EPPM 15.7

October 2013

head office Carlton House, Sandpiper Way, Chester Business Park, Chester, CH4 9QE. Tel. +44 (0) 1244 680222 Fax. +44 (0) 1244 671074 Web: www.eppm.com

14

16

C.E.O/publisher mark blezard C.O.O duncan wood

40

editorial editor david gray david.g@rapidnews.com

in this issue MACHINERY

pages 6 –10

REGULARS: Latest news

6–7

SHOWCASE: MATERIALS HANDLING

8–9

SPOTLIGHT: COMPOUNDING LINES & EQUIPMENT

production art samantha hamlyn production peter bartley production tracey roberts

advertising european sales manager tim guest tel: +44 (0) 7581 398 723 tim.guest@rapidnews.com

subscriptions subscriptions@rapidnews.com qualifying readers europe - free, ROW - £115 outside qualifying criteria UK - £80, ROW - £115

10

please subscribe online at www.eppm.com

MATERIALS

pages 11–13

European Plastic Product Manufacturer is published by Rapid Plastics Media Ltd.

REGULARS: Latest news

SHOWCASE: PURGING COMPOUNDS

APPLICATION FOCUS

11–12

Each issue is distributed in print and digital format to 30,225 buyers and specifiers in the European plastic processing industry.

13

page 14–15

Caps and Closures

K 2013: THE PREVIEW

Address changes should be emailed to subscriptions@rapidnews.com.

pages 16–49

Volume 15 Issue 7 © October 2013.

While every attempt has been made to ensure that the information contained within European Plastic Product Manufacturer is accurate, the publisher accepts no liability for information published in error, or for views expressed. All rights for European Plastic Product Manufacturer are reserved, and reproduction in part or whole without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Your comprehensive EPPM guide to the show

BPA Worldwide Membership

CLASSIFIEDS

pages 50–51

ISSN No - 2052-3912 OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 3

Graham Pickwell, Technical Adviser, Polymer Training & Innovation Centre

Pipe Extrusion

Film & Sheet Extrusion

Injection Moulding

John Sturgess, Director, MG Stuma

James Goddard, Honorary Lifetime Member, Plastics Pipe Institute

4 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

John Ellis, Segment Manager Polycarbonate, Bayer MaterialScience

Clive Maier, Owner and Director, Econology Ltd.

Dr Martin Kay, Chief Consultant, Pira International

Vicki Sayer, Regulatory Manager, Colormatrix

Charmaine Bowers, Operations Manager, Polymer Training & Innovation Centre

Recycling Micro Manufacturing Home Appliances

Automotives & Compounds

Mark Bonifacio, President, Bonifacio Consulting Services

Andy Bone, Sales Director, Formaplex

Andrew Smith, Head of Manufacturing, Numatic International

Wire & Cable

Aerospace

Nigel Brown, Founding MD, Frontier Aerospace

Biopolymers/Materials Science

Alex Collins, Director, Vannplastics Ltd.

Biopolymers

Andrew McArthur, Engineering Manager, IKO

General Industry Insight

Simon Chidgey, Director, M&H Plastics

Jonathon Short, MD, ECO Plastics Ltd.

Jon Herbert, Director, FS Cables

Dr Terence A. Cooper, CEO, ARGO Group International

Ken Braney, 2010-2011 President, Society of Plastics Engineers

Advisor for the German & Scandinavian Speaking Countries

Mould Making Packaging

Paul Maley, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Selex Elsag

Graeme Diston, Senior Injection Moulding Engineer, Bausch + Lomb

Regulation & Compliance

Construction

Martin Marron, MD, Biffa Polymers

Medical

Barry Assheton, Sales Director, CRDM

Medical

Rapid Prototyping

John Bunker, Member, Worshipful Company of Horners

Education in the UK & Ireland

”

General Industry Insight

Images copyright Messe Düsseldorf.

Omer Kutluoglu, CEO, 2K Manufacturing

Andrew Feilden, Principle Consultant, Smithers Rapra

Wood Plastic Composites

I’m very fortunate in that my job allows me to go to Germany quite a lot. I like attending trade shows in Germany, because they’re a lot of fun - and if you get chance, the time spent outside of the show is fun too. Of course, in part I’m referring to the excellent beer and fantastic food. But if your visit allows you a little time to explore the surrounding area, it’s always worth doing.

If you’re a newcomer to Düsseldorf, you’ll find that many people opt to venture into the city’s Altstadt (old town). With more than 260 pubs, it has been nicknamed ‘the longest bar in the world’. But don’t just visit for the pubs. Spend some time taking in the classic continental architecture of the district - a good way to wind down after a day in the heat of the halls!

The majority of this issue of EPPM is a dedicated guide to your show highlighting key machinery releases, new strategic partnerships and much more, all to be announced during K. There’s even our traditional hall plan in the centre spread, so if you have your copy on-site, it may just help you get around.

Be prepared for the crowds - it’s not too late to call your top suppliers and request meeting slots with them - they’d love to hear from you.

Keeping a relatively clear diary for ad-hoc meetings can be beneficial but if you’re hoping to visit the major players, be warned that you may have to wait some time to speak to specific representatives about popular topics.

Finally, make sure you come and see EPPM, and its publisher, Rapid Plastics Media - which is the group behind the British Plastics and Rubber, Middle Eastern Plastics and Medical Plastics News titles, as well as the Interplas and Mediplas trade shows. We’ll all be on hand in Hall 11, Stand C03 to discuss any of those products, in addition to our new plastics sector directory service, Plastrep.com.

Blow Moulding

Recycling

‘it’s K time!’

Recycling

As they say in Düsseldorf,

Plastics for the Environment

“

from the editor

Our Editorial Advisory Board is comprised of a cross-section of the plastics industry, including processors, consultants, technicians and key industry figures.

Dr Gerd Schmaucks, Independent Consultant

cover story

New ENGEL microsite and app

for

2013

Always up to date – efficiently informed Efficiency is set to be the main theme at K 2013, and it can now become a key part of visitors' preparation before the event as well. Through a new microsite and an exclusive app, ENGEL informs the international injection moulding industry about innovations that are on display and activities that are taking place at K. Visitors are guided efficiently to the ENGEL exhibits which are relevant to their sector and applications.

K 2013 has already started at www.engel-konline.com. On ENGEL's microsite, there is now a preview of its stand at the fair. All 12 machine exhibits can be seen in action in trailers, while further detailed information makes the company's upgrades and new developments transparent and is already offering the public an insight into the future potential of the innovative products, technologies and system solutions.

In addition, the microsite provides a schedule for machine demonstrations and an overview of ENGEL injection moulding machines and system solutions being presented at partner stands.

Well informed before and during the trade fair: ENGEL's new microsite for K 2013 is now up and running.

Also available “to take away” The new ENGEL app for K 2013 is available free of charge at www.engel-k-online.com for Android and iOS. It means fair visitors can quickly access the descriptions of the exhibits, the trailers, the demonstration times and a plan of the company's

With the new ENGEL app for K 2013 fair visitors can quickly access the descriptions of the exhibits, the trailers, the demonstration times and a plan of the company's stand at any time. stand at any time. Once installed, the app does not need a live connection to the Internet to work.

Christian Pum, ENGEL AUSTRIA's Sales Director, says: “With the exhibits at our own stand in hall 15 and further exhibits at the stands of our partners, our innovation density at K 2013 will be greater than it's ever been at a trade fair. Our new online services will help visitors to find the innovations that are important to their field and ensure they don't miss any highlights.”

New milestone in automotive lightweight construction

The vertical ENGEL insert 1050H/200 injection moulding machine will be used to produce brake pedals.

Images: ENGEL

A total of 25 ENGEL exhibits open the door to new applications, set new efficiency records and provide answers to the big challenges of the future. The manufacturing cells on view combine high levels of process integration and automation, strong performance, sustainability and process reliability. Also on show are several new injection moulding machines (ENGEL e-speed, ENGEL e-motion 30 TL, ENGEL v-

duo) and the first composite brake pedal produced in a one-shot process. With the geometrically optimised and stress-resistant plastic brake pedal ENGEL and its partner ZF-Friedrichshafen reach a new milestone in automotive lightweight construction at K 2013. The concept for manufacturing a hybrid, organic sheet brake pedal received the Composite Innovations Award in 2011; since then it has been consistently enhanced

by ZF. ENGEL offers a first glimpse into the efficiency of the manufacturing process from its stand. Using a vertical ENGEL insert 1050H/200 injection moulding machine with an ENGEL easix multi-axis industrial robot and infrared oven, continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic semi-finished products (known as 'organic sheets') will be heated, preformed in a mould and immediately overmoulded with polyamide. The system produces ready-to-fit components; no cutting is necessary. Inject the future – with ENGEL at K 2013.

ENGEL www.engel-k-online.com

OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 5

MACHINERY

Water filtration brings new benefits to moulders Hydro-Gen Engineering Ltd, a specialist in industrial water filtration in the UK claims it has been working closely with several customers in the plastics industry.

The initial involvement was to improve water quality to keep the closed loop system clean, to stop flow meters fouling and flow control valves blocking, but as a number of installations came on-line with a side stream polishing system, the group says that other benefits came to light.

By using clean cooling water, machine speeds improved during the trials as curing time came back towards the original design time, where previously, curing time had to be extended as cooling was becoming less effective due to poor quality water.

To put this extension to the curing time into perspective, the group claims that a coating of particulate on a heat transfer surface of only 100 micron (about the width of a human hair) can reduce heat transfer by 15%, so if the cooling

efficiency of a system reduces production by just 15% this would mean that for every 1000 hours of production, 150 hours are lost, which over a year is some 1314 hours. In a production facility with ten machines this means one or even two machines are being used just to cover production lost by extended curing due to poor water.

Another common problem is the onset of biological growth within the system. One solution is to routinely drain the whole cooling system, flush it, then refill it with fresh water. However in systems that also contain chemicals (such as biocides and antifreeze) these chemicals are in effect thrown away.

Hydro-gen claims that the system best suited to resolving these issues is a side stream option which can polish the water to below 1.0 micron. This is an advanced technology which is self-cleaning and when installed correctly can reportedly show significant benefits within days of installation, ensuring a clean cooling

system, reducing maintenance down-time and maintaining production levels as well as reducing water and chemical losses.

New extrusion die offers new possibilities for cast film A new generation of the widely used contour cast film die now incorporates an internal deckle that enables extrusion processors to achieve speed and precision without incurring downtime for changing product width, it was announced by Nordson EDI, which will introduce the die at K 2013 (Hall 2, Stand G06).

The die is said to reduce time needed to achieve on-spec product and to purge between product runs and reportedly offers up to 25% improvement in cross-directional product uniformity, along with a reduction in gel formation. The newgeneration Contour Die reportedly retains these advantages while saving up to two days of downtime for width changes because it incorporates an internal deckle for making changes in product width.

While benefits from the new die will vary with each application, in commercialscale trial runs by a global film manufacturer working with Nordson EDI, the new-generation Contour Die is said to have achieved considerably narrower gauge tolerances in comparison with a coathanger die, making possible materials saving with a calculated annual value of US $200,000.

“The Contour Die can pay for itself in less than a year simply by virtue of the resin savings made possible by precision control over the gauge profile,” said Sam G. Iuliano, chief 6 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

technologist. “Nor do these savings take into account the enhanced productivity resulting from increased yields of saleable film and reductions in scrap. Customers using the original Contour Die have told us many times that it is easier to adjust than standard coathanger dies, starts up and settles in more rapidly, requires less time for purging, and speeds up product changeovers.”

The new-generation Contour Die is the result of Nordson EDI’s use of modelling and engineering software to generate an innovative manifold—the flow channel that is machined between the upper and lower halves, or bodies, of the die. This new manifold permits the incorporation of a built-in internal deckle.

In developing the original Contour Die, the group designed a coat hangershaped manifold, which produces a streamlined melt flow. Unlike the blocklike shape of traditional coathanger dies, however, the Contour Die has a

Hydro-Gen Engineering Ltd Web: www.hydro-genengineering.co.uk

Die-maker to debut expanded widths at K

“sculpted” configuration that is smaller and tapered at the ends. This unique shape offsets the differences in die-body deflection across the width of the die that are caused by the great pressure of the molten polymer that the extruder continuously charges into the manifold—differences that in traditional coathanger dies cause gauge variations and the product deformation known as “clamshelling.”

Because it exhibits uniform die-body deflection, the original Contour Die can be adjusted to achieve on-specification film more quickly than the traditional coathanger die while still yielding a streamlined flow. In addition, it produces a more uniform cross-directional gauge profile and a more uniform layer structure in coextrusion.

“The new-generation Contour Die retains all of the advantages of the original design while making it possible to carry out rapid changes in product width without having to take the die offline,” said Mr. Iuliano.

EMO Extrusion Molding GmbH, a manufacturer of flat dies for plates and film extrusion has expanded its processing capacities in the largest size range. Film widths up to nine meters are now possible, says the group. Also expanded is the range of coatings for corrosion and wear protection. The group will introduce the new developments to K visitors in Hall 2.

EMO has also developed new options for the corrosion and wear protection of nozzle channel and lip areas. The group claims that operating stability can be increased, and deposits of degraded material in the flow channels reduced. EMO offers a whole range of coatings. The nozzle components are made of steel grades 1.2311 and 1.2316, which are coated, depending on the conditions of use, in whole or only on the flow channel surfaces.

Nordson EDI Web: www.extrusiondies.com

EMO Extrusion Molding GmbH Web: www.emo.at

MACHINERY ROUNDUP Pre-toughened tools available in more hardness grades

Extrusion line released for performance stretch film

Responding to demand, mould and tool specialist Meusburger has expanded its range of mould products in the grade 1.2714HH with 1,350 N/mm². As of now, the FB sliding cores FW 50 and FW 52 change inserts and standard bars are available from stock in the pretoughened material.

The fact that no further heat treatment is required for this material grade allows for shorter manufacturing lead times. The material also features high temperature and impact resistance. In

Extrusion machinery group SML has released a new three metre wide machine for the production of enhanced stretch film for performance applications.

Named SmartCast, the machine is a modular system with four pre-configured extrusion units at throughputs ranging from 1,700 kg/h to 2,400 kg/h and a choice of five or seven layers depending on requirements.

Using an optional edge encapsulation system, production speeds of up to 750 m/min are claimed to be achievable, which would provide an output on the winder of over 1,500 kg/h of 12µm film.

SML has also upgraded the chill roll unit by adding additional functions, avoiding

addition, it is said to be easily machinable, despite its hardness.

Meusburger Web: www.meusburger.com

vibrations and making operation easier.

Also new from SML is the W4000-4S winder, which has been designed with the following features: • Machine and jumbo rolls on 3-inch cores • Hand rolls on 2-inch cores • Coreless and thin core technology • Reduced film tail for improved roll finish The SmartCast line will be in operation on the SML stand (17/C42) at K 2013 in Düsseldorf.

SML Maschinengesellschaft GmbH Web: www.sml.at

MuCell chosen for thin sheet FFS product Packaging group Paccor has developed a thin-sheet technology for form-fill-seal (FFS) applications in dairy, along with other markets called Neocell. The product is made using the MuCell process, supplied by MuCell Extrusion, LLC. Bob Hope, Materials Technology Manager for Paccor said: “The development of this gas injection technology, in conjunction with MuCell Extrusion has allowed PACCOR to offer to the market two new products for Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) sheet, Neocell and Neocell+.

Neocell allows us to eliminate the use of chemical foaming agents, which for us leads to a cleaner process, with much more control over the expansion, as the quantity of gas injected is metered very accurately.”

Paccor says that Neocell technology has been designed for efficiency and sustainability. According to Vincent Duguay, Development leader for Neocell: “Neocell’s unique selling point is its low density middle layer, which forms through the use of the MuCell process and which makes the polystyrene sheet lighter, more environmentally friendly and also improves the carbon footprint.

“Cell size is more homogeneous and density can easily be adjusted to the customer’s requirements. Neocell+ is an extension of Neocell. Mineral fillers are incorporated into the formulation, which further reinforces the structure. This enables Neocell+ to be used in applications where previously only solid sheet could be used.”

“These two new products demonstrate PACCOR's commitment to the FFS market and to offering solutions which bring real environmental benefits, in terms of weight reduction and carbon footprint,” said Hope.

Neocell’s density decrease reportedly leads to weight reduction, material savings and reduced CO2 emissions. The density of the sheet is claimed to be adjustable according to the end user’s needs.

Neocell is available in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from 0.7mm to 1.4mm, and the sheet can be supplied in either white or bi-colour.

MuCell Extrusion, LLC Web: www.mucellextrusion.com OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 7

MACHINERY

SHOWCASE MATERIALS HANDLING Container loaders and unloaders finding more customers in plastics Container tilter manufacturer A-Ward has seen a significant increase in demand for its container tilters for loading and unloading shipping containers with plastic resin.

As resin manufacturers and customers shift from shipping with many small bags to single container liner bags, the demand has grown for efficient container loading and unloading solutions.

A-Ward manufactures container loading and unloading machines, also referred to as container tilters.

These machines are said to offer a range of benefits for both the exporters loading the containers with resin and the customers unloading them.

Whilst A-Ward container tilters have been around for many years in other industries (such as agriculture, recycling and mining), the company has experienced a sudden and recent increase in demand from some of the world’s leading resin suppliers and users.

A-Ward’s most recent container unloader installation was at Southeastern Container in Virginia, USA. Other recent

customers include Abu Dhabi Polymers, Tetra-Pak, Indorama and Bumi Mulia.

A-Ward container loaders provide some very attractive benefits to plastic resin manufacturers; including the ability to fill 100% of a container’s volume by loading at 90°. Full containers = optimised freight efficiency and eliminates shifting of material during shipping.

Another benefit that A-Ward’s customers experience is the increased speed of the container loading process by being able to position the tilter directly below silos.

