Modern Plastics & Polymers - May 2010

Also available in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, China & Hong Kong

Published in association with Editorial Advisory Board A E Ladhabhoy Dr Sushil K Verma Dr Swapan K Dhara Mohan K Jain P P Kharas Raman M Patel Vijay Merchant

Plastics Technologist Former Director General, CIPET Regional Technical Head, Basell Polyolefins India Pvt Ltd MD, Indoplast & past president, AIPMA Chairman, Ecoplast Chairman, Industrial Products Mfg Co President, Polycraft

Editor Assistant Editor Features Writer Research Desk Correspondents Desk

Manas R Bastia Sarita Kutty Chandrashekhar Modi KTP Radhika Jinoy, Sumedha Mahorey Prasenjit Chakraborty, Rachita Jha, Geetha Jayaraman, Shivani Mody, Ayesha Augustine, Divya Karmakar Meghanadan Sudhakaran, Marcilin Madathil, Priyadarshini Basu, Swati Sharma Michael Anthony, Sudheer Vathiyath, A Mohankumar Shiresh R Karrale Sharad Bharekar Pravin Koyande, Dnyaneshwar Goythale Vikas Bobhate, Ravikumar Potdar, Ravi Salian Sanjay Shelar, Kalpesh Dhanmeher, Lovey Fernandes, Pukha Dhawan, Varsha Nawathe, Abhay Borkar Jagruti Shah, Ganesh Mahale Lakshmi Narasimhan Sudhanva Jategaonkar Sunder Thiyagarajan, General Manager- Copy Sales, Sheetal Kotawadekar, Senior Manager Tel: 91-22-3003 4631 / 4633 Email: customercare@infomedia18.in Infomedia 18 Ltd, Special Interest Publications Division, ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J. K. Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028 Tel: 91-22-3003 4669 / 4673, Fax: 91-22-3003 4499 Email: spedit@infomedia18.in

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Editor: Manas R Bastia

The right ‘control’

g

oing by recent global trends, injection moulding and blow moulding are witnessing a rise in demand for flexible, customised, fast and energy-efficient machines. As machine concepts get increasingly modular, there is a growing need for sophisticated motion control systems. Some of their benefits include reduction in power consumption, cycle time, noise levels and facilitation of good quality control.

So, it is not surprising to see motion control systems gaining wider reach across a range of applications in plastics processing. Some of the examples include multilayer sheet extrusion lines, fully automatic winders, tension controllers in web and in centre/surface/gap winding, internal bubble cooling, PP thermoformer and vacuum thermoformers for producing XPS foam products.

What’s more, the latest developments in technologies related to motion control systems have significant implications for the plastics processors. Thanks to these, processors can not only carry out operations with higher resolution and accuracy, but also with much faster throughput than before.

Having said that, there are a few challenges as well. In order to achieve the best result for a given process based on the most appropriate solution, one should ensure the right balance. In fact, under the right circumstances, one can leverage some or, all of the key recent trends that include higher speeds, steeper acceleration and deceleration profiles, finer positional control, and faster convergence properties. All these can lead to faster and more accurate point-to-point displacements, and thereby increase the overall throughput. The ‘Cover Story’ offers more insights into it.

With product lifecycles getting shorter and demands on quality & design of the products becoming tougher day by day, this seems to be a blessing in disguise for the rotomoulding domain. Given the inherent design strengths such as consistent wall thickness and corners that are virtually stress-free, rotomoulded products are coming out of their traditional water tank shell and finding use in automotive, material handling, industrial components, furniture, infrastructure and leisure sectors.

However, availability of specialised compounded grades of PEs for specific roto moulding applications is one of the pressing issues facing the country today. Going forward, as more and more engineered products such as those in infrastructure & automotive will require a variety of grades necessary for performance requirements & reliability, there needs to be a solution in place, sooner than later. For a detailed perspective on this fast growing space, turn to the ‘Special Feature’.

Though plastic substrates possess many advantages over metals, the melting point temperature creates a hurdle before plastics becomes high-performance electronic sensors. However, the recent R&D in this area offers quite a few promises. The ‘Roundtable’ presents various viewpoints from across industry. Take a look.

Manas R Bastia Editor manas@infomedia18.in May 2010

Modern Plastics & Polymers

17

May

CONTENTS

2010 54

45

F EAT U R ES ROUNDTABLE

42

Electronic plastic sensors: R&D holds the key

LEADERS SPEAK

60

51

“Innovations/new technologies are among the key drivers for growth of used machinery sector” ...says Cesar Rodriguez, founder & managing partner, MachinePoint Consultants S L

45

PROFILE

51

N A Group of Companies: ‘Turn’ing ideas into reality

COVER STORY

54

Motion control systems: Automation on the move

SPECIAL FEATURE The world of rotational moulding: A tradition of innovation

60

MATERIAL CORNER

R EGU LA R SECT IONS Editorial ............................................................... 17

Silicones for photovoltaic encapsulation: Enabling innovation Courtesy: Dow Corning Corporation

INJECTION ZONE Multi-component moulding: A fast evolving technology Y R Anand, partner, Unimark

National News ..................................................... 20

SMART MANAGER

Asia News............................................................ 26

Sustaining initiatives: A strategic balancing act Savoir Faire Management Consultancy Pvt Ltd

World News ......................................................... 33 Techno Trends ..................................................... 38 Events Calendar................................................... 80

Product Update ....................................................92

REPORT National workshop on ‘Plastics waste management strategies for a clean environment’: Recycling initiatives take priority

69

76

Product Inquiry ................................................. 105 Advertisement Inquiry ....................................................... 109 Product Index .................................................... 112 Advertisers’ List ................................................. 114

e issu ary t x e s N er nniv h 5t A

Highlights of Next Issue Exclusive Cover Story Special Feature

May 2010

Cover photo courtesy: Renishaw

: How Sustainable are Plastics? : Plastics in Building & Construction And much more... : Blow Moulding

Note: $ stands for US dollar and £ stands for UK pound, unless mentioned otherwise

18 Modern Plastics & Polymers

72 76

Technology Transfer..............................................87 On the Shelf .........................................................90

69

83

NATIONAL NEWS

EXPANSION

Grundfos India inaugurates Phase II of its Chennai facility

Grundfos Pumps India Pvt Ltd recently inaugurated phase II of its facility at Thoraipakkam, Chennai. The 7000 sq m facility, constructed with an investment of Rs 17.6 crore, has sophisticated material handling equipment needed DISCOVERY

Microbe to make biodegradable plastics Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavnagar, has discovered a microbe from Indian waters to manufacture bio-degradable plastics using a by product of the Jatropha plant.

