: LDPE
Injection Moulding
LDPE
Film
LLDPE
Injection Moulding
LLDPE C4
Film
LLDPE C6
Film
HDPE
Injection Moulding
HDPE
Blow Moulding
HDPE
PE80 Pipe
HDPE
PE100 Pipe
PPHP
Injection Moulding
PPHP
Film
PPCP
Injection Moulding
PPCP
Film
The primary basis for differential pricing is based upon cost of production, where several factors are of consequence. Firstly, output. In general, higher melt flow grades have higher outputs as these grades have shorter residence times in the polymerisation phase. Secondly, efficiency. Polymerisation plants tend to produce individual grades in succession, ascending and descending through the range of MFRs. Typically, each change in MFR will result in the production of a quantity of so-called ‘transition material’, which typically must be sold off at a discount as ‘wide-spec’ or ‘off-grade’. Therefore, the less changes of grade, the better. Another key factor is the supply/demand balance of any given material and application. This, combined with output and efficiency tends to determine premiums discounts for the different categories listed above. Given the manufacturing factors outlined above –and the ability of polymer plants to produce a range of grades – there is the option to adjust the portfolio of products to enhance profitability. Finally, supply chain management is a factor that requires consideration and, given that less grades make for easier logistics and the increasing amount of product being imported into Europe, the availability of more niche grades may become a factor, unless the premiums justify the additional complexity. MAPPING HISTORY To get a better insight into price differentiation, the graph to the right looks at the relative pricing of various PE grades over the last 20 years. From the graph, it is possible to observe periods where price differentiation is both minimal and more significant, and it is also notable that at the periods of price extremity, differentiation becomes less significant. It also appears that since the supply crisis in 2015, differentiation has started to increase. The graph below it includes PP and, in addition to depicting the greater range in PE pricing, also shows the relative movement of PP pricing, which is a result of these C3 (Propylene) being available as PE becomes more dependent on Ethane (Gas) as a feedstock rather than Naphtha (Liquid), where C3 is a co-product. The influence of supply/demand balance can readily be observed in the following graph;
PE Price Index 1998-2018
PP & PE Price Index 2015 - 2018
PE Price Index 2000 – 2005
LLDPE C4 Film sold at a significant discount from mid-2000 through mid-2002. At this time, significant LLDPE C4 capacity came on stream and with favourable economics in terms of both low ethane-based feedstock costs and also a reduced rate of import duty from the Middle East, and, with supply significantly out-stripping demand there was intense competition for market share and, hence, the significant discount. Whilst the past may not necessarily determine the future price action for polyolefins it is likely that PP will get more expensive relative to PE; that PP price differentiation is most likely to be influenced by any imports of ‘deep sea’ PPHP for extrusion applications such as film and fibre; PE specialities such as injection moulding grades and copolymers are likely command a premium; and that significant over-supply within any given ‘classification’ is likely to result in discounting.
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RECLAMATION AND RECYCLING | NEWS Axion Polymers supports Volvo’s recycled plastics vision To help Volvo Car Group demonstrate the use of sustainable components in new cars, Axion Polymers has supplied its 100 per cent recycled polymer from end-oflife vehicles. The recycler’s Axpoly PP polymer was blended 50/50 with a polypropylene recycled from packaging waste to achieve a specification required by vehicle designers for reuse in new vehicle components. An initial sample of this plastic blend has been used successfully to mould both internal and external body parts for a new car in a collaborative demonstration project for Volvo Car Group, involving more than 40 suppliers of vehicle
Neste, ReNew ELP and Licella collaborate to turn waste plastic into renewable feedstocks Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel, UK-based chemical recycling company ReNew ELP, and Australian technology developer Licella are joining forces in a development project to explore the potential of using mixed waste plastic as a raw material for fuels, chemicals, and new plastics. In addition to studying liquefied waste plastic feasibility and sustainability as refinery raw material, the companies are also collaborating with the aim to facilitate regulatory
Neste, ReNew ELP and Licella are collaborating on a ground breaking new project 46
components. Volvo Car Group set out its ambition that at least 25 per cent of the plastics used in every newly-launched Volvo car will be made from recycled material after 2025 during the Ocean Summit conference, held in June in Gothenburg, Sweden. There, the car maker unveiled a specially-built version of its XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid SUV model which has over 170 plastic parts, circa 60 kilos, made from recycled plastics in place of virgin polymers. Keith Freegard, Associate Consultant at Axion Polymers, said: “Seeing the ‘first adopters’ take the lead in such an important market as motor vehicles really gives me hope that the problem of ocean plastic pollution can be solved by taking such positive action for change.”