Built-in remote controls ensure that the container loading process is a one-man operation and the option of adding a scale system to the machine allows the container to be weighed during loading which avoids over or under loading containers.

The most common benefit that A-Ward container unloaders reportedly provide is the removal of the reliance on expensive and scarce tipping trailers.

With the UO20 model, no forklift or reach stacker is needed to transfer the container from truck to unloader: the trailer is simply reversed in to the

unloader and the unloader removes the container directly from the truck’s trailer.

Where resin importers do not necessarily require all of the resin to be discharged at once, the container unloader enables companies to unload over a longer period of time; therefore increasing on-site storage. There is no need for the driver to wait while the product is discharged.

Unloading speed can also be controlled exactly by unloading at any desired angle and by using hydraulic container door arms, operator safety is maximised.

A-Ward Web: www.a-ward.com

Kobusch takes delivery of “one of the largest batch blenders sold in Europe” Kobusch manufactures packaging for protein-based products, convenience food, dry food, consumer care and high tech products, medical and pharmaceutical applications. UK-based distributor TH Plastics was selected in early 2013 to provide a new material handling system for Kobusch’s site in County Durham. In particular, the group required a blender that could handle two to three tonnes of regrind flake per hour.

TH Plastics’ system is a tailor-made endto-end materials handling system designed to streamline production, provide more uptime, less energy usage and self regulation.

It features “one of the largest batch blenders sold in Europe” (according to TH Plastics), the DGM1000, capable of blending up to five tonnes of normal product per hour. It includes flake loaders that are designed to work with

with the difficult Kobusch regrind. The system uses a Eureka drying system for the virgin PET, expected to use around 40% less energy than conventional drying systems. It also features a MOWIS supervisory system monitoring all the equipment feeding, blending and loading, producing material consumption reports and including maintenance reports.

Crawford Fleming, Project Manager at Kobusch commented, “We selected TH Plastics as they were able to offer us a fit-for-purpose and cost-effective solution that was tailored to meet our specific requirements. They were committed and invested in the time and effort to understand our specific needs.”

The system is monitored and gives Kobusch a consistent overview for monitoring schedules and altering them for any potential issues, again minimising potential downtime. TH Plastics included

a three year warranty and a three year service plan. The drying system is demonstrating around 30% in energy savings.

Crawford Fleming said: “The systems all work seamlessly together and we’ve been able to achieve optimum levels of over three tons of flake material per hour, which we’re extremely pleased with, and is much more than we expected. This was a crucial project for us and we were particularly nervous having had issues with the last material handling system we had implemented. TH Plastics have gone above the beyond the call of duty and have been really patient with us, helping us throughout the whole process. They

8 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

have demonstrated a clear partnership approach and much more than a supplier – customer relationship. They have taken the time to understand what we wanted and how we can get the best out of our systems. For example by looking at larger pipe work to accommodate our needs, and looking at the timing systems of the hopper loaders. They’ve worked out of hours to meet our deadlines and accommodated all of our requests, even if it meant departing from the initial plan. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”

TH Plastics Web: www.thplastics.co.uk

MACHINERY

SHOWCASE MATERIALS HANDLING Conair to present new polymer drying control at K The new DC-T TouchView control from The Conair Group, which provides an interface for monitoring and controlling the entire polymer drying process, will be featured in Hall 10, Booth J59 at K 2013. The new control will be part of a central-drying cell that includes a W300 Carousel Plus desiccant dryer and a four-hopper ResinWorks system equipped with the patented Conair Drying Monitor.

The DC-T TouchView dryer control has a whole host of convenient features that help plastics processors get more out of their drying system. A big 8-inchdiagonal graphical touch-screen interface shows everything going on in the drying system and operators can make adjustments easily. It shows current and historical temperature data and includes precise dew-point control.

The DC-T also provides a gateway for control of multi-hopper central drying

cells, like the ResinWorks system, which combines multiple hoppers with integral air manifolds, ducting and wiring on a sturdy platform for simplified shipping, installation and operation. Each hopper can be equipped with a Drying Monitor probe that incorporates RTD sensors spaced along its length. The probe measures the temperature at up to six different points in the bed of plastic material so that a temperature profile can be created to verify that conditions for proper drying are maintained.

Up to 15 hoppers equipped with Conair temperature controls can be linked to the DC-T for monitoring and duplicate control. All settings can be made, viewed and adjusted at the dryer. Data from individual Drying Monitor probes, including trending graphs, can also be displayed on the DC –T monitor thanks to the standard internet connectivity.

Controls on other Conair equipment are

also web-enabled and will be networked together at K 2013 so that anyone with a computer, tablet or smart phone with Internet access and the right password credentials can connect with the controls and monitor conditions or change settings.

“Customers have been telling us that they want these remote access options to maximise productivity,” said Doug Brewster, Conveying Product Manager.

“Whether they are on the other side of the building or on the other side of the world, production supervisors and management can change settings, respond to alarms, perform troubleshooting and other operations just as if they were standing

in front of the operator interface on the plant floor. It’s a tremendous timesaver.”

Conair Web: www.conairgroup.com

New blending technology improves cost performance Specialist supplier of gravimetric systems TSM Controls has introduced two new products to its range at K 2013 which have reportedly been designed to deliver improved cost-performance for plastics manufacturers.

The new Loss-In-Weight blender minimises scrap during start-up and product changeovers, reducing end product manufacturing costs for those in the extrusion sector while offering improved product quality and consistency, claims TSM. The unit can dose up to seven materials at a time and features optional cascade mixing chambers and multiple augers for varying feed rates. A new control algorithm, developed in conjunction with a leading UK university improves weighing and

dispensing accuracies. Stainless steel contact surfaces, easy-access hopper cleaning and material drains are key features of the new design.

The blender is suitable for the blown film, cast film, lamination coating, cable coating and fibre extrusion sectors.

The next generation Batch Blender combines TSM’s patented reverse auger technology with, responsive throughput measurements for real-time control. The mechanical design delivers a small footprint, making it ideal for either new or retro-fit installations. A combination of both batch and continuous technologies are deployed in a single unit that reportedly provides improved performance over the traditional batch blender.

The hardware and mechanical design is

now delivered with a control strategy that is said to offer faster and more accurate control.

“The introduction of these new products is a direct result of listening to our customers and developing products that make a real difference to the bottom line.

Achieving true bottom line results needs not onl, great technology but also great people who understand your business – with the in-depth skills and strong track record in delivering results,” said Declan Byrne, TSM Director of Sales.

The new blenders are on display during the K Show at the TSM stand in Hall 10, J54.

TSM Controls Web: www.tsmcontrols.com

Bucket elevators allow reliable conveying of bulk materials The transportation of bulk materials is a major challenge, to ensure the availability of building materials when they are needed. System availability and reliability are often overlooked and quick solutions are used which sometimes only secures limited success.

That’s according to RUD, a manufacturer and supplier of chain systems and components to the bulk materials industry supplying; complete bucket elevators and spare parts, complete conveyor systems and drive systems for bulk materials handling.

The group’s BULKOS range provides conveyors and systems for a wide range of bulk material applications. BULKOS complete bucket elevators are suitable for vertical conveying applications for powdery, granular, lumpy and high temperature bulk materials.

BULKOS belt type bucket elevators are reinforced with textile or steel inlays for

smooth transport of materials. Bucket elevators are used for conveying at heights and under high performance conditions, an area where RUD claims to have an extensive product range.

BULKOS central chain type bucket elevators are mainly used to provide conveying capacities in extreme conditions and to meet high speed conveying requirements. RUD says it has a ‘robust and durable design’ for a long operating life.

BULKOS round steel chain type bucket elevators reportedly enable handling of materials operating under the toughest of conditions such as high temperatures or bulk flow rates. The RUD multiple link bucket attachments are robust, durable and help guarantee a high degree of safety during transport.

RUD states that it retains a high level of technical experience in conveyor and conveyor systems for the handling of

bulk materials. Supplying standard and specialised solutions across all conveyors, drive and elevator applications.

RUD Chaines Web: www.rud.co.uk

OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 9

MACHINERY SPOTLIGHT eppm

COMPOUNDING LINES & EQUIPMENT

POWER UNIT ELIMINATES NEED FOR A PRESSURISED OIL ACCUMULATOR

A hydraulic power unit with two pumps effectively overcomes resistance during slide plate or diverter valve operation without need for a pressurised hydraulic oil accumulator, it has been announced by Nordson Kreyenborg GmbH, which will introduce the system at K 2013 (Hall 9, Stand A44-48).

The new system reportedly eliminates the costs associated with maintaining pressurised accumulators, as well as the additional costs and complications caused by the safety inspections required for such accumulators. Inspections must be carried out every one to two years in Belgium, for example, and every five years in Luxembourg and Germany.

In addition, the two pumps in the new Nordson Kreyenborg system are supplied from a single oil reservoir and are driven by a single motor, simplifying the design and reducing the initial investment.

In a conventional hydraulic system for slide plate screen changers, a

10 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

pressurised accumulator is required to overcome the resistance caused by residual degraded or baked-on polymer, which can otherwise impede the movement of slide plates in a screen changer or of the bypass, start-up, and switch-over valves used in various polymer processing applications. The Nordson Kreyenborg system makes rapid action possible in these devices while avoiding the maintenance, costs, and safety issues of a pressurised accumulator.

The new system utilises two hydraulic pumps that are capable of operating simultaneously. One, called the volume flow pump, draws on a larger volume of oil to provide fast movement when the level of resistances is low. The second, called the high-pressure pump, uses less oil but generates a pressure buildup that overcomes high levels of resistance.

Kreyenborg Web: www.kreyenborg.com

Austrian group Econ, a manufacturer of extrusion peripherals, especially underwater pelletizing systems, pellet dryers, screen changers and pyrolysis furnaces will launch a new laboratory version of the underwater pelletizing system at K 2013.

Named EUP 10, it is designed for throughputs of 1-15 kg per hour, depending on density and granule size. The nozzle platen can be fitted with one to five nozzles of individual diameters.

Also launching (or re-launching) will be

LAB-SCALE UNDERWATER PELLETIZER TO ENTER MARKET

the group’s screen changer, which has been re-designed. The main difference is a patent-pending sealing technology, which is said to be advantageous when processing very low-viscosity plastic melts (e.g. PA, PET).

The unit features a free-flow area on the screen, in which 75% is permanently open for the melt stream, while 25% of the stream is backwashed. This is due to the new screen assembly. The two meshes are located next to one another in each of the two displacement piston units, allowing for a more direct flow in the melt channels. This reduces the back pressure in the melt flow and the associated energy consumption.

Also on display will be the S+L pellet dryer. The dryer is available in four standard sizes for throughput rates from 500 to 10,000 kg/h (based on a bulk density of 0.7 kg/m³).

They can be used as stand-alone devices as well as in combination with Econ’s granulation units.

Econ GmbH Web: www.econ.eu

MATERIALS

EPS market analysis now available An analysis of the global market for expandable polystyrene (EPS) has been released.

Market research firm Ceresana carried out the study, which revealed that global demand for EPS in the construction and packaging industries will slow down, but continues.

It also goes on to highlight factors like the recovery of the construction sector after the financial and economic crisis in 2008/09, state-funded programs to improve energy efficiency, and increasing wealth and population in emerging countries.

Average growth rates of 4.8% p.a. that have been generated in the previous eight years are unlikely to be reached again, but Ceresana nevertheless expects consumption to increase at an AAGR of 3.8% in the next eight years.

An expected market volume of more than US$15 billion in 2020 shows that the market for EPS is well worth a closer examination.

Asia-Pacific already is the most important consumer of EPS worldwide,

accounting for about 54% of global demand, followed by Western and Eastern Europe. Market analysts at Ceresana forecast Asian-Pacific countries to continue to gain shares of the global EPS market, mostly at the expense of saturated industrialised countries in Western Europe and North America.

Developing and emerging countries, on the other hand, can capitalise on an increasing per capita consumption of packaging materials and other EPSbased products. The most important growth trend on the international market is China.

One of the major application areas is the construction sector that accounted for more than 61% of total demand in 2012.

European countries in particular record a widespread use of EPS in the construction sector, as a range of statefunded programs target at improving energy efficiency.

All around the world, EPS-based products are used in the construction of new residential building and in the

refurbishment of old buildings.

Even on saturated markets, this can create growth impulses because EPS consumption in the construction sector is expected to increase by 4.1% per year.

Packaging made from EPS that is, for example, used to transport fresh fish or electronic goods, account for more than a third of global demand.

Especially in Asia-Pacific and South America EPS products are accounting for a significant share of total demand.

Other EPS-based products include recreational goods such as helmets, cores for surfboards, life jackets or foam cups for hot beverages. A particularly large consumption volume in this segment is recorded in North America,

not least due to a comparatively high consumption of foam cups. EPS is also used in child safety seats, casting moulds, and horticultural applications.

Taken together, all these applications accounted for about 4% of global demand.

Ceresana Web: www.ceresana.com

EU BOPET film prices “finally stabilise” says consultancy Following two years of steady decline in the European price of 12 micron bioriented polyester (BOPET) film, it would appear that the trend has finally stabilised, according to PCI Films Consulting. BOPET film prices have remained unchanged for three months running.

Whilst some modest reductions in price are likely for Q3, 2013, PCI believes that future price movements in either direction are not expected to be significant due to: • Already squeezed film producer margins • Excess film extrusion capacity • Stable raw material costs European film producer margins have been weakened in 2013 due to the

absorption of higher input costs, mainly because they have been unable to pass these increased costs onto customers.

In addition film producers have been chasing volume to improve capacity utilisation at a time when European BOPET film demand remains at best stable. Both factors are putting BOPET film producers under significant financial strain.

Speaking of the problems facing the West European BOPET film extrusion industry, PCI Managing Director, Mr Simon King said: “European producers of 12 micron BOPET films will be glad to see prices finally stabilise but they still face strong competition from Turkish, Middle Eastern and Asian producers.

European buyers of BOPET film now source the majority of their commodity

films from lower-cost suppliers outside of Europe so if the European industry is to survive, successful strategies to develop and supply added-value products will be critical.”

In the latest edition of, ‘European Monthly BOPET Film Pricing Series’, PCI reports on industry average prices

obtained from interviews with buyers and sellers of 12 micron BOPET film across Europe.

PCI Films Consulting Tel: +44 1604 749001 Email: info@pcifilms.com Web: www.pcifilms.com

Metal detectable scoops and bag clips reduce contamination risks The first of two new products from UKbased Detectamet is a fully detectable large straight clip that is designed to reseal large bags or sacks used in the food industry to contain ingredients. It is easy to close and open and is coloured dark blue. It has a sealing length of 320mm.

Modern food processing companies now use detection systems to carry out final checks on their finished product. Pieces of plastic can be detected by these machines and the contaminated cupcakes can be detected and sent into the reject bin.

The plastic meets the requirement of EU and US regulations for food contact, and it will continue to do its job at temperatures as low as -50°C / -58°F. This means that the clips can be used to seal sacks or large bags of product or partly used ingredients that are to be stored in the deepest of deep freeze stores as well as at ambient temperatures.

For companies that dispense their dry goods by the scoop rather than by the part sackful, Detectamet has also launched a new range of food scoops.

They are made from the company’s

detectable high impact polypropylene and are available in three sizes of 250ml, 500ml and 1000ml.

The scoops have inner graduation marking for easy measurements when dispensing ingredients such as flour and sugar. The handle offers a sturdy, comfortable grip and with a hole for hanging and easy storage.

Each scoop has its size stamped on the handle for instant recognition and the flat bottoms allow them to safely sit flat on counter tops and tables and can be stacked when not in use.

The small scoop is marked in 50ml and in 2oz increments, the medium is marked in 100ml and in 3oz increments and the large scoop measures in 200ml and in 5oz increments.

The one–piece manufacture means that the scoops offer due diligence solutions to cleaning risks and the detectability reduces the risk of product contamination when post production detection systems are installed.

Detectamet Web: www.detectamet.co.uk OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 11

MATERIALS ROUNDUP Volkswagen cranks up lightweighting in new diesel engines DSM, along with automotive component specialist KACO, has developed a lightweight crankshaft cover that uses EcoPaXX, DSM’s bio-based polyamide 410, for the latest line of diesel engines developed by the Volkswagen Group.

The cover incorporates integral seals in PTFE and liquid silicone rubber (LSR), as well as various metal inserts. It will be used on Volkswagen’s new MDB modular diesel engine platform, implemented across its Audi, Seat, Škoda and VW brands.

Compared with covers made of aluminium, system costs for the EcoPaXX cover are said to be considerably lower, thanks in part to the use of an integrated, fully automated production cell for the component at KACO. Weight has been reduced considerably too, since the EcoPaXX grade is 45% less dense than aluminium.

DSM says that 70% of its EcoPaXX polyamide 410 is derived from renewable resources, and the polymer is certified 100% carbon neutral from

cradle to gate. In the production stage, KACO moulds the crankshaft cover, and integrates two separate seals: the first, made of PTFE, is placed into the mould by a robot, and EcoPaXX is over-moulded onto it; the second, made of LSR, is then moulded directly into the part using a 2K process.

Thermoplastic crankshaft covers are still uncommon, with polyamide 6 or 66 being the favoured material.

Andreas Genesius, Head of Project Management at KACO said: “The part comes out of the injection moulding cell ready to be assembled onto the engine block. No trimming is necessary at all. By taking a holistic approach to automotive part design and production, we are contributing to sustainable technological progress without any compromise on part performance or competitiveness.”

Fibre orientation, the number and position of gating points, and the design and integration of the various inserts have been optimised to minimise warpage and ensure tight

seals between the cover and the engine block and oil sump, says DSM. The cover is also resistant to the tightening of bolts fixing it to the engine block and the sump (each of which are built to different tolerances),

as well as from tools used to fix the position of the FEAD (Front End Accessory Drive) belt.