According to a press release, the bio-degradable plastics can be INVESTMENT

British Petroleum to set up 1mt petrochemical plant in Gujarat

to handle pumps and components in the manufacturing, assembly & storage operations. It has a test bed capacity of 300 kW and the entire load is well supported by power back-up. This will help in the testing of large pumps used for massive infrastructure projects. In addition to this expansion within the existing facility, Grundfos has acquired 16 acre of land near Sriperumbudur for the construction of an additional production facility and the work is expected to commence by 2011.

Carlo Prola, senior vice president, Grundfos Group, said, “India is one of the most important overseas markets for the company in the Asia-Pacific region. The expansion of the Chennai-based facility

further strengthens our capabilities to adapt to the local market and signifies our commitment to long-term business operations in India.”

Speaking about the expansion, Ranganath N K, managing director, Grundfos India, revealed, “We plan to increase our footprint in India and expand our operations by setting up another facility near Sriperumbudur. Our vision is to be the best pump company in all the segments that we operate in. We continue to be eco-friendly with our products and our factories.” Grundfos is also working with IGBC to get a green factory building certification to take forward its agenda of energy efficiency, water conservation and being eco-friendly.

manufactured from a side stream product of Jatropha called glycerol which is formed during the process of bio-diesel extraction from its fruit.

The institute had undertaken research to find cheaper renewable sources to produce bio-degradable polymers, and now is looking forward to produce it on a commercial scale.

In 1991, Imperial Chemical Industry had tried to manufacture bio-

degradable plastics, but the source of this kind of plastics was expensive.

Hence, it had failed to evoke any response from the industry.

British Petroleum (BP), one of the world’s largest energy and petrochemical companies, plans to set up a 1 million tonne (mt) petrochemical plant in India. The plant - to be built at an investment of Rs 3,500 crore - could come up in Gujarat.

The company is currently negotiating with oil refiners in India

for the purchase of paraxylene as feedstock to make purified terephthalic acid (TPA).

BP had tried to enter the refining business three years ago through a tie-up with the state-owned Hindustan Petroleum Company, proposing an upcoming 9 mt plant at Bhatinda.

The venture had, however, not materialised back then.

the companies on December 16 and 17, 2009.

Speaking about the acquisition, Prasad Chandran, chairman, BASF Companies in India and head, South Asia, said, “We are convinced that the acquisition of Ciba is already helping our customers to be more successful, based on an innovative and comprehensive product portfolio.”

Nearly 350 employees of Ciba in India will be integrated into BASF by end of May 2010.

ACQUISITION

BASF completes the legal process of acquiring Ciba companies in India BASF India Ltd (BIL) recently completed the legal process of acquiring Ciba India Ltd, Diamond Dye-Chem Ltd and Ciba Research (India) Pvt Ltd. The merger took place after the shareholders approved the scheme of amalgamation held at the court convened meetings of 20 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

NATIONAL NEWS

EXPANSION

Parle Agro to expand its PET capacity As part of expanding its plastic packaging business, food and beverage

VENTURE

Kuwait offered stakes in ONGC and IOC’s petrochemical plants India has offered Kuwait a stake in Oil and Natural Gas Corp’s (ONGC) Rs 12,440 crore petrochemical plant at Dahej in Gujarat on the West coast and Indian Oil Corp´s (IOC) proposed chemical plant at Paradip on the east coast.

Kuwait Petroleum Corp (KPC) has repeatedly rejected offers for stake in Indian refinery projects in the past since India could not fulfil its demand for auto fuel distribution rights.

ONGC’s Dahej petrochemical complex is to comprise capacity to RECOGNITION

Rajoo Engineers felicitated Rajoo Engineers was recently conferred the IPMMI – Machinery Design

SURVEY

INEOS explores Dahej SEZ for setting up catalyst facility The UK-based INEOS is exploring the prospect of setting up a catalyst unit at the special economic zone (SEZ) in Dahej. Senior officials from the US and UK offices of INEOS visited the site recently. The estimated initial cost for 22 Modern Plastics & Polymers

player Parle Agro, is planning to expand its polyethylene terephthalate (PET) business by increasing its production capacity by another 21 per cent in the next fiscal. The company recently installed two new machines - a KM 96 cavity machine and a Husky - HyPET 72 cavity machine at its Silvassa plant, at Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It has commissioned its second preform manufacturing plant in Orissa and plans to set up its third plant in South India by early 2011.

Outlining growth segments for the PET business, Schauna Chauhan, CEO, Parle Agro, said, “We plan to increase our presence within the oil, confectionery and pharmaceutical segments while also reaching out to new customers in the liquor segment. We have already started R&D to expand our range of preforms and technology. We recently started manufacturing wide mouth jars in addition to preforms, in order to cater to the confectionery packaging segment.”

produce 1.1 million tpa ethylene, 340,000 tpa propylene, 135,000 tpa benzene and 95,000 tpa butadiene. The unit will use C2-C3 (ethane and propane) compounds extracted from imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) as feedstock.

The scope for a foreign partner in ONGC’s Dahej unit will be for 20-25 per cent stake holding.