Keith Freegard sees the recycled plastic components supplied by Axion first-hand
www.axiongroup.co.uk
acceptance for chemical recycling. The collaboration is one of the steps towards Neste’s goal to introduce liquefied waste plastic as a future raw material to fossil refining, with a target to process annually more than one million tonnes of waste plastic by 2030. ReNew ELP is commencing construction of a chemical recycling plant in Teesside, UK, with a target to recycle end-of-life plastic to produce raw material for a range of petrochemical products. This will be the first commercial scale plant based on Cat-HTRTM technology, a catalytic hydro-thermal liquefaction platform developed by Licella over the past ten years. “Neste has a strong legacy in refining, as well as raw material and pretreatment research, but we still need development of technologies, value chains, and supporting legislation for plastic waste based products to become a reality at industrial scale. I believe that this cooperation can accelerate the needed development and commercialisation of waste plastic based products,” explained Matti Lehmus, Executive Vice President of Neste’s Oil Products business area. Richard Daley, Managing Director of
ReNew ELP, added: “ReNew ELP is very pleased to join this collaboration with Neste. Neste’s reputation as a global leader in the production of sustainable, high quality, low-carbon products makes them an ideal development partner for us. At ReNew ELP, we look to deploy our game-changing chemical recycling technology providing an innovative solution to the problem of plastic waste disposal.” The Cat-HTR chemical recycling solution has taken ten years and so far over 75 million Australian dollars (approx. £42.5m GBP) have been invested in its development. Dr Len Humphreys, CEO of Licella Holdings said he believes the Cat-HTR is an important chemical recycling solution for the significant global challenge of end-of-life plastic. “The collaboration with Neste and ReNew ELP will help to create markets for recycled carbon fuels and chemicals at a critical time as Europe pushes towards a circular economy,” he added. www.neste.com www.renewelp.co.uk www.licella.com
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Premier Plastic Recyclers Accredited plastic reprocessor, crumbers, granulators, compounders. Est over 30yrs - Reliable service and prompt payment - Destruction orders on request - Our own 40 cu yd skips/stillages supplied - Nationwide collection service - All material is processed at our state of the art Recycling Facility
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DISTRIBUTOR OF PLASTICS AND CHEMICALS Snetor Distribution is the official Celanese’s distributor of PA and PP compounds of the following products lines: NILAMID® - FRIANYL® - ECOMID® - NYLFOR® - NIVIONPLAST® POLIFOR® - TECNOPRENE® - TALCOPRENE® Our commitments: Qualitative and complete range of plastics Regular product availability Bespoke logistics solutions for our customers Appropriate technical support and quality service guarantee of international regulations Local presence with a dedicated customer service team
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europe@snetor.fr Headquarters: 11 avenue Dubonnet - 92407 Courbevoie - FRANCEÂ T : +33 1 49 04 88 88
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RPC bpi Recycled Products acquires PLASgran RPC bpi Recycled Products has acquired rigid plastics recycler, PLASgran Ltd, in a move that will form the UK’s largest plastics recycling group. The companies say the acquisition will spearhead the UK’s efforts to meet the surge in demand for recycled plastic packaging. As the largest polythene film recycler in Europe, RPC bpi Recycled Products has the scope to recycle up to 70,000 tonnes of used plastic a year. With the addition of PLASgran, which recycles nearly 50,000 tonnes of rigid plastics, combined capabilities for both rigid and flexible plastic recycling will be more than 120,000 tonnes. “With PLASgran joining our RPC bpi Recycled Products Group, we
are now clearly the largest plastics recycler in the UK and one of the largest in Europe,” commented Gerry McGarry, Managing Director of RPC bpi Recycled Products. “This is great news not just for both our business and our customers, but for the wider society. We are now in a unique new position to help the UK step up its efforts to meet ever more pressing sustainability goals and to help the environment.” Mark Roberts, Managing Director of PLASgran, will continue to run the PLASgran business and will join the RPC bpi recycled products’ Business Unit Executive Team. “Our combined businesses have state-of-the-art recycling equipment, while both teams have an understanding of the issues facing users of plastic packaging who want to see their packaging recycled and remanufactured into new products,” Roberts explained. “This acquisition provides a major
growth opportunity for both our businesses through an extended service offering for our clients. As both organisations accelerate their activities on their environmental stewardship, we will be best positioned to support them on that journey and twin sustainability drives with best business practice.” www.bpirecycling.co.uk
France plans plastics tax France plans to introduce a new tax system next year that will make plastic packaging made from virgin materials more expensive that those produced using recycled plastic. According to Junior Environment Minister, Brune Poirson, during an interview with ‘Le Journal du Dimanche’ (JDD), the move is part of a wider plan in the country to achieve 100 per cent plastics recycling by 2025. “When there’s a choice between two bottles, one made of recycled plastic and the other without, the first will be less expensive,” she told the newspaper. The difference in cost could be up to 10 per cent more or 10 per cent less, she added. Poirson did not give an exact date for the implementation of the system, but said the Government wanted to action it “as early as 2019.” Cosumers could soon pay more for virgin plastics packaging in France
www.gouvernement.fr
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Tel: 01925 596170 • Mobile: 07838138342 • WhatsApp: 07838138342 • Email: dtlmachineryuk@gmail.com / info@dtlmachinery.co.uk • Web: www.dtlmachinery.co.uk Douglas Trading UK Ltd., T/A DTL Machinery UK, Unit 1 C, Causeway Park, Central Avenue, Warrington WA4 6RF, UK.
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WRAP reflects on 100 days of the UK Plastics Pact
L LAUNCHED ON 26TH APRIL, THE UK PLASTICS PACT WAS HERALDED BY WRAP AS A “ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO THINK AND RESHAPE THE FUTURE OF PLASTIC” THROUGH WHOLESCALE TRANSFORMATION OF THE SYSTEM AND THROUGH THE INVOLVEMENT OF ALL STAKEHOLDERS: BP&R LOOKS AT PROGRESS 100 DAYS ON.
Marcus Gover
Marcus Gover has said that WRAP has been “delighted” by the response and commitment from innovators, designers, manufacturers, retailers and the reprocessing industry to embrace the UK Plastic Pact. On August 6, some 100 days on from its launch, WRAP’s CEO wrote an open letter thanking stakeholders for their commitment to change. The Pact now has 64 business members and 22 supporters, who are together responsible for over 80 per cent of the plastic packaging on UK supermarket shelves. There is an additional 400 businesses, NGOs and associations that have requested to be informed about progress. Gover said the response and interest was a powerful platform for change and that it has been “great to see the bold initiatives which have been implemented” by the Pact’s members and supporters. FROM AMBITION TO ACTION An Advisory Group consisting of experts held its first meeting in June, and the Collaborative Action Group also set up is looking at specific aspects of the ways in which consumers use plastics. “It will lead to potentially ground-breaking work on how we collectively define what is ‘problematic’ single-use plastic, and what is recyclable, reusable and compostable, as well as how we tackle challenges of plastic film,” Gover wrote. He addressed that businesses, whilst having a critical part to play, were “only part of the solution”, adding that WRAP has been working to encourage policy change on behalf of the Pact. “A hugely important piece of work has been the consultations that WRAP, along with INCPEN and the Advisory Committee on Packaging, conducted across the country to explore the possible ways of reforming current packaging regulations,” he continued. “There was widespread support for radical reform as a way of reducing the environmental impact caused by the way we use and dispose of packaging, especially plastic packaging.