DSM Web: www.dsm.com/automotive

Applications: the ‘health and safety hairbrush’

Production facility for polymer-bound rubber additives opens

Celebrity UK hairdresser Richard Ward has released a plastic hairbrush that uses antimicrobial additives. Named Tangle Angel, the brush uses Biomaster antimicrobials to make it more hygienic and safe to use.

Biomaster antimicrobials are blended specifically for the end application and are said to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria including MRSA, E.coli and salmonella.

The active ingredient in Biomaster is silver, a natural antimicrobial that has been used for centuries to prevent the growth of bacteria. Added during processing, the properties do not leak out or wash off through use.

Tangle Angel, which also has heat resistant and anti-static properties built in, has reportedly seen a strong growth in sales through hair salons and directly through hairdresser Richard Ward’s website.

Ward said: “Brushes can collect hair, dead skin and residues of hair products which can become sticky and attract dirt. I wanted to create a brush that not only detangles and looks beautiful, but has an added benefit through the

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

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

Rhein Chemie says Rhenogran helps rubber processors by making production more safe and cost-effective as well as significantly increasing the quality of rubber components and improving their long-term functionality and durability.

The product is dust-free, thus significantly reducing the need for occupational safety and cleaning measures.

Rhenogran is said to be renowned for its optimal miscibility in the processing of

added antibacterial agent, which acts as a great defence.

We are so pleased with how customers have responded to the brush and are looking to develop further products with Biomaster.”

Paul Morris, Managing Director at Biomaster said: “It’s been said that the average hairbrush holds more bacteria than a sink plughole or dog bowl. We’re pleased to be partnering with Richard Ward on a product that can make a difference to people’s everyday lives.”

Biomaster Web: www.biomastertechnology.com

rubber additives in the mixture. It spreads quickly and completely in the rubber matrix, thus enabling active crosslinking substances to unleash their full effect. This reduces dosing amounts and prevents chemicals from blooming, says Rhein Chemie.

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

Obituary: Hugo Jönsson, a life in plastics Hugo Jönsson, the founder of Swedish compounder Polykemi, has passed away at the age of 83.

Hugo is said to have visited the office on a daily basis, even in his final days. His role recently was as Senior Advisor to the current management.

Hugo Jönsson was born in the village of Ingelstorp east of Ystad. He began his career at Persöner, at the time largest company in Ystad. There he advanced to Deputy Manager of the textile recycling department. In his book, My Own Story, which he wrote after his retirement, he recounts how he suggested to the management of Persöner to close the textile department and grow into the field of plastics; a suggestion which was apparently rejected.

12 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

Hugo continued to pursue the industry, borrowed money and founded Polykemi in 1968. A few years later the company was expanding outside the borders of Ystad and Sweden. Today Polykemi has approximately 250 employees with foreign subsidiaries in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany and China and agents/distributors in seven countries. The subsidiaries Rondo Plast (recycling) and Scanfill (packaging compounds) are both located in Ystad.

The plant in China was opened in 2007 and Hugo Jönsson was instrumental in the process for establishing Polykemi in the Chinese market, as it was his conviction that it was necessary for Polykemi to be present there.

Despite a huge fire in 1975, Hugo’s business continued to grow, venturing

into mineral reinforced PP in 1979, which turned out to be more complicated and expensive than calculated, almost causing the company go under. The development of Polyfill in 1982/1983 gave the company long term financial stability. In the mid-eighties, Jönsson invested in an R&D department for Polykemi.

In 1997 he retired as Managing Director and handed responsibility of daily operations to his sons Ola and Lars, naming himself Chairman of the Board at Polykemi — now the largest private employer in Ystad and in the southeast of Scania.

Outside of work at Polykemi Hugo also involved himself in local politics and was Chairman of the Ystad Harbour for three years, where he managed to convince

the Polish ferry line operating the “Polonia” to choose Ystad as its Swedish harbor.

Hugo Jönsson was fond of nonprofit sports, in particular Ystad IF team handball.

Jönsson transformed YIF into the major club it is today, and is said to have been behind the club’s first Swedish Championship in 1976.

Polykemi Web: www.polykemi.se

MATERIALS

SHOWCASE PURGING COMPOUNDS Purging compound supplier offers informative webinars

PVC compound range expanded to facilitate purging

The Dyna-Purge Division of Shuman Plastics, Inc., Buffalo, NY, has announced a four-part webinar series titled “From the Boardroom to the Shop Floor: Answers to your top questions.� Dyna-Purge recently asked its customers to identify their biggest business challenges. The majority of responses, as stated by Tim Cutler, Vice President of Dyna-Purge, led to four common themes — hiring and retaining the right people; developing talented technicians; avoiding injection moulding problems; and solving common problems with purging.

The series has already kicked off with Dr. Russ Riendeau conducting a live presentation to a large audience at UBM’s Plastec Midwest show in Chicago, IL. Dr. Riendeau, co-author of “The CEO's Guide to Talent Acquisition,� shared his first-hand knowledge about what it takes to hire and retain the very best talent. Dr. Riendeau’s live presentation was then uploaded onto the UL IDES website, where it is now available on demand at no charge to viewers.

The series continues with a webinar scheduled for October 2, 2013 from 2 PM EST to 3 PM EST titled “Making Permanent Sustainable Change Through Training: A better way to develop talented techs,� presented by Andy

UK and European PVC extruders and injection moulders can now gain access to a wide range of REACH-compliant, lead-free purging compounds – and a pool of specialist knowledge – according to UK-based Dugdale PLC. Reformulated purging compounds that meet current European chemicals regulations are part of the Dugdale range, which also includes a selection of rigid and flexible PVC compounds for UK and European customers.

The compounds are formulated to work in tandem with the group’s customised extrusion and injection moulding compounds.

In addition to being a lead and tin-free formulation, the compounds feature new stabiliser technology which gives Ducafreeze elevated temperature resistance, making it suitable for use as a freeze or purge compound for rigid and flexible PVC production across a wide range of applications. It is especially suited to high-end rigid PVC applications with processing temperatures over 200ËšC. Ducafreeze is said to eliminate the need for stripping

Routsis, President of Routsis Training.

On November 8, 2013 at 11 AM EST, the third webinar will be presented by the Doctor of Scientific Molding, John Bozzelli. Mr. Bozzelli spent 20 years at Dow, has written well over 100 industry papers and is one of the most respected experts in the injection moulding industry. His webinar titled “Proper Planning in Screw/Barrel Design Will Improve Profits: How to avoid the most common injection moulding problems before they start� will focus specifically on how to eliminate common problems, such as degradation and lengthy color changes, before they occur.

The series concludes with a fourth webinar on December 4, 2013 at 2 PM EST presented by Nancy Mitchell, the Technical Product Manager at DynaPurge.

Those interested in registering or obtaining additional information on each of the four webinars should visit: www.dynapurge.com/resources/webinar s.aspx Dyna-Purge Web: www.dynapurge.com

Purging compound an effective choice for blow moulder Purging compound developer Aquapurge has been partnering the RPC Group at its Llantrisant, Wales, site in the latter’s ongoing continuous improvement operational efficiency work.

Aquapurge says its new Poly Clear HMEX compound has been used during blow moulding production at RPC and says the product requires just a fraction of the time previously taken to clean out previous production runs.

Aquapurge Technical Director, John Steadman, commented: “We worked on white bottle production issues on start up after the weekend. Black ‘speccing’ issues were at the time disrupting production and requiring manpower intensive inspection, sometimes for a two hour period. Our solution was to trial some 10kg of Poly Clear HMEX on a twin head machine making 2 x 380ml containers. Within 18 minutes we achieved clear production with no further need for remedial work.�

RPC’s Chris Walstow led the project from the client end. “We made great strides with Aquapurge on the machine purging front,� he said. “All of this production work contributes to our company’s Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and our plant efficiency generally. We are now confident in the performance of Poly Clear HMEX in helping us achieve some of our production goals.�

Aquapurge is marketing its Poly Clear

dies for cleaning – and the knock-on effects of frequent disassembly and reassembly.

It can be used while the machine is cooling and left in the tooling – even for extended periods – until the next startup, when it is itself purged by standard material.

Flexible PVC processors used to experience more problems than those working with rigid PVC compounds. This was because cleaning flexible PVC from extrusion and moulding machines requires specifically formulated purging materials that match the material within the machine.

Dugdale Ltd Web: www.dugdalepvc.com

052').'

SOLUTIONS HIGH TEMPERATURE HOT RUNNERS HOLDING THE BUBBLE

ABS PVC LUCOFIN SAN

HMEX as “the most universal and most effective purging compound that the company has developed� for both continuous and accumulator blow moulding of polyolefins. Aquapurge is targeting sales on the global blow moulding sector and says UK blow moulders have been first to take advantage.

The company says plastic blow-moulded container applications, typically from 0.5l upwards are set to see immediate benefits, especially in saving downtime; material cost and colour contamination. “The accumulator blow moulding process is sensitive to inherent hold-up points in all head designs and, over time, can contribute to black specking and loosened or degraded polymer or masterbatch. At Aquapurge we question the practice of taking a risk with all these factors – and Poly Clear HMEX is our solution,� concluded Steadman.

HIPS GPPS PPCO PPHO LDPE

Range includes SEBS, EPDM and TPO based compounds Wide range of hardness from Shore A90 to A0 Small lots available from stock

HDPE MBATCH POM PC PMMA PBT TPE

s $9.A 052'%ÂŽ Solutions to all Purging Issues Cost Effective Colour Changes Eliminates Downtime & Waste

PA6 PA66 SMMA EVA TPU PC/ABS

Aquapurge Web: www.aquapurge.com

s TH%2-/0,!STIC %,!34/-%2S

s 4%#(.)#!, 3500/24 Material Indentification Processing Advice Product Development

4ELEPHONE s 7EBSITE WWW CJPSALES CO UK OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 13

APPLICATION FOCUS CAPS and CLOSURES

COMMENT

Outlook on caps and closures

by Kevin Heap, Packaging Expert, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag

Kevin Heap, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Packaging Expert According to a new study* world demand for caps and closures is projected to rise by over 5% per year to $46 billion in 2016 so the outlook for performance injection moulding equipment suppliers looks optimistic.

In a nutshell – the injection moulding production of caps and closures entails thermoplastic and thermosetting polymer granules being fed into a heated barrel where they are melted and mixed under pressure by a rotating screw until there is a homogeneous melt which is injected into a mould cavity where the shape is configurated to the cavity and is replicated exactly. The mould is then cooled and opened ejecting the finished cap/closure. For caps and closures, multi-cavity moulds are used to allow the production of thousands of caps per minute.

For some time, compression moulding has enjoyed a perceived ‘top of the podium’ position with respect to productivity, particularly for certain types of beverage caps and closures.

Compression moulding is a forming process in which extruded plastic melt is cropped and loaded into a single cavity the cap is formed into shape and ejected. In recent years, injection

14 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

moulding solutions have surpassed the capabilities of compressions moulding, particularly for single piece water enclosures.

Manufacturers are often contracted to produce millions of caps and closures, so to be cost effective, investment in high performance plant equipment is advisable. Packaging formats are constantly changing to be more in keeping with modern lifestyles such as sports caps, gabletop cartons, aseptic cartons and stand up pouches, it makes good economic sense to build a complete moulding system to take care of all anticipated applications, rather than trying to adapt existing equipment.

Once a cap is moulded, zero post production operations are required due to the moving core operated by the mould and injection moulding machine.

From a sustainability point of view, bio plastics are also being developed to meet manufacturer’s green credential requirements, which enables any scrap material from any type of plastic to be reground and reused, benefitting from little waste.

In terms of materials, plastic closures are gaining in market share at the expense of metal, paperboard, and glass packaging thanks to their cost advantages, shatter resistance, re-sealability, and graphics capabilities.

Polypropylene will remain the leading caps and closure resin but there are expectations that the material may be replaced with HDPE which has economic and sustainability advantages.

The ‘more for less’ philosophy is highly evident in our industry. With material still being the largest cost element of a closure, thin walling and weight reduction has been the theme for the last few years. From a machinery manufacturer point of view, thinner wall sections bring changes in processing requirements: higher pressures and speeds, faster cooling times, and modifications to part-ejection and gating

arrangements. These process changes have in turn prompted new considerations in mould, machinery, and part design.

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag strive to produce lightweight caps and closures which surpass performance expectations and help lower costs, increase sustainability and increase speed capabilities With advances in mould design, materials and high performance injection moulding machinery, a leading mineral water cap manufacturer has installed the Sumitomo (SHI) Demag ElExis SP fast cycling injection moulding machine to produce 72 HDPE screw caps in just 2.5 seconds. The El-Exis SP 300-2500 with a clamping force of 3,000 kN, is producing caps from HDPE and incorporates a 72-cavity hot runner mould for the 28mm 1.6g closure which includes a tamperproof strip.

The El-Exis SP is a hybrid system which uses a carefully crafted blend of drive technologies including a servo driven hydraulic clamp unit to achieve precise movements, a hydraulic accumulator delivering high injection rates, and an electric screw drive for parallel plasticising, all of which shave tenths of a second off the cycle time enabling manufacturers to profit from increased margins.

The system installed included a high-performance barrier screw with a diameter of 70mm and a L:D (length to diameter) ratio of 25:1.

Owing to its hybrid drive technology, the fact that all motions were optimised through the system’s new ‘activeAdjust’ feature (which allows cycle optimisation through individually adjustable parameters without any external assistance via a slider system) and the new NC5 machine control. The system reaches cycles of just 2.5 seconds resulting in low unit costs, high efficiency and outstanding economic viability.

The El-Exis SP, with single or multicomponent capability, has a 150-750 tonnes clamp force range, up to 1120mm between tie bars and can accommodate up to 2.5kg shot weight.

Many manufacturers today are willing to invest in high-performance injection moulding equipment for the production of caps and closures. These days, it is an expectation that suppliers provide turnkey solutions, including robotic product handling, advice with tooling, training and testing as well as all the know-how and support that underpins efficient injection moulding manufacturing. *Study carried out by The Freedonia Group

APPLICATION FOCUS Allrounders tailored for performance caps and packaging applications Arburg’s Allrounders, which are now available in the “packaging” version combine high productivity and low energy requirements for a range of applications, including caps and closures.

“As is customary, we combine our comprehensive technology with expert consulting services”, said Andreas Reich, Sales Manager Packaging at Arburg. “In addition to application technology support, we also provide our customers with assistance in the planning of complete systems, commissioning, CE certification and competent support worldwide. These services are ensured reliably and rapidly by our Packaging team, which comprises both sales and engineering personnel. Just as the industry has come to expect from us.”

The “packaging” versions of the electric Alldrive (A) and hybrid Hidrive (H) series have been adapted for packaging applications, taking into account distance between tie bars, clamping force and opening stroke. This results in clamping forces of 1,800 kN, 2,300 kN, 2,900 kN, 3,700 kN and 4,600 kN which use the appropriate, larger injection units.

The rigid, longitudinal steel machine base supports accommodate heavy mould weights and compensate for high load changes during mass movements.

The FEM-optimised mounting platens combine the necessary rigidity with low

weight. Together with servo-electric toggle-type clamping units, this facilitates fast opening and closing movements, leading to shorter overall cycle times. At the same time, energy recovery during braking means that the energy applied is used more efficiently.

Energy savings totalling up to 30% can reportedly be achieved in comparison with hydraulic clamping systems.

In the ‘packaging’ versions, Arburg says that up to four injection units are available for each machine type, ensuring that the high plasticising performance required in the packaging sector can be achieved.

Servo-electric dosage drives ensure fast operation across cycles, short dosage times and productivity. The use of barrier screws ensures homogeneous melt preparation and a high material throughput. Injection involves either servo-electric or hydraulic accumulator technology via position-regulated screws. With a dynamic filling process, active acceleration and deceleration is achieved. Together with higher injection speeds of up to 500 mm/s, this enables the short injection times which are required in the packaging sector. If production sequences need further optimisation, injection can be started simultaneously with the “mould closing” movement as standard. Once again, the aim here is to reduce the cycle times in order to achieve high productivity in manufacturing.

For the production of thinwalled items and screw caps, special features are available which enable the packaging Allrounders to be adapted to the particular application.

The equipment for producing thin-walled items includes facilities for connecting an external inmould labelling system or removal system. In addition,

the extension of the robot interface enables the robotic system to advance as the mould opens. Again, this brings an effective reduction in the entire cycle time. Freely programmable ramps for the hydraulic ejector ensure the fast and smooth demoulding of parts. Valve clusters with large diameters help with rapid actuation of pneumatic functions in the mould, such as air blow.

In screw cap production, fast, reliable ejection of mass-produced parts is key.

For this task, a servo-electric ejector with hydraulic booster function, in other words an increased ejection force of 250 kN, is available. This is said to allow trouble-free demoulding, even of shrunkon closures. The ejection and mouldopening stages can be synchronised.

Dropping of the moulded parts can be adjusted with precision to keep the mould opening times short. Higher screw circumferential speeds enable correspondingly short dosage times.

This permits very fast cycle times. The expanded control features additional signals and an interface for drying or dosing units so that the peripherals can

be fully integrated in the production processes.

Further control functions are also integrated, such as start-up parameters.

This function facilitates a controlled start of production, particularly with highspeed applications.

The heat-up sequence at the start of production permits rapid and safe startup when multi-cavity moulds are used.

The machine is adjusted so that the automatic sequence is interrupted following advancement of the ejector.

The production process only restarts after the system has been manually released by personnel via the control panel.

Arburg Web: www.arburg.com

Mold-Masters to live-demo the latest in caps and closures technology Mold-Masters, a supplier of hot runners and process control solutions, is using the K Show to exhibit its IRIS technology in a live work cell on its booth. The technology will be producing HDPE closures in a 16-cavity, fast-cycling closure mould. The system incorporates Mold-Masters' IRIS co-injection hot runner, an E-Multi secondary injection unit, and E-Drive servo-driven valve gate control, all integrated into a single control unit. Precise dosing, flow and pressure control are all achieved via integrated control of the two melt streams and the movement of the servo actuated valve pins. Using Mold-Masters co-injection technology, the cap is moulded with a precise, controlled EVOH barrier encased in its center. This results in a simple, high performance cap that is ready to be used, as opposed to requiring a secondary operation to insert or mould a liner.