ONGC is keen to get an overseas major who can either bring technology or marketing support for its Dahej plant to be built by February 2012.

KPC has also been offered a stake in the 1 million tonne (mt) petrochemical plant that was split from the Rs 29,777 crore refinery at Paradip for building

in future. The plant is planned to be built after the 15 million tpa refinery is commissioned in 2012.

Kuwait supplies 10 per cent of India’s current crude needs. India is counting on Kuwait and other oil-rich nations in the Gulf to meet crude oil requirements of new refineries that are set to increase India’s refining capacity by 70 mt to 250 mt by 2012.

Innovation Recognition (IMDIR) award 2009 by the Institute of Packaging Machinery Manufacturer’s of India (IPMMI) for its vacuum forming machine.

The award which is given for uniqueness of the design and development of packaging machinery and systems was conferred on RajooCommodore’s Vacuum Forming Machine (Dispocon FPS - RECR – 7086 XPS) in the

category of ‘machinery for packaging operations’.

The foamed PS sheet line and vacuum formers are capable of producing fine quality PS foam sheet which is then converted into an array of vacuum formed articles like trays, dishes, lunch boxes, plates, bowls and so on.

Typical produce consumes only 5 per cent plastics while the rest is air.

setting up the project would be about Rs 10 billion. The catalyst plant would cater to the company’s clients in the East. The petrochemical plant in the SEZ will be able to source directly from the catalyst plant, especially for HDPE/LDPE swing product.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) is the anchor tenant for the SEZ, and is setting up a Rs 124.40 billion

petrochemical complex called ONGC Petro-additions Ltd, that has sourced its technology under licence from INEOS for its cracker and other units.

May 2010

NATIONAL NEWS

DIVERSIFICATION

Unnati Group ventures into plastics processing

The Gujarat-based Unnati Group of Companies, one of the leading manufacturers of submersible IN TUNE WITH TIME

Reliance keeping pace with polymer demand Reliance Industries Ltd is working to fulfil the increasing polymer demand that is expected to remain in the double-digit range for at least another five years.

According to a report Reliance has added more than 2 billion pound of polypropylene capacity in the recent years, in order to keep pace with India’s polymer demand, which averaged almost 11 percent growth from 2005-10 and will continue at a 10.5 percent clip from 2010-15.

PROJECT COMMISONED

Sumeet Industries commissions PET chip plant

EVENT

Conference on ‘Thermoplastic elastomers’ held in Mumbai A two-day conference on thermoplastic elastomers, organised by Plexium India was held recently in Mumbai. It focussed not only on the automotive industry, but also on other special applications of TPEs, covering new technology, materials and their applications. The programme was attended by over 250 24 Modern Plastics & Polymers

pumps, is in the process of ramping up its presence in plastics processing segment with an eye on the booming flexible packaging sector. In line with this, it plans to invest around Rs 25 crore plus, in order to establish a strong position in growing plastics segment. The new company, Unnati Speciality Films (USF), has initiated the process by investing in a three-layer blown film line from Windsor Machines Ltd to produce stretch, lamination and shrink films.

Commenting on the company’s latest venture, G B Patel, founder director, Unnati Group of Companies, said, “This facility will focus on manufacturing super quality plastic films for packaging and other applications. I firmly believe that in the whole supply chain cycle, the end packaging part is often ignored or not taken very seriously, as the use of low quality packaging material still prevails. Hence, we intend to offer the end users a quality to cherish at an affordable price.”

Growth drivers for India’s plastics market include packaging for processed food and the fast-food industry. Popular applications include multilayer films, biaxially oriented PP film and shrink & stretch wrap. Indian infrastructure spending also could create 2.6 billion pound of polymer demand by 2010 and 9.2 billion pound of polymer demand by 2020.

Reliance continues to dominate the Indian polymers market with a 70 percent market share. It also ranks as one of the world’s leaders in polyester fibre & yarn and the

production of PP & polyester feedstock paraxylene.

The Indian government is also looking to assist Reliance and other petrochemical firms by investing in six different regions of the country to develop petrochemical production and boost manufacturing.

Sumeet Industries has commissioned a new project of 1,00,000 tonne continuous polymerisation (PET chips) plant and 6 MW gas-based captive power plant at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore.

With this expansion, the ompany’s POY and FDY total production capacity has increased to 56,500 tpa from 12,000 tpa.

Sumeet Industries is one of the leading manufacturers of polyester chips, polyester filament yarn and polypropylene yarns in India.

delegates from India as well as abroad, who appreciated the initiative. Further, it included 17 high quality technical papers from Indian and multinational companies like Arkema, BASF, Bayer MaterialScience, Dow, DuPont, Eastman, Husky, KK Technovinyl, Kraton, Lubrizol, LyondellBasell, Merquinsa, RTP and Zylog Plastalloys.

“Plexium, as an organiser, is extremely pleased with the positive response received for the conference,”

May 2010

Dr Krishna Venkataswamy, senior director - Global Research & Development, GLS Thermoplastic Elastomers; PolyOne Corporation, USA lights the inaugural lamp in the presence of founders and co-promoters of Plexium India

said Mirisch Damani, chairman of the conference.

ASIA NEWS

EXPANSION

BASF expands PU system solutions presence in China

As one of the leading global suppliers of polyurethane (PU) system solutions worldwide, BASF plans to further expand its strong global service and production network, with the establishment of a new Polyurethane TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT

SABIC develops advanced technology for manufacturing polypropylene Reflecting its commitment to innovation, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has developed a more advanced technology for the manufacture of polypropylene.

This is a fourth generation catalyst which can be used in several vital applications, the most important of which are packaging, carpets, piping, and automotive parts. This catalyst is a technological breakthrough, as it is JOINT VENTURE

Leading businesses in Thailand and Philippines join EPI’s growing network of international distributors

EPI, the global leader and pioneer of oxo-biodegradable plastics additives, recently announced that two new 26 Modern Plastics & Polymers

Solutions System House in West China. BASF will meet the demand of the growing markets in important industries like construction, appliance, transportation, and footwear.