We’ve come a long way in our first 100 days. But there is still a lot to do. We have the collective will, from government, from business, and the power within us, to lead the global fight against plastic pollution and change our relationship with plastic for good “Having that systemic year-on-year funding could be a game-changer – incentivising local authorities to collect plastics and supporting the investment in our own recycling infrastructure,” he added. “ENCOURAGING RESPONSE” Gover said he was “encouraged” by the Secretary of State’s response and his recognition that the recommendations would inform policy decision making. “The need for government policy to underpin the commitments made by business will be key to us achieving the ambitious goals we have laid out in The UK Plastics Pact,” Gover said, adding that Governments in the devolved administrations, too, are showing commitment to tackling plastic pollution. PERSONAL COMMITMENT Finally, Gover said that where citizens are pivotal to the success of the UK Plastics Pact, WRAP would be providing the public with “the right information and motivation to reduce, reuse and recycle and where possible to reduce our plastic packaging.” He said that now, more than ever, was the time to increase the public’s confidence in recycling, to help them “do the right thing.” WRAP will, he said, be working to tackle the inconsistency in household plastic recycling which he said causes “confusion and frustration”. This will be done, in part, though a ‘Recycle Now’ campaign to mark ‘Recycle Week’ in September. October will see the first major gathering of members and supporters when progress will be reviewed, milestones shared and progress towards reaching the 2025 targets charted. “We’ve come a long way in our first 100 days. But there is still a lot to do. We have the collective will, from government, from business, and the power within us, to lead the global fight against plastic pollution and change our relationship with plastic for good,” he concluded. www.wrap.org
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TPES | NEWS Arlanxeo formulates new bio-TPVs for cradle-to-cradle applications Arlanxeo has introduced new thermoplastic vulcanisates that combine its Keltan Eco ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) with green fillers, plasticisers and thermoplastics, resulting in products with up to 90 per cent sustainable ingredients. Keltan Eco is an EPDM rubber manufactured using bio-based ethylene extracted from sugarcane. Depending on the ethylene content of each rubber grade, the proportion of bio-based material ranges between 50 and 70 per cent. Arlanxeo says it developed the new TPVs with the aim of maximising sustainable content without compromising technical performance. By combining Keltan Eco EPDM with green compounding ingredients, the new materials can be used for products such as dynamic and static
TPEs brings comfort, cushioning and customisation to snowshoes Snowshoe manufacturer, TSL Outdoor, is using two thermoplastic elastomer grades from Hexpol TPE for its hyper-flexible and lightweight snowshoes. The TSL Symbioz shoes, which are specially designed for mountain regions with uneven terrain and changing climates, need to adapt to the potential unevenness of the terrain to give better traction while allowing for a natural movement of the foot. Hexpol TPE developed two Dryflex TPE compounds for the snowshoes. One of the TPE compounds is used as part of TSL’s patented Sound and Shock Absorbing System (SSAS), where the softness and flexibility of the TPE
automotive sealing applications, which have up to 85 – 90 percent of their weight composed of ingredients with sustainable origin, whilst offering performance comparable to standard EPDM compounds. “We can now identify potential partners to (co-)develop these innovative bio-TPVs,” said Niels van der Aar, Business Development Manager EPDM/NBR at Arlanxeo. “TPVs using Keltan Eco EPDM offer an excellent opportunity to replace regular thermoset rubber compounds and thermoplastic vulcanisates. These bio-based TPVs can make a significant contribution to the circular economy, scoring well in a cradleto-cradle approach and helping to lower the carbon footprint.” Studies have shown that both the characteristics and technical performance of these Keltan Eco EPDM grades are identical to those of conventional EPDMs produced via Ziegler Natta catalysis and/or those from monomers based on crude oil.
helps to create a cushioning function and aids user comfort. The second TPE compound was developed for a bi-material, comfort strap. “For our new ankle clamping design, we were looking for materials that offer comfort for the user while maintaining good mechanical strength,” explained Yoan Bibollet, R&D Engineer at TSL Outdoor. “The quality of Dryflex The Sym TSL bioz sho
es
Currently, the new bio-based EPDM grades are commercially tested and used in applications such as window profiles for busses and buildings, automotive extrusion profiles, O-rings, TPV over-mouldings for automotive interior, pharma applications, sport surfaces, and, most recently, in the sponge rubber layer directly underneath the outer cover of the official football of the FIFA World Cup 2018. www.arlanxeo.com
Arlanxeo has introduced new Keltan Eco based TPVs
TPEs ensures the chemical adhesion between the soft zones (for the comfort) and hard zones (for the mechanical forces). This has allowed us to develop several new applications for our outdoor products, especially in Nordic walking sticks.” Previously, the piece used for the bi-material strap was made of textile and produced in Asia. However, the new TPE strap has allowed TSL Outdoor to relocate production to its injection moulding site in HauteSavoie, France. “The relocation gives us greater flexibility and offers more customisation possibilities for special series (for example the ease of colour change), whereas our previous textile version imposed high minimum quantities for special colours,” concluded Bibollet. www.hexpoltpe.com
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Toolmaker of the Year 2016 Finalist for 2018
“Faulkner Moulds are a rare breed in this field. Excellent quality, on time, every time, no exceptions. I have nothing but praise for this professional toolmaker.” Sales and Marketing Director, leisure and automotive manufacturer.