IMD, from Brugg, Switzerland, will be providing testing equipment that has the ability to detect the presence, thickness, and location of clear barriers in all parts produced. The testing system is supplemented with the entire downstream equipment IMDvista INOX

line for cooling, sorting and packing of the parts.

The IRIS technology will also be shown moulding a thin-walled cat food container, live on the Stork Plastics Machinery booth (hall 13/D72). This system is integrated with a mould provided by Van Den Brink.

Co-injection in thin-wall containers eliminates the need to use a multi-layer thermoformed structure with tie layers and glues.

The benefit is that a net shaped part is produced with no web scrap.

Simultaneous injection of a 3-6% barrier in each cavity is achieved with balanced filling and control of the melt streams.

Also new from the group are additions to its E-Multi lineup, which has doubled to include the EM4-550 and the EM2-16.

Launched in 2010, the E-Multi has reportedly become the standard in portable auxiliary injection units for multimaterial or multi coloured applications.

The group claims that E-Multi is designed for moulders who are looking

to economically optimise their existing injection moulding machine assets with an auxiliary injection unit that is mobile, compact and footprint neutral.

A number of additional Mold-Masters products will also be launching new features and enhancements at the K Show. The Fusion G2 line has been expanded with the F7000 nozzle and equipped with new heater technology and is said to be particularly relevant to

automotive and large part moulders.

2013 marks a milestone anniversary for Mold-Masters. The company is rich in its history, claiming nearly 1000 registered patents. Recently acquired by Milacron, in June 2013, Mold-Masters states that it expects to grow and expand in “new and exciting ways”.

Mold-Masters Web: www.moldmasters.com OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 15

2013: THE PREVIEW 16-23 October 2013, Düsseldorf, Germany "Navigator" feed system offers high-end material distribution Koch-Technik's fully automatic material feed system Navigator is said to increase the level of automation in plastics processing. The patented system reportedly delivers accurate material distribution with zero residue in central conveyor systems. Pneumatic sliders automatically move the required material and machine lines together and connect them. The advantage of this system is that the lines do not come into contact with any other material, offering protection against contamination and undesired mixing.

The Navigator system can distribute up to 40 different plastics to the processing machines in a single material supply system, claims the group. The integrated control system allows all the necessary data to be stored and output on

standard interfaces. The system is made user-friendly with an operating status display and a self-diagnosis option. As an option it can also be integrated in process monitoring visualisation software, as supplied by Koch-Technik.

The system can be integrated into existing material supply systems without

modifying their basic design.

Other conveying solutions also come with a number of new features. KochTechnik says it has developed solutions for plastics processors looking for more energy-efficient material conveying technology. Many custom-built projects are based on the efficient control of

vacuum generators and other energy consumers with the involvement of the whole production structure.

The company will exhibit on stand A21 in hall 10.

Koch-Technik Web: www.koch-technik.com

WE ARE SPECIALIST DEALERS IN USED EXTRUSION EQUIPMENT We will buy your redundant machinery – One machine or the whole factory!

We Part Exchange

We Buy

We Sell

2 x Weber DS 7.22

Krauss Maffei KMD110

Battenfeld BEX2-90-22V

Krauss Maffei KMD110

Technoplast TDE 6000

Krauss Maffei KMD2-90-2

Twin Screw Extruders.

2000/2002. Also available DS8.22

Twin screw extruder profile screws

Profile line

Twin screw pipe extruder pipe screws (2 years old)

Twin screw extruder, profile screws

Pipe screws

CONTACT: CHRIS ISAAC '.U xHH jNk EKFH LIJIEH 1$+.' xHH jNk KKHN JGFMNK Visit our new tablet/mobile friendly website: www.angloplastics.com Email: info@angloplastics.com, 16 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

K 2013: THE PREVIEW Reproducible DSC results now faster and easier Reproducible, fast results and an easy to use measuring instrument are of highest priority in the area of quality control of polymers according to Netzsch, which says it has incorporated these into the development of the new Netzsch DSC 214 Polyma. The result is an instrument said to be optimised for the polymer field, also ideal for sample preparation and incorporating flexible software.

The core of the newly developed DSC 214 Polyma is comprised of the new Arena furnace for fast heating and cooling rates, the new Corona sensor and the Concavus pan. These form a trio of elements combined for achieving fast and reproducible measurements.

Measurement preparation has been simplified by means of the new SampleCutter, which is available exclusively from Netzsch, and the brandnew “3in1 Box” containing 96 pre-sorted, securely packed Concavus pans.

Time savings are reported to be achieved by the new “SmartMode” of the measuring software. Pre-defined methods and automatic calibration allow for the measurement to be started at the push of

a button, claims Netzsch.

The introduction of the AutoEvaluation function allows more effective evaluation of measurement results. Netzsch claims that with AutoEvaluation it is now possible to determine thermal effects in the

measuring curve automatically.

Another new piece of software development is “Identify”. This algorithm can be used to identify unknown polymers. In addition, Identify can compare results from routine quality control checks with the saved standard condition for the raw material, thus allowing a quick insight into the quality of delivered goods.

Additional information on the new “360° approach” of the new DSC 214 Polyma can be found at www.netzsch.com/20650, or on the Netzsh stand at K. Netzsch Web: www.netzsch.com/20650

Stäubli to demonstrate quick mould change and new robot for IMM At this year’s K Show, Stäubli’s Connectors and Robotics Divisions will jointly present a range of products specifically designed for the plastics industry to improve productivity and production flexibility.

Stäubli Connectors has devised a quick mould change (QMC) demo application to be shown at K, which it says illustrates how easily, quickly and reliably even the heaviest tools can be changed on a modern injection moulding machine.

Also on display will be the division’s complete range, presented interactively, including a new multicoupling plate (MCI209) that provides centralised non-spill connections for all mould temperature control circuits; preventing pollution and reducing the consumption of heat transfer fluid.

Jointly exhibiting is Stäubli’s Robotics division, which has a range of fourand six-axis robots specifically designed for automation applications in the plastics market. These, it says, combine high precision and ultra-short cycle times with straightforward programming and easy communication with the IMM. Being unveiled at the show is Stäubli’s new TX340 SH 6-axis shelf robot designed in response to customer demand for a robot that can be mounted on top of the IMM, giving exceptional reach to both sides of the machine with excellent payload capability; increasing production flexibility within a smaller footprint than conventional gantry robots. The group will be in Hall 11, Stand 11.

Stäubli Web: www.staubli.com/en OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 19

K 2013: THE PREVIEW

ADVERTORIAL

Advanced metering systems and technical expertise

Maximise Value The ability to reduce cost, increase production efficiency and minimise waste when adding colour and additives to thermoplastic processes is imperative. Additives often represent a significant percentage of the materials mix so choosing the correct solution is vital to ensuring that aesthetic, functional and processing requirements are met.

PolyOne is a leading supplier of colorant and additive materials for plastics and the Company’s specialty solid and liquid additive solutions, design and technical expertise and colour matching and development capability are helping customers around the world improve their manufacturing processes.

There are a number of different ways that additives can be introduced into the production line and the decision to use liquid or solid solutions depends on a multitude of factors specific to individual application requirements.

Where liquid solutions are specified, advanced metering systems and Metering control is a key benefit of FlexCart™ metering systems.

The flagship FlexCart™ liquid metering system provides flexibility and accuracy.

technical support are an integral component of the additive solution.

PolyOne’s ColorMatrix business adopts a ‘full service’ approach whereby advanced volumetric metering systems and technical support are provided to maximise the value of using ColorMatrix liquid colorant and additive technologies. The FlexCart™ family of nextgeneration, flexible metering systems offer clean and controllable colorant and additive incorporation for a wide range of thermoplastic applications.

The flagship FlexCart™, launched earlier this year, features a modular base unit that accommodates a wide range of global packaging and pump variations. The system eliminates the need for additional dosing equipment and provides standardized metering for processors with multiple production sites.

Three new additions to the FlexCart™ range will be on display at the K 2013:

20 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

Pumps can be interchanged between systems and according to processing requirement.

FlexCart™ Mini - Offers excellent flexibility, mobility and ease of use but with reduced complexity and a smaller footprint, making it suitable for processors with limited production floor space.

FlexCart™ Micro - Easily transferred between machines or set up as freestanding, this model offers a more basic metering setup without compromising control or accuracy.

FlexCart™ Nano - Designed for low quantity, accurate metering and can be positioned on any flat surface in the production environment.

When used in conjunction with ColorMatrix’s preferred packaging, FlexCart™ systems deliver product recovery rates of up to 99%, reducing material waste and improving sustainability for a maximum return on materials cost.

Global technical support ColorMatrix has a team of experienced Technical Service Engineers that provide comprehensive on-site support to customers around the world. Their services include production process reviews, on-site support for new startups and guidance and training on

equipment selection to ensure accurate metering, shot to shot consistency and minimal waste.

PolyOne ColorMatrix will be hosting a special equipment showcase and technical clinic at K2013. The new FlexCart™ range of liquid metering systems will be on display in Hall 6, Room B1. Experienced Technical Services Engineers will be on hand to demonstrate the benefits of these advanced volumetric systems.

Furthermore, ColorMatrix is inviting visitors to challenge their technical team with any processing issues they may have. Feel free to bring along parts that may illustrate the problem.

See the new FlexCart™ range of liquid additive metering systems or challenge the technical team to solve your processing issue: Hall 6, Room B1.

For more details and to register, visit www.colormatrix.com/K2013

3 0.201 .-23.1 0 .1 6 1

13 13 A

Freedom has to be experienced!

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

www.arburg.co.uk

2013 ldorf e s s Dü any m r e G

K 2013: THE PREVIEW

EXECUTIVE Q&A: MOLD-MASTERS EPPM talks new products, new trends and K Show with Mold-Masters.

This is an important year for you, not just because of K, but because it's a big anniversary. What has been key to the successful growth of Mold Masters over the last 50 years?

Over the last 50 years our company always recognised the importance of innovation. Of course product design has been key and there are numerous examples of products being released that became solution standards and technology leaders in the fields. A great example is the release of our Melt-Disk, the first high performance edge gating solution. This was huge for the medical market and has fueled various design releases by many hot runner companies since then. Even in our new products like Accu-Valve MX and our line of auxiliary injection units, E-Multi – these products are all leading the way in their fields.

However, in addition to product innovation, we have been innovative in the way we have expanded. A great example is China. As we continued to monitor the growth in hot runners in Asia in the mid 2000s and saw how quickly cold runner applications were being converted to hot runner designs, we realised that a strong presence in China was key as well. Since 2007, our China facility has become our largest, most impressive manufacturing center, serving the Asia needs with fast delivery, high performance hot runners. This innovative foresight allowed us to firmly position ourselves in this key market. In fact if you consider our total global foot print, the company has been well positioned through various growth initiatives to best serve our customer base very effectively.

On top of all this, our people are what kept us strong over all these years. We have a tremendous amount of employees that are experts in our fields with well over 20 years of experience.

This vast knowledge base has acted as a foundation of support for our company over 50 years, advancing our organisation and keeping us in front of the market.

The recent acquisition by Milacron hit the headlines. How will this affect business going forward, and what is the strategy for the future?

The Milacron transaction has allowed us to expand even further into markets all over the world. Although each Milacron brand operates as a very unique identity, we can take advantage of each other’s service foot print, sales and service centers, internal process to allow for work flow optimisation, creating one common goal – to offer our customers the best support and the most advanced technical solutions.

And now to the technology on display at K. We’re particularly interested in the IRIS co-injection technology. Can you elaborate on how the system works? And what are the benefits to moulders using the technology?

Iris is fully based on Mold-Masters’ Core Technologies. It’s a compact co-injection

22 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

system that integrates with a standard injection moulding machine and standard mould, allowing customers to take advantage of their existing capital equipment. This is key. The technology utilises specially designed nozzles and iFLOW manifold technology that combines melt streams and provides balanced fill. Valve gate control of the opening and closing movements of the servo-actuated valve gate pins is done with the E-Drive to achieve fast cycle times and precise cavity fill, allowing for full control of the placement and thickness of the barrier. The co-injection results are obtained by precise integrated control of dosing, flow, and pressure of the two melt streams.

Balanced filling of 3-5% barrier-layer material into all parts equally is achieved using proprietary iFLOW manifold technology, precise control of the E-Multi unit, and the positioning of the valve pins using the E-Drive actuation system. The single integrated IRIS control system controls the E-Drive pin positioning, hot runner heaters, and the barrier injection flow to ensure that the elements of the system work together in harmony. The IRIS co-injection technology is currently available for 64 cavity tools and possible applications are continually evolving.

One of the recent developments is a new E-Drive controller that allows for simultaneous control of up to four EDrive systems. This drastically reduces the space requirements and technical resources that are required for actuation synchronisation.

This entire concept is key wherever barrier layers are required to prevent permeation of oxygen and migration of CO2 or against moisture for medicine or food containers, the IRIS system provides a comprehensive solution for process optimisation and cost reduction.

The complete system consists of the Mold-Masters IRIS co-injection hot runner, an E-Multi injection unit, and a servo-electric E-Drive valve gate actuation system.

It has a single, integrated Control System for all co-injection movements; the associated control unit is fully integrated and is located in a single, space-saving housing. The high-precision controller is measuring flow and pressure for both melt streams, controls the absolute

accurate movement of the servoactuated pins and also incorporates temperature control.

It offers an attractive alternative for the food packaging industry suitable for the production of food packaging, such as diced fruit, pet-food, coffee pods, sauces, soups, beer, and baby food. IRIS also provides an attractive alternative to glass, metal, multilayer thermoforming or multi-piece assemblies to achieve a functional barrier. The system produces a net-shape part with no waste or additional processes.

The IRIS system benefits closure moulders, because the new co-injection technology allows for caps to have a directly co-injected EVOH barrier, which merely constitutes a proportion of 3-6% of the total cap. The co-injection process simplifies the production of the closure where a barrier layer is required and eliminates previously required multi piece assemblies. The result is a simple but 100% sealed cap, which can be used directly in the packaging process.

any type of application. Since the release of our E-Multi product line in 2009, we wanted to ensure that the product could be used by any of our customers, in any market. We now have the product range to do this!

Which markets would you say you are looking to engage most with during the show?

Looking at our Iris system, this is clearly Closures, Thinwall Packaging and Medical Packaging Applications. With our partners we showcase solutions from all segments live at this K show and we are highly confident that there’ll be many inquiries for similar applications as well as new ones that will use Iris for i.e. challenging product design or shelve life extensions. Iris is a real game changer and this K show is where we go out widely and showcase our capabilities.

We look forward to customers approaching us with their challenges to create the most benefit for them from our unique technology. In addition, within our booth we are launching key new products specifically for the medical, automotive and high speed packaging markets as well, which are also key market focuses for our company.

You also have a strong presence at the show on the stands of your partner companies. What do you look for in partner companies, and, likewise, why do they select you to work with?

Mold-Masters covers almost all industries and therefore we also partner with a larger number of companies to show our broad portfolio. With Mold-Masters now being part of Milacron it is obvious to partner with other Milacron companies, so customers will see our Sprint system for Beverage Closures running on the Ferromatik booth in Hall 15, Booth C06.

We also showcase medical solutions and our temperature controllers live at Ferromatik and the DME booth in Hall 01 Booth C10. Apart from our group of companies we also see the value in partnering with key companies in the industry that are focused on high performing, technical solutions. We are working with Schöttli to show another high speed, Sprint closure system running at Netstal in Hall 15, Booth D24.

Our unique IRIS technology will be running live on our booth (Hall 1, Booth A39) as well as at Stork in Hall 13, Booth D72. A full list of partners and systems running will be on display on our booth as well as ready for takeaway from there to take a full “Mold-Masters tour” a K show. Mold-Masters also follows a very customer-focused development approach so all of these partner showcases are based on cooperative development – and that’s a clear strength of Mold-Masters – globally. We are proud to be known as “taking on the most challenging projects” and creating the most valuable solutions to our customers. The partner projects we showcase at K2013 are excellent examples of what we deliver every day.

Also new for the K crowds are the latest additions the E-Multi portfolio (pictured) for multi-material/multicoloured applications. What do these products bring to the range?

At K 2013 we showcase the most complete E-Multi product range ever. With a total of 12 models the E-Multi line now covers really all needs of multi-material injection moulding on single material machines.

No matter if the application is for small or large shot weight, there’s an E-Multi for it. With the latest addition EM4-550 we provide shot weights up to 500 cm³. The new radial-mount E-Multi (first introduced at K show) offers flexible positioning and options for almost

Finally, what are your predictions for the hot runners market going into the next year?

Mold-Masters anticipates a continuous growth, based on overall economy and also based on the innovative solutions we bring to the market and that are making the difference for our customers.

The plastic market is continuously fueled by trends such as light weighting (packaging), new single-use technology (medical), increase in plastic part usage (automotive), model proliferation (electronics), all important key trends that drive the need for new and advanced hot runner products. We are very confident that our showcase at K show will support our current initiatives and look forward to a growing 2014. This will be another successful year in Mold-Masters bright history as we just celebrate our 50th corporate anniversary here at K – and we look forward to at least another 50 years of innovation.

K 2013: THE PREVIEW CASE STUDY:

Proflex uses identiPol system to improve product quality

Proflex manufactures a range of multi-layer plastic enclosures for bulk liquid packaging of non-hazardous and food grade liquids. These large enclosures can withstand temperatures of up to 60°C and consist of layers of polyethylene for flexibility and woven polypropylene for tensile strength along with a number of injection moulded components. Ensuring that they produce a quality product is the responsibility of Andrew Sangster who is the Global Quality and Technical Director for Proflex.