The new System House will be located in Chongqing, where BASF also plans to build a world scale MDI plant with 400,000 kt per annum production. The planned System House will have local production with sales, technical service and development personnel to provide fast and competent support to its customers.

The System House will begin functioning by 2012 and will

continuously expand its operations and activities for its customers in the region.

BASF has also established a new Polyurethane Solutions System House in Cartagena, Colombia to meet the demand of the growing markets in Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. It is expected to be fully operatinal by the first quarter of 2011.

Like all other BASF System Houses, the new sites will have local production with sales and development personnel to provide fast and competent service to their customers. BASF sees attractive business opportunities in important industries like appliance, transportation, construction and footwear.

the first of its kind developed in the Gulf and Middle-East.

Experiments conducted by SABIC at its plants at Saudi Arabia and Europe confirm the catalyst’s ability to provide impressive results, making it superior to other catalysts currently used in the same area. This discovery will contribute to increased productivity, enhanced quality and new product development. It opens many windows for possible future applications.

The new catalyst has been applied commercially in the SABIC affiliate, Saudi European

Petrochemical Company, and has demonstrated superiority over the previously used catalyst. Usage of this catalyst helped production reach nearly 30,000 tonne of polypropylene at the end of March 2010. This quantity was sold to local and international markets.

independent distributors have selected EPI’s totally degradable plastics additives (TDPA™) platform to promote the use of degradable and biodegradable plastics in their territories. With the addition of these new distributors in South East Asia, EPI’s local presence continues to grow, adding to the brand’s regional prominence. “EPI is a customer service company, not just an environmentfocussed technology company. This makes a big difference as it enables our customers to produce the best oxo-biodegradable products with the support of EPI’s internal team of scientists, and our local support

networks around the globe. With the addition of NET Eco Company (Thailand) and Sidkor Industrial Sales (Philippines), to our chain of distributors, our customers and end users in these markets will receive seamless service in their own language and without time delays,” said Arthur Liu, director sales and marketing, EPI. These distributors join EPI’s everexpanding network of agents and distributors around the globe. “We are always looking for great companies to represent us in underserved areas,” added Amir Fasihi, who manages EPI’s operations in the Middle East.

May 2010

ASIA NEWS

NEW TECHNOLOGY

Wood-plastic composites market growing in Korea

The government of South Korea is trying to seed the country’s small market for wood-plastic composite applications by using the product in parks and public DEMAND TRENDS

Asia buying more German plastics and rubber machinery than Europe As the demands on plastics processors rise around the globe, it calls for a higher level of processing expertise. This drives processors in fast-developing regions to opt for high-end machinery. There seems to be a similar trend in Asia, which now accounts for more German plastics INNOVATION

FRP replaces steel bars in infrastructure projects

FRP (fibre reinforced polymer) is being used as an alternative solution to the traditional steel reinforcement bars on many new major projects in the UAE. MATERIAL PATENTS

Patent granted to ElectroPhen A materials patent has been granted for ElectroPhen, an electrically conductive polymer, to Cleantech materials startup, Bac2. In its raw state, ElectroPhen is one billion time more conductive than other polymers and its characteristics can be tailored to each application through the addition of graphite, metal powders, plasticisers and reinforcers.

28 Modern Plastics & Polymers

projects. This has prompted some local plastics firms to invest in this segment, according to an industry official. The Korean wood-plastic composite market lags behind North America and Europe, but some industry officials estimate to be growing by more than 20 per cent a year from its small base.

Byun Yong Geun, general manager, wood-plastics composite division, LG Hausys, said that the market has good prospects for growth because it can react faster with new designs

than traditional wood products. Wood products are still much cheaper than composites in Korea, but the company is working on new product designs and believes it can find some targeted niches.

LG Hausys set up an in-house product design and development centre last year for all its divisions. The composites also have opportunities because the South Korean government enacted restrictions on chromate-copper-arsenate pressure treated wood in 2008, citing environmental and health concerns.

and rubber machinery purchases than processors in the European Union (EU).

According to the German Plastics and Rubber Machinery Association, Frankfurt, over one-third of Germany’s total exports of plastics and rubber machinery were destined for Asia in 2009, rising to 36.5 per cent from 29.1 per cent. In terms of volume, exports to Asia fell by 17.2 per cent in 2009. Globally, German machinery manufacturers account for about 25 per

cent of total plastics processing machinery sales. While exports to Central and South Asia grew by 19.6 per cent, deliveries to South East Asia were only slightly lower than 2008, down 3.6 per cent.

FRP can be applied on top or bottom of slab and can also be used on beams or columns without taking up any extra space, due to its flexibility. It can be used in instances where there is either damage to structural parts due to ageing, fire, corrosion or where there is a need to reduce stresses in steel.

Concrete and steel jacketing systems, apart from being labour intevsive, are also often vulnerable to the same deterioration mechanism. As a solution, composite materials could be used for strengthening existing concrete columns,

beams, and slabs. This would be more feasible economically than demolition and reconstruction. These rebars have been used in marine docks and waterfront structures such as Nakheel’s Palm Cove Canal in Dubai Waterfront.

It is ideal for buildings with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units such as hospitals or buildings having equipment sensitive to electromagnetic fields where the use of steel reinforcing bars is not advised.

However, the only thing that works against this product is its pricing.

This makes it suitable for fuel cells and other energy storage devices, for RF screening and static electricity protection, and for the manufacture of heating elements and heat sinks. Bac2 has also evolved a way to delay the polymerisation process using a latent acid catalyst known as CSR10. This permits the pre-polymeric mixture to be transported and stored for several months before polymerisation, adding flexibility to the manufacturing process

and reducing costs. The patent covers Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the UK. Patent applications for the material are awaiting grant in Japan, Canada, the US, South Korea, India and China.