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28/08/2018 16:07
Christian Dior eyes up TPE for high-end cosmetics packaging Luxury cosmetics manufacturer, Christian Dior, has chosen thermoplastic elastomer from Kraiburg TPE to enhance the packaging of one of its latest products. The use of Thermolast K compound for the outer layer of the DiorShow Pump’N’Volume mascara container both provides a soft-touch finish and creates flexibility, allowing the tube to be squeezed and more product to be loaded onto the internal brush. This packaging functionality, says Dior, enhances the desired end look for the customer when the makeup is applied. “To achieve this, we were looking for a material solution that was both flexible and aesthetic to be processed by multi-component injection moulding,” explained Marion
Teknor Apex launches new foamable TPVs for door and window profiles Teknor Apex company has developed a new series of thermoplastic vulcanates that it says exhibit the high resilience required for door and window seals, and offer an alternative to thermoset polyurethane foams. New Sarlink TPVs are available from 40 to 70 Shore A, with the Sarlink 8100 series able to be foamed to a density of 0.20 g/
Defour-Colas, Makeup Packaging Development Group Manager at Christian Dior. “Together with Mayet, our mascara and packaging specialist, and Kraiburg TPE we have chosen a TPE compound that provides the perfect combination of properties for this application specification.” The bottle is made using a two-component injection moulding process, with the internal structure produced in copolyester before covering with the skin of TPE. “The decisive factor for us was that the TPE compound could ensure the compromise between copolyester adhesion, softness and low hardness, while ensuring the elastic recovery after repeated squeezing that the mascara packaging needs to have during the product’s whole life cycle,” explained Sylvain Coutan, Project Manager at Mayet SAS.
T he rm ol as t K fr om KR A I BU R G T PE gi ve s fl ex ib ili ty to Di or ’s m as ca ra pa ck ag in g (© 20 18 C hr is ti an Di or )
www.kraiburg-tpe.com
cm3 range, which is comparable to those of urethane foam used in door seals but is difficult to achieve with standard TPEs. As TPVs, they exhibit lower compressive set than standard TPEs, providing more of the resilience needed to withstand the repeated opening and closing of doors. The new compounds can be foamed using both chemical and physical blowing agents and, unlike urethane foams, are processed in standard equipment for thermoplastics. Teknor Apex says in other key differences from urethanes, TPVs
do not require a curing step, are recyclable, and do not present concerns about isocyanate monomer. The Sarlink 8100 series of TPVs adhere well to, and can be coextruded with, other TPVs, TPOs, and PP, which is beneficial when producing a typical threelayer structure for door and window profiles. “These foamable materials are the latest additions to a portfolio of more than 30 TPE and TPV grades that Teknor Apex has developed specifically for building seal applications,” said Tom Foley, Senior Market Manager. “Our goal is to provide customers with a wide range of options reflecting the variety of door and window constructions and to serve as a single source for multiple seal applications.” www.teknorapex.com
Teknor Apex’ new Sarlink TPVs for door and window seals
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MATERIALS | NEWS The new FauxFoil product is designed to offer a one-step process to enhance the aesthetics and visual appeal of plastic packaging through reflective, gloss and shine, as opposed to the multi-step process of conventional vacuum metallisation.
Ampacet to showcase alternative to vacuum metallisation for rigid plastics Producer of masterbatch, Ampacet, will introduce a new technology that offers an alternative to vacuum metallisation for rigid plastic
AirWash System -AirWash the system which can convey and clean simultaneously System AirWash System AirWash System -- the which can convey clean theitssystem system which can process conveyitand and clean simultaneously simultaneously With two stage cleaning is a precise de-duster that can eliminate
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- pelletisation the systemand which can convey and cleancosts. simultaneously drastically reduce processing
With With its its two two stage stage cleaning cleaning process process it it is is a a precise precise de-duster de-duster that that can can eliminate eliminate pelletisation and drastically reduce processing processing costs. The AirWash is designed to effectively evacuatecosts. material from granulators, mixers and pelletisation and drastically reduce With its two stage cleaning process it is a precise de-duster that can eliminate other process equipment using its own blower, which is also used for the cleaning pelletisation and drastically reduce processing costs. The process. The AirWash AirWash is is designed designed to to effectively effectively evacuate evacuate material material from from granulators, granulators, mixers mixers and and other process equipment using its own blower, which is also used for the cleaning other process equipment using its own blower, which is also used for the cleaning The AirWash is designed to effectively evacuate material from granulators, mixers and process. The result is a homogeneous clean regrind that can be introduced back into your process. other process equipment the using itsof own blower, which is also used for the cleaning product mix eliminating cost pelletisation. process. The result is a homogeneous clean regrind The result is a homogeneous clean regrind that that can can be be introduced introduced back back into into your your product mix eliminating the cost of pelletisation. For free sample evaluation please contact us. product mix eliminating the cost of pelletisation. The result is a homogeneous clean regrind that can be introduced back into your
product mix eliminating the cost of pelletisation. For For free free sample sample evaluation evaluation please please contact contact us. us. BEFORE
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Kongskilde U.K. Ltd. Tel.: +44 1263 808 580 kuk@kongskilde-industries.com Kongskilde U.K. Ltd. Kongskilde U.K. Ltd. www.kongskilde-industries.com/Industry Tel.: +44 1263 808 580 Tel.: +44 1263 808 580 kuk@kongskilde-industries.com Kongskilde U.K. Ltd. kuk@kongskilde-industries.com Tel.:www.kongskilde-industries.com/Industry +44 1263 808 580 www.kongskilde-industries.com/Industry kuk@kongskilde-industries.com www.kongskilde-industries.com/Industry
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products. The new FauxFoil product is designed to offer a onestep process to enhance the aesthetics and visual appeal of plastic packaging through reflective, gloss and shine, as opposed to the multi-step process of conventional vacuum metallisation. Designed for PET, ABS, PS and polyolefin resins, FauxFoil is recommended for use in rigid structures such as energy drink bottles, automotive components, plastic dinnerware, cosmetic and personal care products and small appliances. Ampacet will introduce FauxFoil to its sales portfolio in September, however, will be promoted to visitors at Fakuma from 16 – 20 October.