“Increasingly companies are using this type of technology to ship their products around the world” said Sangster, “the product lowers shipping costs and products can often by shipped in concentrate form and reconstituted and bottled at the other end.”

During a recent QA / QC audit Sangster recognised several areas that could be improved and add towards product confidence and reliability. Specifically, it was identified that there was too much reliance on simple mechanical testing of the final enclosure and a need for audit consistency further back in the supply chain.

Sangster sought out new methods and procedures and whilst working with one of their contract testing laboratories, Edwards Analytical, was introduced to the identiPol system from Lacerta Technology. The identiPol is a simple system for the testing and comparison of incoming plastic material, in either thin film/pellet form or a sample cut from a component. A simple 15 minute test is all that is needed in order to generate a “go / no go” indication of the product quality and consistency. “This greatly appealed to us” said Sangster, “along with not needing an expert

scientist to run the unit. The only qualification required is a ‘degree’ of care and attention”.

Following trials and evaluations an identiPol system was purchased and since then several changes have been implemented at Proflex’s manufacturing facility.

The identiPol is routinely used to check incoming film as well as moulded components – and also a sample of the plastic granules used by Proflex’s supplier for testing. “This allows us to test what our supplier provides as a product, as well as what was supplied to them as a raw material. It enables us to test the quality of our suppliers’ manufacturing process and also look at potential issues regarding cross contamination that may arise during manufacturing, something that was not easily picked up by mechanical testing alone” said Sangster.

“The identiPol gives us more than DSC, gives us more than DMA and we use it in preference to these techniques that are more at home in the R&D laboratory. Specifically the determination of the ‘endpoint’ where the plastic has fully melted is a very useful number for us.”

Proflex have been successfully using the identiPol at their UK manufacturing unit and have plans to roll out the system to their other manufacturing sites, such as China. They rightly take great pride in the resilience of their quality assurance systems and procedures and these are starting to turn the heads of their global blue chip customers who have been impressed with their set-up. “We’ve detected batches drifting out of specification and the identiPol has allowed us to catch them in time and reject these batches”

Laura Wight loading another sample into Proflex’s identiPol system

Sangster concluded “IdentiPol is now a fundamental part of our quality strategy, if an organisation may be considering shipping or using a different grade of material, so that they can improve their margin, we will find them out. Most importantly that material will not enter our supply chain.”

Lacerta Technology will exhibit in Hall 5, Stand B30 at K. Lacerta Technology Web: www.lacerta-technology.com

Oriented PVC pipe breaks new diameter records Molecor, a specialist group in PVC-O technology for pipe extruders will display its integrated Seal System (ISS+) as well as PVC-O pipes up to 800mm.

The group has developed air-based molecular orientation technology for water transport pipelines.

Now, the company has grown into two business units: Molecor Canalizaciones (manufacturing and commercializing PVC-O pipes) and Molecor Tech, which has developed a technology to manufacture PVC-O pipes up to DN 800 mm and 365 psi.

The first PVC-O pipe manufactured with Molecor’s patented technology was produced in 2007, just in time to be shown at K 2007. This first tube was a DN 200mm.

In 2008 the range increased to DN400mm, which Molecor claims was the “unofficial limit” for PVC-O pipes at the time.

By 2010 the group was able to manufacture tubes with diameters of 450-500mm. The group marketed this at K 2010 as “the biggest PVC-O pipe in the world”.

Now, in 2013, the group claims that its technology is ready to reach the DN 800mm mark for PVC-O pipes.

The manufacturing concept uses an air-based technology in which no water is involved, which reportedly makes for a safer, cleaner, more efficient and profitable process. It is a flexible system able to work continuously with an extrusion line, or it can operate in batches.

The new integrated seal system (ISS+) is one of the more recent technological developments.

This system, patent pending, is designed to manufacture socketed oriented pipes with automated integration of the gasket, retaining the orientation degree in the critical areas of the pipe.

Molecor Tel: +34 902 566 577 Email: info@molecor.com Web: www.molecor.com

Breyer to present gap impregnation technology Breyer is a specialist in manufacturing high-quality and efficient extrusion lines for plastic processing. The group is currently working on gap impregnation technology to open up new markets for the company in the field of composites. The process allows the automated production of a vehicle bonnet, made of CFK integral construction in only 15 minutes. Sandwich building elements can be manufactured in one single step. Using a fibre composite design, the weight of the bonnet has been reduced by 60%. Its weight is about 5kg.

The machine concept is essentially built of six modules: a basic machine with mould carriers, a tool kit with both mould sets and the central part, an injection system, vacuum device, temperature control and handling system.

The tool comprises a tool frame and two mould halves.

The maximum clamping surface size is 1.2 x 1.7m.

The tools’ surface topography has been optimised to allow direct painting of components. The sandwich construction structure supports connecting elements for mounting in order to avoid subsequent installations of additional elements on the formed part.

For the set-up of the machine no elaborate foundation is necessary, as it is used (for example) for presses. Both process and machine are designed for low pressures (<10 bar), hence the whole construction is less extensive than high pressure machines. This is also beneficial for the movement dynamics. Fast open-close movements 24 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

can be carried out by saving energy with linear units.

For a fully automated production the machine is supplied with handling systems that can be integrated into the machine concept.

The current version of the machine is set up for form sizes up to 1.2 x 1.7 m. The group will exhibit in Hall 16, Stand 16C18.

Breyer GmbH Web: www.breyer-extr.com

K 2013 FLOORPLAN HALL 5

Hall 5, Stand B48

P

NORTH ENTRANCE

8b

8a Hall 5, Stand A45

Arena

U 7

7a

Hall 5, Stand E20

6

HALL 7

6. 1

Hall 7, Level 2 Stand A20

Hall 7.1, Stand B35

HALL 9

HALL 8

Hall 8B, Stand A61

Hall 9, Stand D21

Hall 9, Stand E19

Hall 9, Stand A44

Hall 8A, Stand J10 Hall 9, Stand B65 26 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

7.1

7.2

5

HALL 15

Hall 15, Stand C24/27

16 -23 October 2013 Düsseldorf, Germany

Hall 15, Stand D24

HALL 12 12

11

10

13 14

9

15 17

16

Hall 12, Stand D35

EAST ENTRANCE

4

2

3

Hall 12, Stand F56

HALL 11 1

Hall 11, Stand B58

SOUTH ENTRANCE

Hall 11, Stand B40

HALL 10

Hall 10, Stand A59 Hall 10, Stand C04

Hall 10, Stand A41

Hall 10, Stand B40

Hall 10, Stand J18

Hall 10, Stand J54

Hall 10, Stand A21

OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 27

K 2013: THE PREVIEW battenfeld-cincinnati to focus on energy and cost reductions battenfeldcincinnati is planning its appearance at K 2013 around the theme of high performance and energy efficiency in extrusion technology.

The company says its three divisions, namely construction, infrastructure and packaging, will present extrusion solutions that operate energy-efficiently and save material whilst maintaining high standards of quality.

In response to the trend towards increasing use of recycled materials in profiles, the construction division of the group will showcase a newly designed extruder combination - the conEX 63 P conical extruder mounted in a ‘piggyback’ configuration on a twinEX 78-34P. The two counter-rotating twinscrew extruders combined are said to achieve an output of about 500 kg/h.

The infrastructure division is rolling out a new, gearless single-screw extruder series for K 2013. The solEX GL series includes four models with screw diameters of 45, 60, 75 and 90 mm and battenfeld-cincinnati says the new machines achieve high standards of quality achieved with low melt temperatures, low energy input and an

optimal capital/output ratio.

The packaging division is also focusing on efficiency. New initiatives on display will include the ‘Multi-Touch roll stack’, which is said to produce stress-free film at high line speeds, as well as a new anti-wear concept for planetary roller extruders, which are being used for applications such as calender feeding and pelletising.

For the PET industry, battenfeldcincinnati says it will showcase its specialised single-screw extruder with an integrated compounding section for outputs between 500 and 1,000 kg/h.

With this extruder, battenfeld-cincinnati says up to 16 percent of energy costs can reportedly be saved by processing undried PET, eliminating the need for preliminary material drying. battenfeld-cincinnati Web: www.battenfeld-cincinnati.com

Graham Engineering Corporation, American Kuhne and Welex to co-exhibit On the heels of the Graham Group’s acquisition of majority interest in American Kuhne (AK) in October 2012 and Graham Engineering Corporation’s (GEC) acquisition of Welex in June 2013, GEC has announced that the three companies will exhibit together at K 2013 in Hall 14, Stand 14A54.

“Together, GEC, AK and Welex create a convergence of leading technologies, people and capabilities in extrusion. We are excited about the multiple points of synergy for the markets we serve and look forward to adding further technologies, businesses and talent to our platform,” said founder, Donald Graham.

“True to our motto ‘Innovation Taking Shape’, we have already leveraged patented GEC die-centering technology to create precise, full closed-loop control of concentricity for the benefit of AK medical tubing customers and are actively working on additional innovations,” said GEC Chairman Bill Kerlin.

At K 2013, GEC will exhibit innovation in Graham Wheel clamp technology that introduces flexibility and configurability to enable a range of package shapes and sizes on a single platform. AK will be demonstrating extruder technologies for energy savings, quick changeover, and configurability. In addition, Welex will highlight the new Welex Converge CTS Sheet Line, conical twin screw technology for dryerless PET and PLA sheet production.

GEC is a supplier of extrusion blow moulding equipment and offers a complete range of monolayer and multilayer blow moulding equipment and technology upgrades including: rotary wheel blow moulders for bottle sizes from 85 ml up to 5 gallon packaging applications, shuttle machines for up to 10 litre capacity, reciprocating screw and shot pot machinery for lightweight HDPE containers, and single and dual head accumulator head industrial machines for up to 75lb shot capacities.

AK is a global supplier of standard and customised single screw extruders, feed screws, and also controls to multiple end-use applications, as well as complete extrusion systems for medical tubing, pipe, and profile.

Welex is a global supplier of high performance sheet extrusion solutions.

The group has equipment installed in more than 3,000 customer locations in 69 countries. Welex products include co-extrusion and multi-layer methods as well as dozens of barrier lines installed globally.

Graham Engineering Corporation Web: www.grahamengineering.com American Kuhne Web: www.americankuhne.com Welex Web: www.welex.com

OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 29

K 2013: THE PREVIEW Company Profile: SciLabware As a market leader in high quality Laboratory consumables, SciLabware have an unrivalled reputation for product quality and customer service.

We are ISO 9001: 2008 accredited and work to the most rigorous international standards. Product excellence is achieved by the enforcement of strict quality standards and meticulous quality control, supported by the specialist skills of some of the worlds most experienced polymer technicians.

Custom Manufacturing Service SciLabware has vast experience and cutting edge technology in a number of Plastic manufacturing techniques, including Injection blow moulding, extrusion moulding, vacuum forming and polymer fabrication. Our knowledge and techniques are not confined to Laboratory products, so if you have a plastic manufacturing requirement and need a trusted partner, why not find out how our manufacturing knowledge can help to realise your project.

A Famous Brand from

VISIT US AT www.scilabware.com or email Azlon@scilabware.com and quote ‘K’

The result is a quality conscious culture committed to total customer satisfaction.

For more than half a century, the Azlon® name has been synonymous with high quality affordable plastic laboratory ware.

Available in a variety of polymers, Azlon® reusable plastics cover a broad range of applications inside and outside of the laboratory.

Azlon® products are manufactured to the highest quality standards utilising a range of plastic moulding techniques including blow and injection moulding.

Leadership in polymer science and many important innovations have combined to make Azlon® one of the most widely known and respected brands in durable plasticware.

Azlon Multi Lingual Wash Bottles The new Azlon® Multi lingual wash bottle gives you chemical names and safety instructions in four European languages – English, French, German and Spanish.

We’ve also updated the design to reflect the very latest changes in European labelling legislation (GHS) including new hazard warning pictograms. Plus of course you get all of the features and benefits of this laboratory essential, including Driplok® vapour venting technology.

Our unique two-way valve lets the vapour escape when pressure builds up and stops air getting into the liquid. The result – no more hazardous drips and an accurate, continuous dispensing stream.

CUSTOM PRINT FACILITY SciLabware has the capability to custom print on any bottle design up to 4 colours.

For a free quotation please e-mail your enquiry to azlon@scilabware.com

OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 31

K 2013: THE PREVIEW Specialist grades eliminate warpage and offer conductivity In order to overcome warpage and rough surface issues for moulders, engineering plastics specialist Eurotec has developed Tecomid NAX0 GD50 NL CA (PA 6.6, 50% GRF, heat and UV stabilised). This grade is said to eliminate warpage issues whilst retaining the surface finish of PARA (polyarylamide) resins at mould temperatures as high as 80˚C. The grade is said to have a higher heat deformation temperature then PARA resins and shows better mechanical properties than standard PA6.6 GF50 grades, according to Eurotec. It features the same density as a standard PA6.6 GF50 grade which is 4% lower than a

standard PARA GF50 resin.

The group is also making strides in the conductive electronics market. Tecolen OE00 BK EC can be used in film and fibre applications where conductivity is required. While achieving high conductivity with surface resistivity lower than 1cm, flexibility is not compromised, says the group. The grade has a tensile modulus of 500 MPa and a strain at break higher than 100%. Moreover Tecolen OE00 BK EC can be used either by itself or as a masterbatch for PP, PE and EVA resins. When used as a masterbatch Tecolen OE00 BK EC can modify base resins from permanent antistatic to high conductivities. It can

also be used in woven antistatic big bags to create conductive fibres and films or as an electrical conductive masterbatch for PP, PE and EVA based fibres and films.

Eurotec also offers Tecolen OE10 RD018 EC 0B (electrically conductive LDPE) a non-sloughing, transparent grade developed for ESD packaging applications. It also supplies conductive grades compounded with a variety of base resins from engineering to high performance thermoplastics, using assorted formulations to achieve the required electrical conductivity. Nonsloughing, FDA compliant, transparent, electrostatic and paintable grades have

all been developed to meet specific customer requirements. The group will be in Hall 7.2, Stand E19.

Eurotec Web: www.eurotec-ep.com

Bunting Europe to show range of equipment at K Bunting Magnetics Europe, part of the Bunting Magnetics Group -producer of precision magnetic products for the worldwide recycling, food, printing, automobile, plastics, and electronics industries, is exhibiting a variety of products at the K Show.

Featured on Stand C11 in Hall 10 are an assortment of magnetic separation, metal detection, and material handling equipment specifically designed for the plastics and rubber industries. The Bunting selection at the show includes free-fall drawer magnetic separation equipment, plate housing magnetic separation devices, and in-line metal separators. Experienced Bunting personnel are on hand to discuss existing and new applications which require an optimised metal removal.

Commenting on the K Trade Fair showing, Jake Hall, Export Sales Manager, said: “The K Trade Fair is widely recognised in the world of plastics and rubber, and provides Bunting the perfect platform to showcase our equipment for these industries. We look forward to meeting with existing and new customers to discuss how Bunting equipment can help achieve the standards of separation that the rubber and plastics industries have come to expect.”

For more than 50 years, Bunting Magnetics Co. has developed and manufactured precision magnetic products for the worldwide printing, automobile, plastics, food, electronics and recycling industries. The group’s products serve global markets and include a broad range of magnetic materials and components, magnetic separation systems, material handling equipment, magnetic printing cylinders, metal detection equipment, bonded magnetics, and assemblies. Bunting’s manufacturing facilities are located in Newton, Kansas; suburban Chicago, Illinois; DuBois, Pennsylvania; and Berkhamsted, England.

Bunting Magnetics Europe Web: www.buntingeurope.com 32 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

K 2013: THE PREVIEW Kongskilde to launch high pressure multi-purpose rotary separator Kongskilde will mark its appearance in Hall 10, Stand B40 with the launch of a new high pressure multipurpose separator. The newly developed RVS Rotary Separator series has been designed for waste handling needs in the plastic and paper industries.

The Multipurpose RVS Separator can handle material from thin plastic film through to thicker plastic materials, foam, rubber and even small moulded plastic parts such as tops, tails etc. It can also be used in harsh environments such as Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs).

Reliability, robustness, simplicity and trouble free maintenance have been the driving force behind the design, claims

the group. The result is an RVS Rotary Separator which is extremely tight sealing, even when exposed to very high vacuums up to 35,000Pa in negative pressure.

The design incorporates a stronger separator with a low pressure drop even with high material loads. Key features such as removable inspection hatches on the top and a pivoting hood allow for quick and easy maintenance.

Furthermore the strong rotor has been designed to allow quick paddle changes during service intervals to reduce downtime for servicing while also reducing the cost of a complete rotor change.

Due to their high efficiency the Multipurpose RVS range is compatible with the Kongskilde Multiair blowers making them suitable key components for any manufacturing or recycling company looking at designing a central or de-central process waste handling system.

Steen Weihe, Product Manager at Kongskilde said “When looking at designing and developing a new product, we at Kongskilde always have the customer’s needs at the front of our minds which can sometimes create design challenges. With the RVS we wanted the unit to be able to be serviced as quickly as possible due to the

important role it plays in a waste handling system but we had to be very careful that the easy access did not compromise the low pressure drop performance. I think we have achieved a unit that will benefit many customers Worldwide in terms of performance, reliability and value for money.”

Kongskilde Web: www.kongskilde.com

Company Profile: Ray-Ran Test Equipment Ltd

Ray-Ran Test Equipment Ltd has been a specialist in the design and manufacture of polymer testing equipment since 1977. Part of its product range deals with instruments to prepare samples from either raw material, sheet or pipe.

CNC profile cutting machines are ideal for producing tensile test samples from underground thick wall pipes or sheet material generally up to 100mm thick.