May 2010

ASIA NEWS

PRICE RISE

Asian PP markets see cautious demand amid high costs

In line with the recent rally in upstream markets, spot polypropylene (PP) markets in Asia have regained some strength.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

New mega projects coming up in GCC to impact petrochemical majors abroad New mega projects, with millions of tonne of petrochemical capacity are nearing completion and are scheduled to come on-stream in GCC in the next five years.

Post recession, the petrochemical industry has started to see a revival in demand as prices start to rise and improved demand MARKET FORECAST

PE, PP demand in China expected to fall in 2010-2012

Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene(PP) demand in China is expected to drop dramatically this year through at least NEW PRODUCTS

ColorMatrix expands offerings at Suzhou plant Since its opening in 2008, ColorMatrix Inc’s Suzhou, China, manufacturing plant has focussed largely on the company’s range of liquid colourants for PET. This year, however, the Suzhou plant is set to expand its offerings by bringing in the company’s lines of PET resin enhancers and additives.

“We are expanding our capability in Suzhou. By the end of 2010 we hope to 30 Modern Plastics & Polymers

However, sellers offering at the upper end of the ranges continue to complain of slow sales as demand has not picked up in proportion with rising costs.

Domestic PP offers moved back to levels seen two weeks ago as sellers launched another push to raise prices in line with increasing upstream costs. Spot propylene prices also gained $ 20 per tonne on the week, amid rising upstream markets that encouraged sellers and traders to take a firmer stance on their import offers.

Import offers for homo-PP gained some ground on the upper end towards the end of the week. However, caution on part of the buyers has also prevented spot PP markets from rising to match the full extent of the increase in upstream costs. Following the most recent increases, spot FOB Korea propylene prices have surpassed the low end of the prevailing homo plastics and polymers price range, as sellers offering at the upper end of the range are offering at $ 95 per tonne below their theoretical break-even level.

from China helps to buoy commodity market sentiment.

According to MEED reports, sveral companies including Petro-Rabigh, a joint venture of Saudi Aramco and Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical Company; Abu Dhabi National Chemicals Company (Chemaweyaat); and another Aramco joint venture with Dow Chemicals, are investing in petrochemicals complexes in their home territories. These new capacities in

the Gulf region, with access to cheap and abundant feedstock will pose the threat of fresh competition for established overseas companies and petrochemical majors.

2012 as a result of a slight easing in the country’s huge economic stimulus initiative, as estimated by ICIS. In its latest demand-growth estimates, Shanghai-based commodity information service CBI predicts that overall PE demand growth will decline to 8.6 per cent in 2010 from 30.3 per cent last year. Reduced liquidity resulting from a cutback in new bank lending, will contribute to a less ability by traders to speculate in polyolefins. A likely fall is expected in construction of residential

property along with speculation in this area also, as the government cools the sector down. This will have direct and indirect effects on the demand of polyolefins.

Steps have been taken by Bejing, such as interest-rate increases, to control overall inflation. The other big factor behind what is expected to be a steep drop in demand-growth percentage increases is that growth in 2009 was from a relatively low base as a result of the 2008 economic crisis.

have the complete range of products,” said Steven Chai, managing director, ColorMatrix Plastic Colorant (Suzhou) Co Ltd. The products that Chai is most anticipating include a range of PET barrier technologies that are intended to block light and absorb oxygen and UV rays, extending the shelf-life of a range of food and beverages. He hopes that the new products arriving at the Suzhou plant will help the company expand its reach in the beverage market

in Asia, particularly into beer and wine packaging.

According to Chai, the beer market in China is also an attractive territory for the appropriate PET bottle. “This could be a huge market,” he stated.

May 2010

WORLD NEWS

ADVANCED MATERIALS

SABIC Innovative Plastics showcases breakthrough material technologies at Plastimagen 2010

At Plastimagen Mexico 2010, SABIC Innovative Plastics exhibited a broad range of advanced high-performance INVESTMENT

Klöckner Pentaplast invests in new production capacity in the US and Asia The Klöckner Pentaplast Group recently announced that it would add to its global production capacity for transverse-direction oriented shrink-label films. The new shrink film capacity will be added to the company’s manufacturing facilities at Rayong, Thailand, and Rural Retreat, USA. The company also announced that it would be adding a PVC production MILESTONES

Eight PET strand pelletising systems on their way to Brazil

The final assembly hall at the headquarters of Automatik Plastics Machinery GmbH in Grossostheim, Germany, is offering an impressive sight right now. Eight state-of-the-art underwater strand pelletising systems

materials targeting Mexico’s vibrant automotive, aerospace and electronics industries, as well as solutions to replace traditional materials in reemerging sectors such as furniture and lighting. These materials can help accelerate growth in Mexico’s major manufacturing sectors and also provide a competitive advantage to smaller, local customers.

SABIC Innovative Plastics offers Mexico an unmatched value proposition: a diverse product portfolio, local manufacturing in Tampico (Cycolac*, Cycoloy* and Geloy* resins) and San Luis Potosi (Valox* resins and LNP* specialty compounds), as

well as distribution centres in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Laredo, Texas. It also provides a dedicated, in-country team of experts providing support to customers across the country.

“With Mexico’s vehicle production goes up significantly this year, plastics will play a key role in sustaining growth. We are proud of our huge portfolio of high performance thermoplastic materials for body panels, glazing, and interiors that help achieve weight-out, cycle time reduction, design flexibility, sustainability and aesthetics. ” said Mauro Cruz, automotive sales director, Mexico, SABIC Innovative Plastics.

capacity to its Rayong site at Thailand.

The company is investing $ 37 million (Euro 27.4 million) for this expansion which includes two tentering lines and PVC production machinery.