03/09/2018 11:02
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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A place for polymer research in the Steel City Words | John Carlon
AS PRODUCTS BECOME MORE INNOVATIVE, MORE SOPHISTICATED MATERIALS ARE NEEDED TO SATISFY DEMAND IN AN EVER-CHANGING MARKET. JOHN CARLON VISITED SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY SPIN-OUT, FARAPACK POLYMERS, TO FIND OUT HOW THIS COMPANY IS USING ITS POLYMER CHEMISTRY AND ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE TO AID ALL AREAS OF POLYMER DEVELOPMENT IN THE UK AND BEYOND.
Keeping abreast of industrial innovation is essential for companies to prosper in a rapidly evolving polymer and materials technology sector. Higher demands from both customers and regulators in an increasingly globalised and competitive marketplace makes in-depth knowledge of materials and products a vital part of R & D. That’s where FaraPack Polymers Ltd., a consultancy-based company within the Department of Chemistry at the University of Sheffield, makes the most of that institution’s polymer expertise and analytical instrumentation to provide technical solutions that help its clients to develop novel materials, products, formulations and testing strategies that are fit for purpose. Formed 14 years ago and originally specialising in developing and testing novel packaging materials with improved properties, this SME can now handle multi-kilo manufacture of speciality polymers and monomers, materials identification and testing. A WEALTH OF EXPERTISE To date, FaraPack Polymers has provided innovative solutions to more than 400 polymer-based enquiries. With three trained scientists as its ‘hands-on’ staff, plus three well-known professors of polymer science (a chemist, a materials scientist and an engineer) as board members, plus its location within the engineering hotspot of Sheffield – a city
renowned for its historic strengths in industrial highend materials development – FaraPack says it is ideally placed to deal with a wide range of enquiries effectively and rapidly. Dr. Andy Pryke, polymer scientist and Operations Manager at FaraPack, first came to Sheffield in 1996 to undertake a PhD in anionic polymer synthesis, followed by a postdoctoral research associate position. He and his colleagues at Sheffield saw the value in launching a polymer-based spin-out company and in 2004 FaraPack Polymers was born. “At that point Sheffield University boasted a very large number of renowned materials scientists, particularly within the field of synthetic polymers,” explained Dr Pryke. “Initially the company’s brief was to simply sell the large number of novel polymers produced by postgraduate students over many years. However, this quickly morphed into a vehicle to bridge the gap between industry and academia by providing short-to-medium-term solutions to enquiries and/ or projects that required a rapid turnaround and/ or were too short to warrant an industrially-funded postgraduate student or postdoctoral scientist.” BRIDGING THE GAP FaraPack facilitates the connection between industry and academia through its involvement in initiatives such as RAPRA’s ‘Preferred Service Provider
The consultancy has developed novel polymer applications on more than 400 industrial projects WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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WWW.ULTRAPOLYMERS.COM | YOUR PARTNER FROM DESIGN TO PRODUCTION
One day we can be testing materials for wall insulation, and the next sourcing and testing materials for impact mitigation components for airliners
y iversit ield Un Pack Sheff a r ut, Fa spin-o rs e m Poly
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Network’, whereby it offers product development and training guidance to RAPRA members. Farapack also enjoys strong links to the Polymer Centre at the University of Sheffield, which provides short commercial courses delivered by academics to either those new to the industrial polymer sector or those wishing to improve their technical knowledge. Connections with the Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), as well as a productive role working between industrial suppliers and Sheffield’s Centre for Advanced Additive Manufacturing (AdAM), means a wealth of interconnected resources that businesses from a broad spectrum of areas can access in various ways. ACCESSIBLE SCIENCE Farapack’s strong links with the Chemistry, Physics and Engineering departments within Sheffield University provide access to a wide range of expensive instrumentation such as GPC, NMR, electron microscopy and X-ray scattering. This enables publicly-funded facilities to be made available to clients of all sizes, as well as ensuring a rapid, efficient response to all enquiries. “For example, we have access to a state-ofthe-art X-ray scattering instrument within the University.” Dr. Pryke explained. “This enables us to characterise polymeric materials at the nanoscale, which often dictates their macroscopic properties. The remarkable range of equipment available here, along with the associated technical expertise, is comparable to that of a multinational company. We have preferential access charges, which allows us
to provide cost-effective, cutting-edge scientific services to smaller companies that simply do not have the in-house resources.” FROM PACKAGING SPECIALISTS TO A BROAD PORTFOLIO OF TECHNICAL EXPERTISE Farapack Polymers was originally established as a vehicle for packaging research. However, it is now applying its technical expertise in polymer science much more broadly. Dr Pryke commented: “In the early days, as packaging specialists, we had technical briefs focused on blister and vacuum packaging, and we were synthesising, sourcing and evaluating polymers mainly to that end. But things have changed dramatically over the past decade. We now work across many sectors - in aerospace, automotive, packaging and oil & gas, for example. On any given day, we can be testing materials for insulation, evaluating components for airliners or measuring the release rate of active ingredients from a polymer matrix. Variety is the spice of life!” Finally, Dr Pryke explained that Farapack has also gained experience in removing polymers from waste streams, either by efficient downcycling of plastic or by depolymerisation and reuse of feedstocks. “As such, we can offer suggestions and practical assistance for companies to either reduce waste or source more environmentally-sustainable materials for existing processes,” he concluded. www.farapackpolymers.com www.polymercentre.org.uk www.amrc.co.uk www.adamcentre.co.uk
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
BUYER’S GUIDE MATERIALS
pulse staking
MOULD RELEASE
MASTERBATCH
TO ADVERTISE in this space CONTACT mandy o’brien 01244 952373
Specialists in supplying Plastic Joining, Bonding and Assembly Solutions
Technologies:
-Pulse Staking -Pulse Fusion -Ultrasonic Welding and Metal Insertion -High Frequency Induction Heating -Hot Air Staking
BLACK & WHITE MASTERBATCH Compounding
Recycling
Moulding
Film
Pipe
Conduit
Whitelands Mill, Whitelands Road Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6UG, UK Tel: +44 (0)161 308 2550 Fax: +44 (0)161 343 2026 E-mail: aml@abbeymb.com Eclipse Guide_Layout Web: Buyers www.abbeymb.com
Tel UK: +44 7467 959240 Tel IRL: +353 1 8013261 Email: info@hte.ie
www.hte.ie
ultrasonic welding
1 07
colour masterbatch
HOT RUNNER SYSTEMS hot runner controllers
CONTROL SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT quality monitoring control Kistler Instruments Ltd
T: 01256 741550 F: 01256 741551 E: sales.uk@kistler.com W: www.kistler.com Pressure transducers and associated monitoring/control equipment for new and existing injection moulding applications.