Cutting speeds, in the region of 2,800 to 28,000 rpm, give the desired surface finish and ensure that the temperature at the cutting surface does not affect the material characteristics.

Cutting presses are available as pneumatic or hand operated units, which when used with the Ray-Ran test sample cutters will cut thinner samples up to 8mm thick from materials such as foil, film, plastic sheet, paint or foam.

Also available is small injection moulding apparatus which can take raw materials such as pellets or flakes, and mould dumbbells, impact bars or colour plaques using a combination of heat to melt the polymer, and a pneumatic ram to inject the molten polymer into the mould under high pressure.

The samples produced from the above machines can then be used on a range of test equipment to test the physical charachteristics of the material, which in turn forms part of a complete test facility for a range of plastic materials.

For further information on the above machines or others the group will be available in Hall 11 Stand B30.

Ray-Ran Web: www.ray-ran.com 34 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

K 2013: THE PREVIEW OIT and MFi capability announced for the identiPol family at K 2013 Lacerta Technology, a group active in plastic quality assurance will announce an expansion in its identiPol range of testing equipment.

Lacerta Technology will be unveiling the 2nd generation of its plastic identification and quality assurance system, identiPol at K 2013.

The identiPol is specifically designed to work alongside the production line, to ensure that plastic raw material is of sufficient quality and consistency to previous batches, prior to processing.

The identiPol family grows with the announcement of the 2nd generation Quality Assurance system – the identiPol QA2 which now offers improved

performance and enhanced software, alongside optional Melt Flow Indication (MFi ) and camera compatibility.

A new member of the identiPol family is also announced: the identiPol OIT for measuring the oxidative induction time of a plastic material. The OIT is an indicator of plastic lifetime and level of antioxidant present within the material.

The identiPol OIT meets current ISO and ASTM standard test specifications.

Both of the new identiPol units will be working at stand B30, Hall 5 and the group says it is encouraging delegates to bring their samples and quality assurance problems to the stand for analysis and discussion.

Lacerta develops and manufactures a broad range of instrumentation used in the analysis, characterisation and quality assurance of plastic materials.

Headquartered in Keyworth, UK and supported by a worldwide distribution network, Lacerta offers a range of patented technologies for scientists, engineers and QA professionals.

Lacerta Technology Ltd Web: www.lacerta-technology.com

Meech to display new developments in static control and web-cleaning

Meech International, a specialist developer and manufacturer of electrostatic controls and related solutions, will exhibit at K 2013 with its range of Hyperion static control equipment and series of its web-cleaners designed for the plastics industry.

The company says it has successfully developed a new line of anti-static products suitable for the plastics industry, as businesses become increasingly aware of the impact static can have on inhouse activities.

“As a static charge is generated, products made of common plastic materials like polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene tend to mis-feed or misbehave, while the opportunity for contamination of the final product increases dramatically,” said David Rogers, Business Unit Director for static control at the company’s UK headquarters.

The company says its most recently launched bars, the 971IPS and 929IPS, were developed as a direct response to customer feedback and provide efficient ionisation from a 24v power supply.

The company will exhibit its web cleaning equipment with the message it could help minimise wastage and achieve higher levels of productivity within the plastics industry.

Meech’s non-contact web cleaner, the Cyclean, will be displayed, which the company says is capable of removing contamination to below one micron.

Meech Web: www.meech.com 36 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

K 2013: THE PREVIEW Four core systems from International IMM brand Ferromatik Milacron will present four system designs across its own stand and partner stands, featuring injection moulding machines in the modular FSeries along with two all-electric machines from the Elektron series.

Machines from Ferromatik Milacron will display at the Mold-Masters and DME stand, both of which are now part of the Milacron group.

The modular F-Series, ranging in size from 500 to 6,500 kN, can be configured as an all-electric, hydraulic, or hybrid machine, depending on the user’s manufacturing requirements. At K 2013 visitors will see an all-electric F 200 with a clamping force of 2,000 kN equipped with a size 50 Advanced Performance (APe) electric injection unit. Using a 4cavity mould and an IML system by H. Müller from Switzerland, this machine will demonstrate production of thinwalled rectangular lids with labeling.

Every 3.1 seconds, four lids with labels weighing 8.2 g will be produced. The lids are taken out of the mould laterally, monitored by a vision system for quality, stacked and removed.

An F 350 hybrid with a clamping force of 3,500 kN will be on display using a size 70 Advanced Performance (APh) hydraulic injection unit. Driving a 64cavity mould by Corvaglia (Switzerland), the machine will produce 33 mm beverage closures with a part weight of

2.6 g every 4.5 seconds. Quality is monitored by a vision system from IMD Vista (Switzerland) with good/bad part separation at the machine.

The third machine in the F-Series at the Ferromatik Milacron both is an allelectric 2,700 kN cube moulding machine, the F 270 CUBE. “Bringing the first all-electric cube moulding machine to the market demonstrates our leadership role in versatile stack-turning technologies, which we have been continually developing over the past 15 years, said Dr. Thorsten Thümen, Director of Research & Development.

The machine has generous tie-bar spacing of 750 x 750 mm. It features an electric rotating mechanism within the machine and an 8+8 cavity cube mould with four sides, both made by Germanbased Foboha. This machine configuration makes use of an electric General Performance (GPe) size 50 main injection unit as well as an electric GPe 45 traversing injection unit, mounted over the clamping unit on the moving platen.

On each parting line of the cube mould, eight pairs of parts – the top and the bottom of a sophisticated twocomponent twist top – will be produced.

Following a 90° rotation of the cube mould, the two parts are screwed together by automation on the operator and non-operator sides of the machine and removed via an Air-MoveSystem made by Trio-technik (Germany). The shot weight in each parting line is 77.6 g, or 9.7 g for each twist top. The cycle time is 9.5 seconds.

The fourth machine in the modular F-Series will be on display at the Mold-Masters booth (Hall 1, booth A39). Here a 1,600 kN F 160 can be seen, incorporating a hydraulic

Advanced Performance (APh) size 45 injection unit in combination with a vertically mounted EMulti injection unit built

by Mold-Masters.

Using a 16-cavity mould from F&S Tool (USA), this machine will demonstrate production of closures with two components using barrier injection. The primary injection unit produces the main component while the vertical injection unit produces the core material. The impermeable barrier core material prevents gasses from getting out, and odours from getting into the interior of the part. The 4.3 g closures are produced with a cycle time of 4.2 seconds. As with the F 350 described above, part quality is monitored with equipment from IMD Vista.

“Thanks to active collaboration with our partners, we are presenting four complete production cells around the modular F-Series. These different manufacturing systems demonstrate the range of our applications technology expertise at Ferromatik Milacron,” said Sven Engelmann, Head of Applications & Systems.

The Elektron series is marketed globally

by Milacron. K 2013 will see the introduction of a new small machine with a clamping force of 300 kN bringing the total number of machines in this series to eleven, ranging from 300 to 5,500 kN. “The new machine hearkens back to decades of successful small machine offerings at our company and marks our return in this segment,” said Ralf Cezanne, Director of Sales & Marketing.

The Elektron 30 will feature an international size 55 injection unit and will produce applicators for 1 ml medical ampules on a four-cavity mould made by Braunform (Germany) with a cycle time of 9.1 seconds, and a part weight of 1.6 g.

A second Elektron machine at the DME booth (Hall 1, booth C10) will be moulding Frisbees. This 500 kN Elektron 50 will use an international size 300 injection unit and a mould by Dauntless Industries (USA) along with a quick change adapter from DME which allows processors to rapidly switch moulds.

Ferromatik Milacron is part of the Milacron group which has four centers around the world, including Germany, USA, India, and China, where injection moulding machines are manufactured.

“With the Mold-Masters acquisition, Milacron and its 4,700 employees has a greater global reach than ever and customers will see the first synergies of the larger group at K 2013”, said Gerold Schley, Managing Director of Ferromatik Milacron und Vice President of Milacron China.

Ferromatik Milacron Web: www.ferromatik.com

Testing specialist to bring new impact test and melt flow equipment At K 2013, Instron will be showcasing, on stand J18 in Hall 10, measuring and testing systems for determination of the rheological properties of plastics and evaluation of the behaviour of materials and components under static and dynamic loads. Amongst the exhibits will be the CEAST MF50 melt flow tester, and the new CEAST MF30 with manual mass selector, a CEAST 9050 pendulum impact tester, and a CEAST 9350 drop weight tester.

The group will also be presenting automated testing systems, accessories, and software for the laboratory and the shop floor. This includes the new AutoX750 Automatic Contacting Extensometer, the TrendTracker software package, and an automated carousel system for tensile testing that features a precision measuring system for determining specimen thickness.

The CEAST MF30 and MF50 are part of Instron’s new melt flow tester series. The CEAST MF30 is a single-weight system, designed to determine melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and melt volume rate (MVR) in accordance with ISO 1133-1 and -2 Procedures A, B, C, and ASTM D1238. It features a high-resolution digital encoder and a N/C-controlled weight lifter. The lifter is equipped with an integrated load cell for controlled compacting and purging operations.

38 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

The CEAST MF50 is a melt flow tester for single-weight and multi-weight tests.

It is claimed to be compliant with the latest international standard requirements for temperature accuracy and stability. During multi-weight tests, the system automatically applies up to five of the eight pre-installed test masses, ranging from 0.325 - 21.6 kg, in any desired sequence. During the measurement, the temperature profile in the barrel is accurate to ISO 1133-2. The CEAST VisualMELT Software controls all functions of the tester during singleweight and multi-weight tests.

The CEAST 9350 is a floor-standing impact system designed to deliver high impact energies from 0.59 -750 J. The system can be used to test a variety of specimens and is suitable for a range of impact applications including tensile impact tests, puncture tests, or tests to Izod and Charpy.

The new AutoX750 is a high-resolution automatic contacting extensometer which meets the requirements for ISO 9513, ASTM E83, and ISO 527-1 (2011).

Features include automatic gauge length positioning, adjustable contact force with a reference label, and multiple knifeedge options to accommodate different materials.

Also on display will be TrendTracker, a new software package for Bluehill

Software, which accelerates the data analysis workflow of a lab by allowing the user to search and analyze test results across multiple samples tested over time and on various test frames.

The results are automatically exported to a robust and scalable database.

Finally, the group will discuss its automatic carousel feeding system, which it claims may reduce the time and effort required for performing standardised tests on tabletop tensile

testers from the Instron 5960 Series. An optional digital measuring system is now available to capture the thickness of all specimens at several points over the length of the specimen with an accuracy of 1 µm. It then transmits the values through an RS 232 interface to the Bluehill 3 Materials Testing Software.

Instron Web: www.instron.com

K 2013: THE PREVIEW Starlinger to launch new lamination technology Austrian group Starlinger & Co. GmbH will be presenting a new web lamination concept in Düsseldorf this year. “This is a revolutionary step in continuous web lamination, making it a lot easier and more efficient while guaranteeing best lamination quality”, said Starlinger Sales Director Hermann Adrigan. Starlinger is known for its stacoTEC lamination lines, selling up to 30 lines per year to customers around the globe. The worldwide first presentation of the new lamination line will be at the Starlinger booth in hall 16, where visitors can see it in live operation. In addition, Starlinger’s latest developments in flexible woven packaging will be presented.

As well as the lamination technology launch in hall 16, the recycling arm of the group will have a stand in hall 9, where it will launch a new development which allows the recycling of highly contaminated post-consumer and postindustrial plastic waste such as washed household waste, agricultural films or similar, as well as heavily printed material. The technology also features compounding capabilities for upgrading the final product. During the exhibition a recoSTAR universal 65 VAC will process highly printed PE film, demonstrating the excellent melt degassing and cleansing capacity needed for high-quality regranulate that can be used in different applications.

Starlinger viscotec will stage the world premiere of the new deCON reactor in hall 9. A viscoSTAR reactor will be set up in hall 16, where a video wall will also

40 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

show the recently launched viscoSHEET PET sheet line. The new sheet line is said to be able to process up to 100% recycled PET, virgin PET, and PIR (postindustrial regrind) at guaranteed IV levels, meeting FDA/EFSA levels for food-grade applications.

In the days before and after the K Show, customers will also have the opportunity to visit the Starlinger Open House in Weissenbach, one hour by car from Vienna. From October 14 – 16 and 21 – 25, 2013 the entire machinery range featuring the newest developments in textile packaging production and plastics recycling equipment can be seen in operation in the showroom at the Starlinger factory premises.

Starlinger textile packaging and Starlinger viscotec will be in Hall 16, Stand B47, and Starlinger recycling technology will be in Hall 9, Stand D21.

Starlinger & Co. GmbH Web: www.starlinger.com

Process group to demonstrate automated blow moulding management system Agr International, Inc. will use the K Show to demonstrate the Process Pilot, an automated blow moulding management system that interfaces with the machine to provide material thickness distribution management and defect detection for PET bottles while offering hands-off blowmoulder control.

With the trend towards lighter bottles, the Process Pilot is the system offers bottle producers the ability to aggressively light-weight bottles to the absolute minimum while ensuring that material is distributed appropriately. The Process Pilot system makes it possible to produce consistent bottles on a 24/7 basis regardless of operator skills, environmental changes and preform variations, claims Agr. Overall improved quality with reduced variation in top load and volume, production efficiencies that result from eliminating the need for section weights as well as reduced scrap and lower incidences of downtime in the blowing operation or filling line due to quality issues are all reported benefits of the system.

The OptiCheck system offers a comprehensive vision-based inspection solution for bottles and similar containers transported on a conveyor line. Its capabilities incorporate vision

technology and lighting methods. This multi-camera inspection system offers detection for the entire container including seal surface, sidewall, base and label defect detection as well as laboratory-precision finish gauging, all on the conveyor line. The OptiCheck system is modular and can be customised to meet the specific needs of a container producer. Versions of the OptiCheck system are available for opaque as well as transparent containers.

Agr International Web: www.agrintl.com

K 2013: THE PREVIEW TSM talks new products, new branding and new people TSM Controls is displaying its new look company brand along with new blending technology at this year’s K Show.

The Irish company has undertaken a series of transformations to reflect its expanding global presence.

Developments include the rebranding of the TSM company logo, which now has a sleek, modern design in striking blue and white, the launch of a new userfriendly company website, several new key managerial appointments within TSM’s worldwide offices, and – most significantly – the development of new patented blending technology.

“The K Show is the perfect venue to introduce our new branding to all our customers and showcase our exciting new product innovations. R&D at TSM has always been customer driven and our new introductions at K 2013 reflect very clearly these demands,” said Declan Byrne, TSM Director of Sales.

The blending technology on display at the stand combines TSM’s patented technology with advanced control algorithms and highly responsive control systems and includes a gain-in-weight and loss-in-weight batch blender for flood-fed applications, as well as a continuous loss-in-weight dosing blender for flood fed or starve-fed applications.

The new TSM batch blender combines the group’s patented reverse auger technology with fast, responsive throughput measurements for real-time control. A control algorithm, specially developed in conjunction with a UK

New materials to demonstrate green mobility potential The High Performance Materials (HPM) business unit of chemistry group, Lanxess is looking to use K to showcase its strides in lightweight automotive construction based on Durethan and Pocan high-tech polyamides and polyesters.

Lanxess recently acquired BondLaminates, a manufacturer and supplier of continuous fibre-reinforced thermoplastic performance composites marketed under the TEPEX brand.

“We are now one of the few thermoplastics manufacturers in the world that can supply performance composites and compounds proven in large-scale

production, complete with the associated applications know-how for the volume production of lightweight components,” said Dr. Michael Zobel, Head of HPM. Among the recent applications of HPM lightweight construction were front-end carriers consisting entirely of polyamide 6 and the first car brake pedal made of polyamide reinforced with continuous glass fibres suitable for large-scale series production.

The group will exhibit in Hall 6, Stand C76/78.

Lanxess Web: www.lanxess.com

Europe meets Asia in new machine design

university, allows performance to be maintained at lower set-points. The mechanical design delivers a small footprint, making it suitable for either new or retro-fit installations.

The new loss-in-weight blender can reportedly dose up to 7 materials at one time and features optional cascade mixing chambers, multiple augers for varying feed rates and easy hopper cleaning. The group will be in Hall 10, Stand J54.

TSM Controls Web: www.tsmcontrols.com

Borch Machinery Co., Ltd will show its latest two-platen machine BU900 at its 117m2 stand, which the group says features a bright concept and design.

The latest version of Borch two platen machine, named the BU series, is developed based on European technology. It is researched and designed by Borch and a European technology team, and has been designed to meet local and international requirements. With its servo system and compact structure, the machine present its sound performance with the advantages of energy saving, space saving and machine stability. The BU machine is suitable for large moulding

applications such as garbage boxes, household appliances, automotive parts, and big pallets etc. The BU machine can be also used to produce more specialist plastic products, which require complicated injection technology, like low injection pressure moulding, foam injection moulding, and venting-type moulding. The group will be in hall 13, stand C47.

Borch Web: www.borch-machinery.com

OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 41

K 2013: THE PREVIEW TPE group set to be a corker at K The Hexpol TPE group, which brings together the ELASTO and Müller Kunststoffe businesses, will be presenting its latest advances in TPE and flexible polymer solutions at K 2013, hall 8a stand H18.

“K is a truly international event which brings together worldwide OEMs, manufacturers and processors of the rubber and plastics industry. We’re looking forward to meeting up with new and existing customers and presenting Hexpol TPE as a global specialist for intelligent TPE and flexible polymer solutions”, said Sven-M Druwen, European Sales Coordinator for Hexpol TPE. “We have one of the most comprehensive portfolios in the industry; covering TPS, TPO, TPV, TPU, soft PVC, cork compounds, colour and additive masterbatch. So whether high fluid and heat resistance is needed from a TPV compound in automotive sealing, a biocompatible medical grade TPS for intubation equipment or non-phthalate, DEHP free soft-PVC for toys; we can offer our customers the best solution for each

application or indeed supply multiple compounds from different classes. At K2013 we’ll be demonstrating why we’re a single source for customised flexible polymer compounds”.