Sixty four employees will be added to the working staff worldwide. The new tentering lines will produce highperformance PETG and PVC shrink films and will add 15,000 tonne (33 million pound) of shrink-film capacity to the company’s existing global production. The startup of the production line is targeted for early 2011.

The state-of-the-art line is engineered to meet the stringent requirements and regulatory standards of the pharmaceutical industry, where it is primarily used.

for the production of PET are lined up for shipment to Lurgi GmbH, the renowned engineering company in nearby Frankfurt, for onward shipment to its end customer in Brazil, PetroquimicaSuape. For Automatik, this project marks the culmination of several major orders for pelletising systems placed during 2009.

The order consists of eight complete M-USG 900 H underwater strand pelletising systems in a horizontal line orientation, including fluid-heated die heads, the pelletisers and CENTRO 1600 centrifugal dryers to efficiently dry the cylindrical pellets.

Each of these pelletising lines, ideally suited for the production of PET, can

attain an operating throughput of 9,500 kg/hr.

A follow-on project with two more underwater pelletising systems of type M-USG 300 H is scheduled for delivery in the later half of 2010.

Among the key factors for Lurgi (formerly Zimmer AG) in placing the order with Automatik Plastics Machinery were the strong ties and proven track record of successful project cooperation between the two companies, both of which go back decades.

In addition, Automatik Plastics Machinery leads globally in PET pelletising applications with over 1,800 customers currently using its solutions.

May 2010

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WORLD NEWS

JOINT VENTURE

PolyOne and Segetis announce joint development agreement for bio-based materials

PolyOne Corporation, recently announced an agreement with Segetis, an innovative bio-based chemical company, to explore the development of bio-derived plasticisers for use in targeted petroleum and bio-based NEW LAUNCH

Amcor Rigid Plastics unveils a new replacement glass Amcor Rigid Plastics, one of the world’s leading producers of PET packaging, has launched a 12 oz ring neck PET bottle as a glass replacement option for premium food and beverage brands including sauces, dressings, condiments, and ready-to-drink (RTD) teas & juices. The stock hot fill container breaks new ground because it offers a PET alternative that delivers significant performance and cost advantages including portability (no breakage), light weight, and reduced transportation costs and significantly reduced carbon foot-print. Amcor conducted an extensive retail & market study and determined that there was strong demand for a glass replacement alternative.

ACQUISITION

Plastek buys former Rexam plant in North Carolina THE

PLASTEK GROUP

Injection moulder and toolmaker Plastek Industries Inc is investing $ 19 million in a plant near Hamlet, North Carolina.

34 Modern Plastics & Polymers

polymers. PolyOne, is working with Segetis in response to customer demand for more sustainable product offerings. The joint effort will help to leverage the proprietary levulinic ketal technology from Segetis, which is based on renewable, sustainable resources, in the development of plasticisers, solvents, and modifiers for the targeted polymers. Initial developments will be tested in the US, but all resulting technology platforms will become globally available.

“We are truly excited to work with Segetis and together, we will develop a unique performance profile for biobased plasticisers that will enable us to create compounds with properties that

are unobtainable today. This agreement underscores PolyOne’s commitment to enhancing our portfolio of sustainable solutions catering to our customers’ needs,” said Marcel Dartee, marketing director for biomaterials, PolyOne. Snehal Desai, business vice president, Segetis, added, “This relationship with PolyOne is a win for the marketplace. Bio-based performance plasticisers are required for use in petroleum-based resins as well as bio-derived resin systems. We recognise that combining PolyOne’s global leadership in bio-based compounding with Segetis’ proprietary technology will result in an expanded breadth of performance resins.”

“Many packaging professionals told us they wanted to switch from glass but could not find a PET equivalent. Due to the heightened awareness of sustainability today, there was significant interest in a PET alternative that could bring light weight, recyclability, reduced breakage, and reduced carbon emissions,” explained Latricia Fry, marketing manager, Amcor.

This 12 oz ring neck bottle features Amcor’s PowerFlexTM technology – a patented panel-less design which takes hot-fill (185°F) bottle options to a new level. The structural design eliminates the panels, and unlike competitive containers, provides a large, completely panel-less label panel. Amcor uses design and manufacturing techniques to create a bottle that absorbs vacuum via a patented designed base. Unlike conventional hot fill PET alternatives, PowerFlexTM bottles

are easier to label since they do not have sidewall vacuum panels. This eliminates concerns regarding mislabelling or the ripple effect that occurs when labelling over panels.

The 12 oz ring neck container comes in two versions: one has three horizontal ribs for hot-fill (185°F) applications and the other has smooth walls for ambient temperature products (170°F). The new bottles boast a premium look and mimic the appearance of glass.

The containers are being sampled now and will be commercially available June, 2010 onwards.

The company is negotiating to buy a packaging plant that London-based Rexam plc recently closed. Plastek and Bev Perdue, governer of North Carolina announced the project recently in Hamlet. Plastek specialises in consumer, cosmetic and pharmaceutical packaging and closures.

Among other products, the North Carolina plant will make caps for deodorant sticks — a product that

Rexam formerly made at the site. Plastek is based in Erie, where it has three plants.

The company said that the new plant would employ 250 within three years, according to a news release from Perdue.

The factory will be the company’s first in North Carolina. Work at the plant ended in the first quarter of this year.

Plastek is a family-run business started in 1956 in Erie. The firm is a leading maker of deodorant sticks.

May 2010

WORLD NEWS

SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY

Octal’s DPET process found to significantly reduce carbon footprint

A recent independent study by PIRA International, a leading UK consultancy INNOVATION

Lee Spring introduces springs made from SABIC's Ultem resin Lee Spring, an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer of stock & custom mechanical wire springs, servicing diverse manufacturing markets in the US and throughout the world has introduced LeeP - plastic composite springs moulded from SABIC Innovative Plastics’ Ultem resin.