DRYERS 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
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.
Ultrasonic Plastic Welders Make the WRIGHT choice UK Manufacturers est. over 60 years
Shredders Plastic separation Conveyors | Bailers Full recycling systems
01943 875104 sales@wrightsltd.co.uk
www.wrightsltd.co.uk
cleaning materials
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT ASSEMBLY hot plate welding Branson Ultrasonics
infrared welding HIGH TECH AND HIGH PASSION.
www.ChemTrend.com www.UltraPurge.com POLYMERS
Infrared Welding Ultrasonic Welding Hot Plate Welding Heat Staking
JOINING
Purging Compounds Release Agents Mould Maintenance
158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.bransoneurope.eu
Find your perfect joining method.
www.frimo.com TO ADVERTISE in this space CONTACT mandy o’brien 01244 952373
MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE gravimetric/ volumetric blending
New & Used
For Sale &
Wanted
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
Branson - Mecasonic - Telsonic Sonotrodes (Horns) all Frequencies Fixtures, Repairs, Service, Parts Sub-Contract Welding, Hire & Consultancy
Tel; 01258 459257 Tel; 07730 413197
als.ultrasonics@gmail.com www.als-ultrasonics.co.uk
InControl Ultrasonics Ltd (FFR Ultrasonics Ltd)
PO Box 10380, Sileby, LE12 7ZX T: 01509 621992 E: enquiries@ffr-ultrasonics. co.uk W: www.ffr-ultrasonics.co.uk W: www.incontrolultrasonics.co.uk
DEHUMIDIFIERS Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
HEATING EQUIPMENT
Telsonic UK Ltd
Unit 3 Vitrage Technical Park 27 Witney Road , Nuffield Industrial Estate, Poole, Dorset BH17 0GL T: 01202 697340 F: 01202 693674 W: www.telsonic.com Blog: telsoniccuk.wordpress.com
Branson Ultrasonics
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
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT mandy o’brien 01244 952373
hopper loaders
158 Edinburgh Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL1 4UE T: 01753 756675 F: 01753 551270 E: bucuk.sales@emerson.com W: www.bransoneurope.eu
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Suction Blowers pipework cyclones New and Used recycling Equipment Kongskilde Spares, Parts and Pipework Suppliers industrial BLOWERS FLAKE/REGRIND Friendly Expert advice Les 01568 611338 Hereford W: WWW.GRAINBLOWERS.CO.UK
MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE
vibration welding
CHILLERS/ TEMPERATURE CONTROLLERS
AM&LT PUGH KONGSKILDE MAIN DEALER
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 E: sales@mfinduction.com W: www.mfinduction.com
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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BUYER’S GUIDE MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT MIXING, FEEDING AND DOSING Motan Colortronic Ltd
Matilda House, Carrwood Road, Chesterfield Trading Estate, Chesterfield S41 9QB T: 01246 260222 F: 01246 455420 E: sales@motan-colortronic.co.uk W: www.motan-colortronic.co.uk
METAL DETECTION AND 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
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT mandy o’brien 01244 952373 Magnetics Separators Metal Detectors Eddy Current Separators
Bunting Magnetics Europe Ltd European Design & Manufacturing Facility
Northbridge Road Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 1EH, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1442 875081 Email: sales@buntingeurope.com www.buntingeurope.com www.magneticseparation.co
/magnetic_separation_and_metal_detection/
Contact: Carlton Hicks
Refurbished machines with fault and leak free guarantee. COMPOUNDS
We buy & sell all manner of plasscs equipment.
QUALITY PVC PELLETS FOR EXTRUSION
Visit our workshop in Wellingborough, Northants. 01933 272747
vekacompounds.com +44(0)1322 387 219
sales@stvmachinery.co.uk www.stvmachinery.co.uk
Motan Colortronic Ltd
Industrial Plastics 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
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
www.magog.co.uk Design, Manufacture, and Refurbishment of Screws & Barrels for the Plastics and Rubber Industries. • Screw design • New manufactured Screws, Barrels, Feed Sections & Liners • Proven wear resistant specifications for screws • Nitrided and Bimetallic barrels • Refurbishment and repairs • Condition monitoring and wear checks Contact us to find out how we can help you Magog Industries Ltd, 10 Crane Mead, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 9PY T: +44(0)1920 465201 E: enquiries@magog.co.uk
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT MANDY O’BRIEN 01244 952373
SECONDHAND AND RECONDITIONED ANGLO PLASTICS LTD
Buy/Sell Used Plastics Machinery Rutland Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1HX T: +44 (0) 1276 470910 T: +44 (0) 7740 632907 E: information@ angloplastics.com W: www.angloplastics.com
Cooper Plastics Machinery
8 Lyall Court, Flitwick, Bedfordshire MK45 1UX T: 01525 719850 E: Cooperplastics@gmail.com W: www.cooperplastics.co.uk Extruders, water baths, haul-offs, fly knife cutters, conveyors/tip tables, in-line punches, coilers etc. New and used. Repairs, servicing or rebuilds. UK agent for Lyons Electronics.