Among the innovations on display will be Lifocork; flexible polymer compounds which combine natural cork with thermoplastic raw materials. Lifocork compounds offer low densities, natural cork haptics, UV resistance and a nonslip surface. They can be processed using typical thermoplastic processing methods such as injection moulding, extrusion or thermoforming.

Hexpol TPE will have its medical team on hand at K2013: “We’ll be available to give in-depth advice on the use of TPE in medical device applications”, explained Niklas Ottosson, Medical Technical Manager at Hexpol TPE. “The right TPE formulation is the key to a safe and successful medical product. Our experience in this sector means we’ve developed our Mediprene TPE compounds to offer the right

combination of mechanical properties, regulatory compliance, formulation stability and biocompatibility status.

We’ve engineered custom formulations for a number of medical device applications including IV systems, syringe plunger seals, tubing, face masks and medical packaging”.

Hexpol will also highlight several innovations in its Dryflex TPE family; including TPE with optimised compression set, conductive TPE and adhesion compounds for two and three component applications which offer easy processing with bonding to a range of substrates such as PA, PC, ABS and POM. Hexpol TPE Web: www.hexpoltpe.com

PLA partnerships to bring new bioplastic applications Corbion Purac bioplastics will be exhibiting at the K trade fair in Dusseldorf under the theme ‘partnering for bioplastics growth’. To highlight the most recent developments in PLA (polylactic acid), Corbion Purac will be exhibiting a number of bio-based applications resulting from numerous strategic partnerships.

The group has teamed up with partners in a number of industries, including packaging, automotive, home interiors and sporting goods, and will be showcasing the resulting applications in Hall 5, Stand 5B22.

In addition to final PLA articles, Corbion Purac will also be displaying a distributor’s corner, intended to provide a platform for interested parties to come

into direct contact with their local PLA resin partner. To this end, Corbion Purac says that it is “leveraging its strategic partnerships to drive PLA innovation and stimulate increased bioplastic adoption throughout the value chain.”

The group is specialised in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives and lactides. High performance, biobased lactide monomers for PLA open up a wealth of possibilities for bioplastic applications which have – until now – been limited to oil-based plastics. Combining high biocontent with a low carbon footprint, PLA is claimed by the group to be a great replacement for PS, PP and ABS. Corbion Purac claims it offers brandowners an opportunity to be a sustainability frontrunner in their field, whether it be in terms of product

packaging or primary product materials.

The group’s understanding of key sustainability drivers provides a strong basis for brandowner collaborations.

PLA, claims the group, is an adaptable material that can often be processed on existing equipment, with commercially acceptable cycle times. Corbion Purac says that it welcomes converters and compounders who are interested in learning more about PLA processing. The technical team will be on hand at the fair to discuss and exchange PLA processing experience, from sheet extrusion and thermoforming, to injection moulding and foaming.

Corbion Purac Web: www.corbion.com

Flame retardant plastic to launch at K Lorenz Kunststoff GmbH says it is about to launch a new grade of duroplast, named BMC 0204, at K 2013.

“Our customers are often faced with the problem of a component that has to comply with several different standards and regulations”, said Thomas Lorenz, CEO of Lorenz Kunststofftechnik GmbH. “This necessitates the use of several different types of plastic, which is not only complicated but also expensive.”

Developed in the company's own laboratory over a period of two years, the duroplast combines several characteristics in a single material and can be subjected to a broad range of applications.

In its UL 94 certification test, 0204 achieved level V0, despite its thickness of only 0.4 mm. Lorenz Kunststoff claims that this makes it currently the only flame retardant plastic suitable for injection moulding with an oxygen index of 100 percent (a value said to be twice as high as that of other plastics deemed as extremely flame retardant). The duroplast material fulfils a wide range of fire safety standards and has already been awarded several important European certifications. It has been classified as I0 / F0 / M1, the highest level of the French NF F 16-101 42 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

standard. In addition to its flame retardant properties, BMC 0204 is also resistant to temperatures as low as 40°C. It has a flow rate of at least 1000 mm in the flow spiral at 100 Mpa, BMC 0204, making it suitable for production of both large-dimension and fine-wrought components. The low injection pressure required for processing also facilitates insert moulding of sensitive electronic components and sensors. BMC 0204 has a CTI value of 600 volts and a thermal conductivity of 1.35 W/m*K, which may give it potential in the electronics field, particularly in the production of connection boxes, circuit breakers and fuse strips, as well as in domestic appliances. The material is said to be demonstrably free of halogen, chloride, cyanide and bromine, and is suitable for printing or laser marking.

“It is the sum of all these properties that makes BMC 0204 so special,” said Lorenz. “Since it is suitable for use in more applications than other synthetic materials, it can significantly reduce the quantity of different types used in many products.” The group says that the material is not offered as an expensive niche product. BMC 0204 is suitable for use as a standard material for

production in high unit numbers, and can be custom configured to the user’s specific production conditions.

Sales Manager Peter Ooms will be available at stand C35 in hall 7a for initial queries as well as for specific enquiries.

Lorenz Kunststoff GmbH Web: www.lomix.de

K 2013: THE PREVIEW Halogen-free flame retardants launched for thermoplastics and thermosets New regulations regarding the use of halogenated flame retardants (FR) coupled with more stringent smoke and toxicity requirements are opening the way for more flame retardant solutions.

FRX Polymers, Inc. has developed the Nofia family of additives based on polyphosphonate, an inherently flame retardant polymer, which has phosphorus in the backbone of the polymer. The Nofia products include homopolymers, copolymers and oligomers that can be used in a broad range of engineering thermoplastic and thermoset resins.

The homopolymer and copolymers can be used as blending components and have found application in different polyesters, polycarbonate (PC) and PC blends, and in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and other engineering thermoplastic elastomers.

The oligomers, which vary in molecular weight and end group functionality, show good compatibility with unsaturated polyesters and phenolic, epoxy and polyurethane resins.

The applications where Nofia polyphosphonates can be applied include: fibre applications for commercial textiles and carpet, monofilaments for industrial and transportation applications, durable biocompounds, compounds for consumer electronic applications, film and sheet for thermoforming

applications in mass transportation and building and construction, profiles, prepregs and laminates for use in a wide range of applications including electronics, construction, rail and aviation. In some polymer systems, e.g. TPU, the addition of Nofia polyphosphonates can achieve Class A in ASTM E-84 and E-162 tests while retaining transparency. In PC, Nofia copolymers can achieve UL94 V-0 down to 0.25mm.

FRX Polymers, Inc. is currently building a production scale plant in Antwerp, Belgium which will come on stream in the fourth quarter of 2013. The group has a large pilot plant in Switzerland from which material is currently supplied to a variety of commercial applications.

The headquarters and R&D are in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, USA. FRX Polymers, Inc. will be exhibiting at K in Hall 5, 6-C-01.

FRX Polymers, Inc. Web: www.frxpolymers.com

Mould base and hot runner developments on display Hasco is presenting an array of products from its Mould Base Division and Hot Runner Division at K 2013.

The Mould Base Division is focusing this year on the areas of guiding/locating and temperature control. A large number of new components will be introduced, as well as product developments such as refined mounting tolerances for location elements. In addition to this, new connection couplings and temperature control hoses will be on display.

Other functional components with DLC coatings will create the potential for new applications by providing longer service life. A new, high-quality thermal insulating sheet has also been design for optimum heat balance in the injection mould.

The Hot Runner Division is focusing on needle valve technology. It is displaying a hydraulically operated Z2380/… cylinder for the displacement of needle valve assemblies, making the system easier to maintain. The cylinder can be dismantled without exposing the hydraulic drive, thus protecting the system and the environment from hydraulic oil contamination. HASCO implements the pneumatic drive for the

needle valve assemblies with the Z2371/… cylinder.

Entire actuating plates for needle shutoff systems are now moved on an allelectric basis, employing a new drive and control technology. This electric activation is particularly suitable for high-cavity systems in the packaging industry and medical technology.

Individually configurable travel paths and speeds are said to help to improve product quality and process reliability during the injection moulding process.

The drive programme is rounded off by a range of modular needle valves for individual pneumatic and hydraulic controls in different housing variants. In the control technology field, both a product optimisation and a central control unit will be on display.

Hasco Web: www.hasco.com

OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 43

K 2013: THE PREVIEW Brand new film extrusion line to launch at K At K 2013 Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H) will not only display extrusion equipment, but also its entire range of machinery for the production and converting of flexible packaging at the show in Düsseldorf and at its simultaneous EXPO at the company's headquarters in Lengerich, just an hour and a half by car from Düsseldorf. The main attraction will be the unveiling of a new extrusion line, currently referred to by the code name “E-24”.

E-24 is the project name for the new film extrusion concept that will be introduced, along with its real name, on the floor of the show. E-24 runs at high speeds without sacrificing quality, claims the group.

Downtimes are said to be brief and changeovers quick, and energy efficiency has also been incorporated in the design.

Also on show will be the Optimex 3-layer blown film line, which is equipped with high performance modules, new automation technology and optimal melt

paths to allow high output for profitable production.

The Filmex cast film line will be producing stretch films for pallet load stability. These films are characterised by a strong holding force, as well as high puncture and tear resistance. The line is rounded off with the new Filmatic PS stretch film winder, which is suitable for hard-to-wind films.

An additional highlight is the Aquarex blown film line with water quench cooling, that blows film downward.

The Aquarex will be running an asymmetrical barrier film. To run such demanding products at high outputs with minimal waste, the Aquarex has specific technical features. All machine components are completely integrated and production is automated. Films produced on the Aquarex are suitable for thermoforming and pouch applications.

Additional lines, including blown and cast film, all flexo and gravure printing presses and the complete spectrum of W&H equipment from basic to the high-

tech will be ready for demonstration. A shuttle bus between Düsseldorf and Lengerich is available.

W&H subsidiary, BSW (Bag Solutions Worldwide) will run demonstrations on the advanTex 2250 circular loom at its booth in Hall 17 of the K. An EXPO will also take place at the BSW plant in Prostejov, Czech Republic, where it will be showing its entire portfolio of machinery for the production and converting of PP woven fabrics for the flexible packaging industry.

Windmöller & Hölscher Web: www.wuh-lengerich.de

PolyOne ColorMatrix to show advanced metering equipment and technical services PolyOne’s portfolio of colour and additive solutions enhance the performance of thermoplastic parts, improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce manufacturing downtime and enable smooth product transitions, according to the group. In addition to highlighting specialised polymer materials, services and solutions on the PolyOne stand in Hall 8a, J13, the company will be showcasing its extended range of FlexCart liquid colour and additive metering equipment in Hall 6, Room B1.

The full range of FlexCart dosing systems, designed to maximise the value of using ColorMatrix liquid colorant and additive solutions, will be available to review and discuss first hand with members of the ColorMatrix technical services team. Along with the flagship FlexCart system, which was launched in June this year, three new systems will be on display, each designed to deliver accurate and consistent metering and provide

varying degrees of flexibility to suit individual processing requirements.

Experienced technical services engineers will be on hand to discuss the equipment and any further technical or thermoplastic processing issues.

ColorMatrix is inviting visitors to challenge its technical team and bring along any parts that may illustrate their issue and help get it resolved.

ColorMatrix Web: www.colormatrix.com/K2013

Corporate Profile: Flambeau Since 1947 Flambeau says it has been at the forefront of plastic processing. From just one machine manufacturing just one product, the company’s humble beginnings have developed and grown to encompass a diverse range of manufactured plastic products in the industrial, automotive and retail markets. It's expertise gives the group the ability to provide a diverse range of products and services, from tooling design for injection and blow moulded thermoplastic components to contract manufacturing of complete assemblies.

Flambeau claims it is one of the only international plastic manufacturers that specialises in designing plastic solutions for customer requirements utilising both injection and blow moulding technologies. Its accreditation to TS 16949 and ISO 14001, demonstrate its adherence to the highest quality standards. The group says it will support its clients on their projects from concept right through to a finished packed

product ready for retail. Flambeau says that it gives its customers global innovative solutions based on 65 years of expertise.

Flambeau will be exhibiting at this year’s K Show, promoting its manufacturing capabilities, as well as its retail brands. 2013 will be the first time Flambeau has exhibited at K, and will be used as a platform to present its technical capabilities on the international stage. The group will exhibit in Hall 7, Level 2/A20.

Flambeau Web: www.flambeau.co.uk

Static technology group to launch ten new products On the Simco-Ion Netherlands stand at the K–Show the group will launch no less than ten brand new products for controlling static electricity.

These products all belong to a new family called IQ Easy, and all feature 24V DC supply voltage. Anti-static bars, static measuring, static bonding and special products for IML (in-mould labelling) will be launched.

All products will be managed by the Manager IQ Easy, a controller that will provide distribution of the 24V DC supply voltage to up to six connected devices. A 7” full colour LCD display provides information about the status and settings of all connected devices.

Analogue input and output signals are available as well as a serial communication port for protocols such as, Profibus, Can-open, Ethernet-IP etcetera.

For quality management systems and process tracking, full data logging for all devices is incorporated. SimcoIon will be in Hall 11, Stand B58.

44 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

Simco-Ion Web: www.simco-ion.com

Come and see us at Hall 11, Stand H25

D-53773, Hennef, Germany Tel: +49-2244-83041 email : pmh.gmbh@t-online.de www.pmh-extruder.com

1600 mm wide Reifenhäuser cast film line, with 90 mm extruder, with 1500 mm T-die, 1600 mm chillroll, gauge system and automatic turret winder, for film thickness 15 - 100 µm.

Werner & Pfleiderer co-rotating twin-screw extruder ZSK 57-2 with 40 l/d screw lenght, venting, 8-hole die, cooling tank, Scheer strand pelletizer SGS100-E.

120 mm Reifenhäuser extruder RH1651-1-120-30 screw lenght 30 l/d, DC-motor 168 kW.

45 mm Ankele extruder, screw lenght 30 l/d, AC-motor 22,7 kW

1300 mm wide PMH 3-roll stack, roll diameter 450 mm, roll surface hardened, cromium plated and high polished, hydraulic clamping, AC-drives with master-/slave control.

1370 mm wide Reifenhäuser flex lip sheet die 0 - 1,9 mm die gap.

115 mm Wil-MAN Filtration hydraulic screen changer, 2 pistons.

130 mm IMEXO twin-screw extruder with venting, DC-motor 100 kW, with force feeder, die-face pelletizer.

1600 mm wide Reifenhäuser film winder SFA 1600 with aux. nip rolls, web- and winding tension control automatic changing system with flying knife.

4-component Tschritter dosing unit CW600 with weighing calculator MWS20.

800 mm wide Kaufman 3-roll stack, roll diameter 300/450/450 mm pneumatic clamping, 4,8 kW DC-motor.

pellet cooler with cooling blower and cyclon.

Extruders

2700 mm wide Reifenhäuser cast film line, with 200 mm extruder, melt pump, with 2250 mm autoflex T-die, 2700 mm wide chillroll, diameter 800 mm, with edge trim station, Eurotherm gauging system, 4 nos. post cooling rolls, web control, Stahlkontor winder 2250 mm wide.

30 mm extruder, 27 l/d, vented 30 mm extruder, 27 l/d 45 mm extruder, 24 l/d 45 mm extruder with Calvamat edge-trim re-feeder 45 mm Ankele extruder, 30 l/d 60 mm TPM extruder, 30 l/d 90 mm Reifenhäuser extruder, 30 l/d 115 mm PMH extruder, 32 l/d, vented 120 mm Reifenhäuser extruder, 30 l/d, vented 120 mm Reifenhäuser extruder, 30 l/d 120 mm Reifenhäuser extruder, 25 l/d, low base 200 mm Reifenhäuser extruder, 30 l/d 16 mm twin-screw compounder, 40 l/d, vented 57 mm W&P twin-screw compounder, vented 130 mm IMEXO twin-screw extruder, vented

More machines and informations on our homepage : www.pmh-extruder.com OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 45

K 2013: THE PREVIEW Automation group offers flexibility with 22 robots With a total of 22 robots on display on its own stand and on the stands of six partner companies, Sepro Robotique is touting “freedom of choice” in injection moulding automation at K 2013.

Jean-Michel Renaudeau, CEO of Sepro Robotique, said: “When we talk about ‘Your Free Choice in Robots, we’re showing potential customers that no matter what their application, no matter where they are located, no matter what their operating parameters, Sepro has options that can meet their needs. We are a global company, with in-depth engineering and manufacturing capabilities, strong technical and marketing partnerships, unmatched service and support, and a diverse product offering, and we intend to be the number one robot supplier in the markets we serve.”

After many years in Hall 10 at the show, Sepro says it is moving to Hall 12 Stand A49 in order to gain more floor space.

Covering a total of 255 m2, the display will be the largest ever for Sepro. It will showcase the latest Sepro technology, including much that has never been seen before.

46 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

One such development on display will be 5X Line and 6X Visual working together in an automation cell.

This set up consists of two six-axis articulated-arm units operating together with three 5-axis Cartesian robots in an entertaining “automation ballet”. Developed by Sepro Robotique in partnership with Stäubli Robotics, these two robot families are aimed at injection moulding applications requiring complex part manipulation. The 5-axis 5X Line is based on high-precision Sepro 3-axis Cartesian beam robots and a 2-axis Stäubli servo wrist. The two additional compact servo rotations make it easy to adapt to challenging applications like insert placing, complex extraction paths in the mould, path tracking for flame treatment, and the like. The 6X Visual line of robots combines a Stäubli 6-axis articulated-arm robot with Sepro Visual 3 control to deliver an automation solution specifically tailored for injection moulding. Five models are available to serve injection moulding machines from 20 to 4000 tonnes.