According to company officials, LeeP compression springs provide critical advantages over traditional metal

EXTENDING REACH

DSM expands composite resins business into Turkey and neighbouring regions

DSM Composite Resins, through its subsidiary Euroresins Turkey (ERT) has outlined its future growth plans for Turkey which include closer cooperation with Turkish company Dyo Boya Fabrikalari Sanayi ve Tic

36 Modern Plastics & Polymers

and specialist in carbon footprint analysis, has concluded that Octal’s proprietary direct-to-sheet (DPETTM) process for production of PET sheet provides a substantially lower carbon footprint than traditional PET and recycled PET (rPET) processes.

Based on the findings, packagers, retailers and brand owners can achieve significant sustainability benefits while gaining quality improvements.

Meanwhile, thermoformers can improve alloy springs. The Ultem resin gives the new springs a broad range of high performance properties including temperature resistance upto 170oC, high strength-to-weight ratio, no magnetic interference, high corrosion resistance, and dielectric insulation for non-conductive applications.

Al Mangels, president, Lee Spring said, “The resin exceeded our expectations at every step. Owing to its tougher-than-tough balance of high-performance properties, it performs better than any other thermoplastic.” In marine applications, A S (DYO). The arrangement, which means DSM will obtain a local source of supply of its standard resins in the rapidly growing Turkish polyester market, also involves a transfer of DYO’s existing unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) business to ERT. The entire deal, which will provide a basis for the introduction of DSM’s specialty and innovation grades to Turkey and the broader region, is intended to be completed by the end of June 2010 subject to approval by the respective competition authorities.

This planned investment in its Turkish operations is in line with DSM’s growth strategy for emerging economies. “The addition of DYO’s UPR business to ERT’s existing portfolio should not only create a significant

May 2010

throughput, reduce waste, and cut costs with DPET. The company has developed proprietary technology that integrates the PET resin reactor with the sheet calendering process. This direct-to-sheet (DPET) process bypasses the compacting, drying, and melting processes of traditional systems, thus lowering cost, eliminating heat histories, and preventing unnecessary degradation of the polymer.

LeeP springs made with Ultem resin offer longer life due to resistance to salt water. For the medical device industry, LeeP springs avoid the cost of shielding, which is necessary for metal springs that can interfere with diagnostic imaging. amount of new business for DSM in the Turkish market but also bring new export opportunities to the Middle East and the countries surrounding Turkey including Russia, the Balkans and CIS countries,” informed Sertaç Sürür, managing director of DSM Composite Resins Turkey.

“Moreover, establishing local production capabilities for DSM standard resins will make them locally available to the Turkish market with higher service levels, and will provide us with a platform to promote the use of our specialty and innovation products in Turkey’s growth industries, where manufacturers are seeking greater innovation and value as they compete at an international level,” he added.

TECHNO TRENDS ÊMaterials

Nanoparticle-core for traditional graft materials

TPEs for dental applications

Conventional bone grafts, for correcting complex bone injuries are typically made of stiff polymers or brittle ceramics, and cannot readily conform to the complex and irregular shapes that often result from injury. In addition, they often require metallic fixation devices that require open surgeries to insert and remove.

Using a nanoparticle core, Jie Song, PhD, assistant professor of orthopedics & physical rehabilitation and cell biology , University of Massachusetts Medical School, and post-doctoral fellow Jianwen Xu, have engineered a new type of tissue and bone scaffolding polymer.

The key feature of the new polymer is its heatactivated malleability and shape memory. Using CT scans and MRI images of the injury site, Song envisions physicians creating a polymer mould of the scaffolding needed to stabilise an injury site, prior to surgery. Heatactivated at a safe 50°C, the smart polymer could then be reshaped to a more compressed form suitable for insertion in the body through a small, minimally invasive incision.

A supplier of tools to aid in speech therapy has switched from conventional thermoplastic elastomers to Medalist® medical elastomers from Teknor Apex Company, citing advantages in compound selection, blending, moulding, and resistance to chewing and other rugged treatment.

ARK Therapeutic Services Inc, designer, manufacturer, and distributor of speech and occupational therapy tools, now uses Medalist® elastomers for the soft tips of oral probes, a complete line of chew tools, and the Z-Vibe vibratory tool. Non-speech applications of Medalist® elastomers include lids for the Sip-Tip liquid feeding cup and the E-Z Eye Med dispenser for eye medicine.

“The Medalist® compounds blend very readily, enabling us to vary durometer without increasing the number of materials in our inventory,” said Debra C Lowsky, MS, ARK Therapeutic Services Inc. Recently ARK Therapeutic Services began redesigning its Z-Vibe tool to make it a onepiece product of all-elastomer construction. Until now this has been a two-part product, with an elastomeric tip and a polypropylene handle.

High temperature-resistant polymers

Polymer replaces steel in bottling machines

SABIC Innovative Plastics has introduced Lexan XHT clear, high-temperature polycarbonate (PC) copolymers. This innovative family of advanced PC resins feature new polymer chemistry with an optimal balance of high heat resistance and high flow, enabling it to offer greatly expanded design options for moulding thin-wall parts such as medical devices and electrical fuses. Lexan XHT copolymers also offer good clarity and colourability, making them top choices for applications like consumer and industrial lighting and heat shields, according to company officials.

“With Lexan XHT copolymers, SABIC Innovative Plastics is delivering on a previously unmet market need for a true high-heat resin technology with a near perfect balance of properties v/s other clear, high-heat materials,” said Bala Ambravaneswaran, product marketing director, Lexan Copolymers & Special Effects, SABIC Innovative Plastics.

The exceptional high-temperature performance is achieved through proprietary chemistry that alters the polymer backbone to ensure higher performance than compounds, blends and additives, which are not chemically integrated.

Solidur, one of Brazil’s high-performance plastics processing companies, has selected VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, manufactured by Victrex Polymer Solutions, to replace stainless steel filling valves in beverage bottling machines and the housings responsible for placing the threaded cap on each bottle. This polymer was chosen for its ability to withstand the high temperatures of the sterilisation process and for its abrasion resistance.