POLYMERS MOULD CHANGE
Injection Moulding Rubber Compression Ancillary Equipment Machine Servicing Your Complete Solution Provider Tel: +44 (0)1978 421761 www.panstone.eu
HOPPER LOADERS
SCREEN CHANGERS
SCREWS & BARRELS
• • • •
BUSINESS FOR SALE
Buying, Selling, Merging? Whatever your business needs, Richmond Capital Partners are the industry experts with a proven track record of guiding acquirers or sellers through the process of buying, selling and merging. Contact Paul Holohan in complete confidence on 07798 530684
FOR SALE Manchester Plastics
PVC / CABLE REGRIND / WASHED, SCREENED & DRIED / SUPPLIED IN ONE TONNE BULK BAGS @ £80.00 per tonne + VAT ex.works Available now from sales@macnchesterplastics.com Or call us on 01260 224010
TESTING EQUIPMENT hardness - IRHD and shore MAPRA Technik Co — BAREISS For Bareiss of Germany IRHD & SHORE hardness testers, Abrasion & Rebound testers. T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk
inspection & measurement MAPRA Technik Co – DOSS – MARCEL AUBERT – KAFER
richmondcapitalpartners.com
FOR SALE
For DOSS visual solution of Italy – Inspection & sorting machines for O’rings, Seals, Gaskets. T: 020 8508 4207 F: 020 8502 5107 E: info@mapra.co.uk W: www.mapra.co.uk
THERMOCOUPLES
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
Tel: 01952 671918 Fax: 01952 608579 Email: connectors.uk@staubli.com
www.quick-mould-change.com
DTL Machinery UK
NOZZLES AND NOZZLE TIPS Engineers to the Plastics & Rubber industries, specialising in the following: Screw & Barrel Manufacture Screw & Barrel Refurbishment Tie Bar Repair & Manufacture Screw Tip Assemblies Feed Liners, Plain & Grooved 100 Tonne Screw & Barrel Press Bimetallic Barrel Blanks up to 50 mm In Stock Please e-mail or phone Karl for more info. E. info@tws-mail.co.uk T. 01706 655402 W. www.tws-ltd.com Technical Welding Services (Rochdale) Ltd
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- We buy / sell all makes / age / sizes of Plastic Injection Moulding Machinery & Ancillaries equipment. - We also buy redundant, nonrunners & faulty machinery. - Machinery repair and maintenance services available. T: 01925 596170 M: 07838138342 E: info@dtlmachinery.co.uk E: douglastrading@gmail.com
TransXL International Ltd
Plastics Processing Machinery Bought & Sold, Thornhill, South Marston, Wiltshire SN3 4TA T: 01793 827666 F: 01793 823826 E: sales@transxl.co.uk W: www.transxl.co.uk
SECOND HAND AND RE-CONDITIONED TRAINING
‘USED INJECTION MOULDING MACHINERY DEALERS’
Single Machines to whole plants purchased Tel: David 07540 633552 info@plasticinvestments.co.uk www.plasticinvestments.co.uk
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
BUYER’S GUIDE 3D PRINTING
3D Printing
in Plastic & Rubber
TO ADVERTISE IN THis SPACE CONTACT mandy o’brien 01244 952373 PRINTERS
printers of plastic mouldings Total Print Ltd
Tel: 01420 88645 www.cdg.uk.com
TESTING/ CONSULTANCY
Specialist Pad Printers Station Road, Gedney Hill, Lincolnshire PE12 0NP T: 01406 330122 F: 01406 330123 E: info@totalprintltd.com W: www.totalprintltd.com Sub-Contract Pad Printers to the Plastics Industry
COMPONENT PRINTERS TAMPO.SCREEN.FOIL
Contour Marking Co Ltd Albert house, Gledrid Industrial Park, Chirk ,Wrexham, LL14 5DG T: 01691 770093 F: 01691 770023 Sub Contract Tampo, Screen & Foil Printing to the plastic moulding industry E: sales@contourmarking.com W: www.contourmarking.com
Gammadot Rheology Testing & Consultancy Services
SERVICES CONSULTANCY
CONSULTANCY
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
SOFTWARE
TROUBLESHOOTING MOLDFLOW ANALYSIS PRECISION PROTOTYPE PLASTIC PARTS TRAINING
Mould Tool Design CAD CAM software
INJECTION MOULDING 3D LASER SCANNING
01743 213 007 sales@plastic-it.co.uk
MOULDFLOW ANALYSIS
plastic-it.co.uk
Tel: 01420 88645 www.cdg.uk.com
SOFTWARE DIRECTORY A listing in the Software Directory costs £160 per programme per year. Call Lisa on 01244 680222 for details. REAL TIME PRODUCTION MONITORING, SCHEDULING AND PROCESS MONITORING Epicor Mattec Real-time MES (Microsoft Windows™ PC Servers & “Web Based”) Epicor Software (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1344 468 468 E: info.uk@epicor.com
Modules: Production Monitoring, Process Monitoring, “Drag and Drop” Scheduling/Planning, “Family Moulding”, Preventative Maintenance, Bar Coding/Parts’ Trace-ability, Operator Visual Aids, Process Parameter Profiling, E-mail/ Public Address System Alerts, Standalone “Drag and Drop” Scheduler, Stand-alone SPC “Machine Analyzer”, Machine Energy Monitoring, KPI Dashboards, Visual Manufacturing (Large LED Displays), Automatic Data Import/Export Functions (For Integration with Epicor ERP & Other Manufacturing Systems/Software Packages). 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. Realtime 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. intouch T: 01604 537100 E: enquiries@ intouchmonitoring.com Website: www.intouchmonitoring.com Real-time production monitoring systems. Designed to be easy to use and providing affordable solutions to all sizes of businesses. Production monitoring, scheduling, reporting, data import/export, databases for parts, tools and operators, integration with other software packages. 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’
WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
Scheduling/Planning, Preventative Maintenance, Bar Coding/Parts Traceability, Operator Visual Aids, Process Parameter Profiling, Pager/ Tannoy Alerts, Stand-alone ‘Drag and Drop’ Scheduler, Stand-alone SPC Machine Analyzer, Automatic Data Import/Export Functions (for integration to Manufacturing Systems and other software packages).
ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING
Epicor ERP Manufacturing Software (For Plastics’/Rubber Processors) Epicor Software (UK) Ltd T: +44 (0)1344 468 468 E: info.uk@epicor.com Epicor ERP software for the polymer converting industry covers the full range of back office operations from on-line and off-line sales and quotations to production planning, inventory management and finance through to logistics, warehousing and distribution. Available on-site, hosted & SaaS it seamlessly integrates with Epicor Mattec Real-time MES to provide a single system that offers a complete quote-to-cash solution for the plastics’/rubber industries.
PROCESS OPTIMISATION SOFTWARE RJG Technologies Ltd Moulding Technology T: +44 (0)1733 232211 E info@rjginc.co.uk
Zero Defect Moulding – What’s your target? • Cycle time reduction • Reduced scrap rates • Improved process capability • Higher yield and OEE PRO-OP™ software provides a stepby-step procedure for optimising the injection moulding process to deliver optimum quality products at the most favourable cycle time. PRO-OP™ is a server based application which, by setting an optimum moulding process, highlights weaknesses and problems in relation to part design, mould design, mould construction, moulding equipment efficiency, moulding equipment specification and material selection. The moulding process is documented with explanations for each key process parameter setting demonstrating the processing conditions and equipment contributions to the final result. PRO-OP™ is aimed at companies whose focus is quality and consistent part manufacture. PRO-OP™ supports companies by providing a documented and structured validation protocol which is recognised in the in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. 61
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NEWS FROM THE FRONTLINE
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utumn threatens to be frenetically busy for the BPF, as dialogue with government over consultations on ‘single use plastics’ reach a climax. It has been confirmed that a tax on virgin polymer is under consideration, though on whom that would be levied and how much it would be has yet to be discussed and thought through. The BPF would be very hostile to this, as it threatens to undermine the competitiveness of the industry, both internationally and vis-a-vis with competing materials. If money collected just pours into the Treasury, with no deployment to improving waste management infrastructure, then it would have the appearance of a smash-and-grab raid, with the reputation of the UK as a business-friendly environment damaged. We are firmly of the view that the government should stick to the knitting of PRN reform, to have a modulated charge which disincentivises the production of unsustainable plastics and incentivises the adoption of good practices. These are themes which will form the centrepiece of our BPF Parliamentary Reception on September 10th in the House of Commons. We will have at least 150 industrialists and 20 Members of Parliament in attendance. We are delighted that in recent weeks at least 50 members have held meetings with their local Member of Parliament.
AS THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS DRAW TO A CLOSE, PHILIP LAW LOOKS AHEAD TO A BUSY FEW MONTHS AS CRUCIAL DECISIONS ARE MADE IN GOVERNMENT, IMPORTANT EVENTS TAKE PLACE AND CCA DEADLINES LOOM.
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SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS Finally, our industry’s sustainability credentials have been recently amplified by the addition of 70 new participating companies to our Climate Change Agreement. Entrants to the next phase of the agreement will soon be closed off and companies have raced to get in before the barrier falls. BPF has been managing the Climate Change Agreement (CCA) since 2008 and participating companies are securing a combined relief on their energy bills to the tune of some 20 million pounds per annum. It’s certainly well worth while being a participant as the valuable energy saving advice received helps offset the UK’s higher energy costs and assists our international competitiveness. The BPF’s CCA keeps close to UK Government Department for BEIS and also to OFGEM. It ensures that participants are kept fully abreast of changing guidelines and requirements and have full access to schemes covering the Renewables Obligation and Feed in Tariffs. www.bpf.co.uk
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS
UPCOMING EVENTS BPF’s Annual Dinner – to be held on October 11th – is already sold out for the first time ever, a strong indicator of industry support and community in these challenging times. Another indicator, this time of innovative capacity, is the level of entries for the Horners Award for plastics and bottlemaking. There were a record number of entries, the judging took place in late August, and winners will be announced at the Horners Banquet at
London’s Mansion House on October 4th. On November 15th we are having our ‘Meet the Toolmaker’ event, jointly organised with the Gauge and Toolmakers Association, at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry. This will be the fourth event of this type in succession, and the theme this time will be ‘Reshoring’. Full details and how to register can be found at www. meetthetoolmakers.com. In addition, the BPF’s own seminar programme will be further unfurled with some intensity as we deal with thermoplastics composites on October 4th, the automotive market on 7th November, recycling on 22nd November and packaging on 27th November.
W W W . B R IW TW I SWH.PBLRAI T S ITSI H CS P .LCAOS. TUIKC S . C O . U K
www.kraussmaffei.com/px
er the Discovsizes ne w
and PX 25 20 PX 3
The all-electric PX series Power meets flexibility The PX series stands out with its flexibility throughout the entire service life, setting new standards for all-electric machines: – Flexibility in selection – Flexibility during production – Flexibility for retrofitting Simply configure your PX as you require – all-electric, all-flexible. Fakuma, hall A7, booth 7303
Engineering Passion WWW.BRITISHPLASTICS.CO.UK
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Get your space back! Are you in the Thermoforming or Vacuum Forming industry and require a transparent recycling solution for ABS, PE, PET, PP, PS or PVC scrap? We provide foldable stillages that fit right next to the production line. Keeping your polymers separated to maximise the value and recyclability. Stackable up to 4 high, they save floor space and keep your site safe and tidy! At Vanden we offer:
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