Also demonstrated will be multimaterial moulding and in-mould decoration with Multi-Inject 20 on a Sumitomo Demag IMM. The vertical injection unit on a bi-material injection moulding machine might interfere with movement of a standard beam robot, but Sepro claims that its Multi-Inject 20 robot, which is being shown for the

first time at K 2013, is different. This specially designed unit will be operating on a 210 tonne Sumitomo Demag machine with a two-position rotating mould for making ice scrapers with softtouch gripping surfaces. In operation, the robot picks a decorative label from a feeder and places it on the moulded scraper body before the gripping material is over-moulded. Then it removes the finished product to a conveyor as the cycle repeats.

Sepro Robotique Web: www.sepro-robotique.com

K 2013: THE PREVIEW Romi to show expanded machine range Romi, the company behind Sandretto, will be presenting its new line of plastic injection moulding machines at K. Installed over an area of 400m², Romi will show the Romi Sandretto EL 75, Romi Sandretto EL 300 and the new Romi Sandretto EN 450.

“Romi has decided to consolidate its position in the international market of injection moulding machines and stamping Romi brand in the machines was a decision that confirms the intentions of the company, as well as gives confidence and strength to Sandretto brand” said International Sales Manager, Monica Romi Zanatta. She added that “Romi has over 80 years of

history and more than 150,000 installed machines worldwide, a milestone conquered with quality and technology that only a selected few can claim”.

For technical and engineering applications the company is showing the two new additions to the all-electric Romi Sandretto EL Series, with 75 and a 300 tonne of clamping force.

Using the technology and experience on the CNC machinery, the whole series relies on ball-screw and servo-driven movements. The result is a quiet machine which is fast, frugal and precise, states the group.

Operating noise levels are less than 60 dB, average energy savings up to 60%

compared to current hydraulic machines and up to 80% when compared to older technology, and movement accuracy is on the hundredths of a millimetre.

These are the first two models to use the new control CM15, a user friendly 15” touch-screen control with full connectivity via Internet, VNC Server, FTP server and PVI server.

The Romi Sandretto EN Series is the most recent range of machines released

by Romi. It is compact, has a low noise level, and is easy to operate and maintain, claims the group.

Additionally Romi is expanding the Romi Sandretto EN Series to include a 380 and a 450 tonne. At K 2013 the company will be exhibiting the Romi Sandretto 450.

Romi Sandretto Web: www.sandretto.co.uk

“Game-changer” launched for thermoforming process design Component manufacturer, machinery builder and IR heat specialist Ceramicx will launch a new infrared heating tool at K 2013. The new machine will be operational on the Ceramicx exhibition stand and is designed set to help achieve pinpoint processing accuracy and increased profit margin through energy saving, according to the group.

Developed in partnership with Trinity College Dublin the new tool offers an automated way to measure and map a heat spectrum that was previously invisible.

Dr Cathal Wilson and Dr Gerard McGranaghan of Ceramicx together with Dr Tony Robinson of Trinity College Dublin will be putting the new system through its paces at K 2013, showing plastics thermoformers and blow moulders how it can work for them, through more effective manufacturing and better process design.

The group states that it will offer a greater understanding and measurement of how IR heating elements of all kinds actually work and perform – mapping a previously invisible spectrum of IR radiant heat.

It shows how IR heat radiation affects target bodies; in the first instance a variety of plastic materials.

The first model will be on show in Dusseldorf from October 16-23.

Ceramicx will then build future machines to customer order and purchase.

Ceramicx also expects to immediately use this machine in the design and performance of its own infrared heating components, and in the design and build of thermoforming and blow moulding machines and other machinery involving IR heating.

Sensors, robotics, thermocouples, and programmes such as LabView and Matlab are arranged in such a way as to provide the most practical ways in measuring radiant heat flux distribution from any given heater system. From that base criteria the system can be tweaked to measure different effects. A variety of target bodies in plastics – polypropylene; polyethylene etc – can be experimented with in order to help with the design of different heater and reflectors and with the effects of different kinds of IR heat: short, medium and long wave.

Ceramicx Web: www.ceramicx.com OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 47

Going to the Show?

Why not call in to see us

Machine stock only 25 minutes from K-Show exhibition centre Supplier of new and used plastic processing machinery

>L ZWLJPHSPZL PU Extrusion

Pelletizing

Compounding

Recycling

Machinery

Â&#x2039; More than 40 years experience in the plastic

processing industry, combining ideas and engineering.

Â&#x2039; Development and installation of new and

used machines and equipment, for production of high filled compounds, masterbatch and ambitious recycling materials.

Â&#x2039; Our own electronic department develops and

builds process visualization control boards.

Â&#x2039; Machines are modernized or overhauled,

according to the customers needs.

Â&#x2039; Service, start-up and training is offered

worldwide.

Â&#x2039; A lot of extrusion lines are installed in a

5000m2 workshop - ready for test-run.

Â&#x2039; Close to the DĂźsseldorf K-Show international trade fair venue

PLASTICO TRADING GmbH & Co.KG =VO^PURLSLY :[Y Â&#x2039; + Âś >\WWLY[HS ;LS Âś Email: service@plasticotrading.com www.plasticotrading.com 48 â&#x20AC;˘ WWW.EPPM.COM â&#x20AC;˘ OCTOBER 2013

Come and see us at Hall 11, Stand B30 Visit our stand to discuss the latest in polymer testing systems.

K 2013: THE PREVIEW Negri Bossi bringing eight production cells to K

NATPET to show high-clarity aesthetic materials Saudi Arabian polypropylene (PP) producer NATPET will focus on enhancing converter productivity and end-product appeal in the rigid packaging sector by highlighting the high-clarity aesthetics, processing efficiency and performance possibilities of its advanced thermoforming and injection moulding grades at K 2013 in Hall 8a, Stand J10.

On show will be the new thermoforming grade H03TF and the injection moulding grades R25MLT and R40MLT. Visitors can experience these grades in action during the show with four machine manufacturers producing parts from the grades at their booths.

Thermoforming grade H03TF is said to combine high clarity and aesthetics with dimensional stability for thermoformed cups, trays and containers, both in shallow and deep drawn parts and covering a variety of thicknesses.

Featuring Milliken’s nucleating additive Hyperform HPN-600ei, the PP allows shorter cycle times compared to conventional nucleated PP and increases the number of finished articles produced with minimum waste. The highly-transparent containers have no visual barrier to the content and display good stacking performance.

Hyperform HPN-600ei generates isotropic shrinkage control with a relatively high crystallization temperature to give H03TF stiffness/impact balance and strength that create stability and optimise control. This results in an extra steady production process and more consistent finished articles with a better top load bearing capability. It also has regrind stability and will not yellow even after multiple extrusions, claims NATPET. At K 2013, Amut (Hall 16, Stand D43) and Gabler (Hall 3, Stand D35) will produce thermoformed drinking cups using H03TF. NATPET’s Image: Gabler latest upgrades to its range of PP products use Milliken’s Millad NX 8000 clarifying agent. R25MLT and R40MLT are high-clarity PP grades for thin-walled packaging and injection moulded

containers for the food and non-food markets. The use of Millad NX 8000 enables converters to achieve considerable energy and cost savings by processing the grades at lower temperatures and with shorter cycle times than similar products from the market, according to the group.

Reduced energy consumption also means a lower carbon footprint, with carbon dioxide generation cut by a reported five to eight percent.

The random copolymers deliver parts at a thickness of 1mm, where the haze value is 6% compared with 15-20% in grades containing conventional clarifiers when processed at low temperatures.

Potential applications include transparent housewares, and differentiated packaging for cosmetic articles. At K 2013, FANUC will run applications based on Teldene R40MLT in Hall 15, Stand B25, and injection moulder, Dr. Boy will produce insulin pen caps made from Teldene R25MLT at Hall 13, Stand A43.

Negri Bossi says it will exhibit its latest innovations on an 800m2 stand entirely dedicated to injection moulding at K 2013.

The company will be showcasing eight integrated production centres featuring machines with both two-platen and toggle-clamp injection technology, equipped with Smart Energy devices to minimise power consumption First of all there is the new Bi-Power VH 1000, the smallest of the two-platen hybrid range of large machines. There will also be a 650 tonne version of the evergreen Vector series with integrated robot, set up with a mould making polycarbonate headlight reflector dishes.

Another first at the show will be the latest version of the Canbio series – a Canbio 210 equipped with a mould for automotive heat shield caps in PA66 +25 percent GF. This unit – like the previous one — will also feature an integrated Sytrama robot. Negri says all the machines in the 160-500 tonne range will be equipped with the new Smart Flex clamping units with optimised structural rigidity and V-rails to guide the mobile platen, thus creating an oil-free moulding zone.

In addition, the fully electric version of the Vesta 300 will also be on show. As well as the Smart Flex clamping unit, Negri says the machine also features a new actuator with ultra-rapid ball bearing screw.

NATPET Web: www.natpetpp.com

Negri Bossi Web: www.negribossi.co.uk

OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 49

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

EPPM CLASSIFIEDS MATERIALS

Company Abbey Masterbatch ACS/Cumberland Albis Anglo Plastics Arburg Bausano Birmingham Granulators Boussey Control Europe Breyer Bunting Magnetics CJP Colloids Colormatrix (Advertorial) Corbion Dalesway DB Automation DME Europe Engel Erema Equipnet Eurotec Flambeau Go-Dove HB-Therm Herbold Instron Interplas Koch-Technik Kongskilde Krauss Maffei Lacerta Technology Lanxess Maguire Maschinenhandel Borowski Max-Robot Meech Mold Masters NATPET Netzsch Plastico Trading PMH GmbH Process Control PTI-Europe Ray-Ran Rawmec Renmar Romi Sandretto RUD Chaines SciLabware Simco-Ion Solvay Tappex Tinius Olsen TransXL TSM Controls Vinyl GB Wittmann Battenfeld Zerma Zumbach 50 • WWW.EPPM.COM • OCTOBER 2013

Page 10, 50 16 29 16 21 50 50 50 28 43 13 46 20 48 51 50 45 1 41 51 30 33 10 32 50 35 52 42 34 37, 50 36 7 19 51 49 46 47 39 2 48, 50 45, 51 45 51 48 51 50 17 43, 51 31 25 23 50 24 51 40 51 18 50 44

RE-PROCESSING EQUIPMENT Cont’d

Granulators – Shredders – Pulverisers New and second hand systems bought and sold Spares for all machines

BLACK MASTERBATCH Compounding Pipe Film

Moulding Recycling Conduit

blowers – cyclones – pipework – conveyors blades – screens Contact: Dick Monkhouse Tel: 01928 734724 Email: sales@herbold.cu.uk

Speciality Engineering Polymers DISTRIBUTORS REQUIRED For a number of key areas Whitelands Mill, Whitelands Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6UG, UK Tel: Fax: Email: Web:

(44) 0161 308 2550 (44) 0161 343 2026 aml@abbeymb.com www.abbeymb.com

PROCESSING EQUIPMENT To Advertise Here...

Contact Tim Guest Tel: +44 (0) 7581 398 723 Email: tim.guest@rapidnews.com

eppm

ANCILLARIES, AUTOMATION & TESTING EQUIPMENT

Krauss-Maffei Automation AG Tel: +49 89 88 99 0 Fax: +49 89 88 99 22 06 Web: www.kraussmaffei.com

For further information: T: +44 (0) 1789 206600 F: +44 (0) 1789 206651 E: sales@enquires.co.uk Or scan the QR code below:

Renmar Ltd Tel: +44 844 6933225 Email: info@renmarltd.com Web: www.renmarltd.com

www.tappex.co.uk

RE-PROCESSING EQUIPMENT

Granulators Shredders Pulverisers Blowers-cyclones All spares Contact: Dick Monkhouse Tel: 01928 734724 Email: sales@zerma.co.uk

To advertise here please contact Tim Guest: Tel: +44 (0) 7581 398 723 Email: tim.guest@rapidnews.com USED MACHINERY

USED MACHINERY Cont’d

PRINT EQUIPMENT

Manufacturing Equipment

BUY

SELL

MANAGE

Find what you need, sell what you don’t, and manage what you have.

EquipNet has been providing asset management sales and solutions to leading corporations in the plastics and chemical industries for more than 12 years. The EquipNet.com MarketPlace is the world’s largest online venue for buying and selling pre-owned manufacturing equipment.

www.EquipNet.com/EPPM Sales@EquipNet.com • Tel: +44.118.901.6161

Maschinenhandel Borowski

OTHER

Used plastic processing machines Injection moulding, blow moulding and accessories Tel. 0049-2173-8950790 Fax 8950799 www.mhborowski.de info@mhborowski.de

Extruder and Extrusion Lines

MATERIALS HANDLING ®

FOR SALE PVC Rigid and flexible compounds in the following formats

Prime Reprocessed Regrind Pulverised As well as composition raw materials For all of your PVC requirements please call +44(0)1691 664256 / fax +44(0)1691 664235 Email: enquiries@vinylgb.co.uk

Tel: +49-2244-83041 email : pmh.gmbh@t-online.de www.pmh-extruder.com

Over 35 Years of Service

500 x 350mm Kiefel Model Kmv 50d.

Thermofomer. 2002 Unwind stand. Top and bottom heaters. Forming station. Punch station and stacking station.

1300mm Battenfeld coextrusion sheet line; 2 x 90mm single screw extruders. 1300mm x 600mm 3 roll polishing stack+ haul, 2 station winder, 1995.

The Fort Offices, Artillery Business Park, Oswestry, SY11 4AD ® The Vinyl GB logo is a registered trade mark

Tel: +44 (0) 1793 827666

1850mm Battenfeld Gloenco PP PE Cast Film Line: 120mm+60mm extruders, feedblock. 1650mm Cloeren auto die, 1850mm Chill roll, haul off, winder.1993.

Email: sales@transxl.co.uk

1000kg/hr Colourtronic 3 component Gravimetric Blender Feeder with hopper loaders 2004.

SHEET LINES

Web: www.transxl.co.uk

140mm Berstorff ZE130A 40D corotating twin screw compounding line,300rpm screws,500Kw motor W&P UG200 face cutter,centrifugal dryer & pumps .

1000mm Omv Coextrusion Sheet Line.

120mm Omv Extruder, 60mm Coextruder, Melt Pump, 1000mm X 500mm Roll Stack, Haul Off, Winder.

GRANULATORS 500mm Zerma model GSH-500/600 660 x 350mm Cumberland model 6/84.

2300mm Omipa Pmma Extrusion Line 1800mm Virginio Mai 3 layer coex line 1700mm Bandera/virgin Mai ABS Line.

EXTRUDERS

1500mm Bandera 3 roll stack 1350mm Welex/Union line

115mm Welex Extruder, 30d

1350mm Welex 3 roll stack 1900mm wide Oman Polishing unit, 3 x 1900 x 400 mm diameter rolls in line saw haul off and Cross cut Saw.

1300mm Battenfeld coextrusion sheet line.

1040mm Welex Coex sheet line.

100mm Union extruder.

60mm Cincinnati Alpha60 extruder with inverter drive powering a 37 kW motor , cooling. 2003.

1040mm Welex 3 roll stack

Rapid Kurf 205 edge trim granulator with powered nip feed rolls for side trim granulation.

863mm wide EDI Ultraflex H75 flex lip sheet die. 0-1.9mm die gap. 240 V heating.

90mm Welex single screw extruder 80mm Cincinnati Titan twin screw 90mm John Brown Egan single screw extruder

1000mm Esde 3 roll Stack

70mm Battenfeld-kuhne Extruder

1000mm OMV co ex sheet line

60mm Cincinnati coextruder

890mm Welex Pet sheet line

50mm Welex co extruder. 25:1 l/d ratio.

50mm Betol extruder 25:1d

THERMOFORMING DIES

700mm Illig RDM 63/15B cup forming line 605mm Kiefel KL2 SH Thermoformer,

500mm Illig RDM 50/3 Lid Thermoforme

660 x 350mm Cumberland model 6/84 Granulator 15kw ac motor.

890mm Welex World Standard sheet Line.

90mm Extruder. Gear Pump 900mm Die. 890mm Welex Stack winder. 1997.

980mm EDI model Ultraflex HR75 915mm EDI flex lip sheet die 900mm Kuhne model BDF 90F 863mm EDI Ultraflex H75 flex lip sheet die 500mm Masterflex flex lip cast film die 1987

500mm wide Illig RDM 50/3 lid thermoformer, Double heaters, Motor Indexing. Auto Rail Spreading, Counter/ Stacker, 1982 very good condition.

1700mm Bandera Virginio Mai PMMA ABS sheet extrusion line. 80mm extruder, 1600mm Simplas die, 2-7mm thickness. Complete line 1987.

100mm Union single screw extruder. 35D vented with fan cooled barrel. Vacuum vent.

110kw dc motor and drive. Temperature panel 1987.

1450mm wide Kaufman Repiquet sheet extrusion line. 120mm Kaufman extruder, Omipa die, 1450mm 5 roll polishing stack, pump group, haul off, guillotine. 1991.

540mm Kiefel KL2EH vacuum former 1040mm Welex sheet extrusion line: 90mm Welex extruder with gear pump, die head, 1040mm wide Welex 3 roll polishing stack, haul off and winder.

250ltr Motan Luxor 80 Dryer With Twin Desiccant Beds Which Provide Consistently Low Dew-point Air To Process, While Reducing Energy Consumption.

500mm Kiefel Model Kmv 50d. Thermofomer

300mm wide Schwarbentham 2 roll laboratory mixing mill. Polymix 110 P.

60mm Betol/Corelco pipe corrugation lines model EC255LLV complete with die head and corrugation dieset, cooling bath, hauloff & fly cutter,!!!

TRANSXL INTERNATIONAL THORNHILL SOUTH MARSTON SWINDON WILTSHIRE SN3 4TA ENGLAND MORE MACHINERY, MORE PHOTOS ON THE WEB: www.transxl.co.uk

OCTOBER 2013 • WWW.EPPM.COM • 51