“The low coefficient of thermal expansion and the dimensional stability of VICTREX PEEK polymer served the purpose, which lower performance polymers could not. PE-UHMW, Acetal and PTFE components all locked or melted in the counterpart and stopped the bottling production due to thermal expansion when juice sterilisation required continuous operating temperatures of 95°C (203°F),” said Marivaldo Muniz, industrial director at Solidur.

As an additional benefit from switching to VICTREX PEEK polymer housings, Solidur was able to reduce the cutting machine noise that was created by the grinding of steel against steel and of steel against glass. Dimensional stability was also critical because of the very tight tolerances of the stainless steel.

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May 2010

TECHNO TRENDS ÊMachinery

Ultra high-speed moulding machine for thin-wall products

Monitoring the bottom of PET bottles

Nissei Plastic Industrial Co Ltd has developed an electric type ultra high speed/high pressure injection moulding machine NEX110-6EH, which was specifically designed for moulding of thin-wall products, such as casings and light-guiding plates.

Globally there is an increasing demand for thin-wall precision products, such as casings for mobile phones, thin light-guiding plates, thin-wall multimedia cards, and narrow pitch connectors. Thus, there have been strong needs for more sophisticated moulding, which require improved yield, higher quality, and high cycle operations.

NEX110-6EH, based on NISSEI’s flagship electric type injection moulding machine NEX series with the clamping force of 1,100kN (110 tonne), was developed as a new ultra high speed/high pressure type machine specifically designed for moulding of thin-wall products.

The main characteristic of this machine is the newly designed ultra high speed injection mechanism for thin-wall moulding, which is equipped with a low inertia servo motor. This enables very high injection speeds of 1,000 mm/s, which is the fastest among its class.

German blow moulding machinery producer Krones has developed its PET-view base quality system to monitor the bottom of PET bottles blown on Contiform machines.

According to the company officials, German mineral water producer Gerolsteiner Brunnen is using the PETView system, which can automatically adjust process parameters or halt the process in the event of any problems - on a pilot basis on one of its lines.

Key to the PET-view base quality system is the optical image of the PET bottle base that forms the basis for predicting the base weight of the bottles as they are made. This is an integral part of the Krones Contiloop close loop control system.

Segment weight determination methods such as PET-view base quality system used in combination with Contiloop have been shown to save Gerolsteiner’s 1.5 hour per shift through elimination of manual adjustment of process parameters.

The automation technique has indeed proved to be economical and helps in reducing the rejection percentage of PET bottles.

Gneuss MRS technology now with FDA approval

Innovative machine to insert wires into moulded fittings

Gneuss has recently received a ‘Letter of no objection’ from the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the patented multi rotation extruder (MRS), the fully automatic melt filtration system and an SSP which are used for bottleto-bottle recycling, with an extremely short residence time where the viscosity is lifted to the required level of IV 0.8 (or higher). The MRS extruder processes PET bottle flakes without pre-drying, directly to pellets or sheet.

The multiple screw section creates an extremely high surface area exchange rate, with the surface being constantly open so that with only a moderate vacuum, the maximum decontamination and minimum IV drop takes place. “The melt treatment is extremely gentle, resulting in a particularly high quality final product for example with regard to yellowness.

The advantages over conventional processes are on one hand the relatively low investment and on the other hand the very low energy costs and the extremely high quality of the final product,” said a company official. With the MRS extruder, the vacuum in the multi rotation system is controlled so that IV can be set and controlled automatically according to the IV of the input material or the requirement on the final product.

MSA Engineering Systems Ltd has developed a new saddle wire laying (SWL) machine for laying wire directly into the curved face of a saddle. The machine enables large saddle parts to be produced, typically with outlets up to Ø280 / Ø315 mm, with an overall part size of 450 mm x 450 mm, and saddle diameter from 90 mm to infinity (standard and special types), according to company officials.

MSA’s patented wire laying method inserts wire into a moulded fitting or fabricated part in a special CNC process which has many advantages and far greater flexibility than traditional methods. In the case of saddle fittings this new development eliminates the problems experienced while laying wire into a separate pre-grooved pad, which then has to be inserted into the saddle body mould. It also enables special large fittings to be completely fabricated, according to company officials.

Apart from being a low-cost one, the machine consumes less power and has lesser breakdowns resulting in minimum downtime. According to the company officials, the machine can operate at optimum speed and accuracy with much faster throughput.

May 2010

Modern Plastics & Polymers

39

TECHNO TRENDS ÊProducts

Plating ring made of PEEK A partial plating ring from Advanced Material Corporation, Taiwan, is made of Solvay Advanced Polymers’ KetaSpire® polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin.

The plating ring is used for gold plating of electronic LED lead frames. The plating ring has an outer diameter of 256 mm and inner diameter of 220 mm with varying heights for different lead frame designs.

The PEEK plating ring offers LED lead frame makers a more efficient and less costly process than traditional plating processes like dipping and brushing. It more precisely controls the plating thickness to save on gold consumption, while also lowering cost. KetaSpire® PEEK’s low coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) helps to ensure strong dimensional stability and tight tolerances.

PEEK plating rings are also more durable than those made of competing materials like polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

KetaSpire® PEEK is one of the industry’s most chemically resistant plastics and also offers good strength, superior fatigue resistance, and a heat deflection temperature (HDT) up to 315°C (599°F).

Digital valve for reducing fuel consumption of vehicles

Traditional “analog” thermostat temperature-control systems for vehicles will soon be a technology of the past if inventor Tom Hollis has his way. Switching to digital can manage critical fluid systems in a way that significantly improves fuel economy and reduces emissions. This innovation, namely ‘Digital Rotary Control Valve’ (DRCV) includes a valve body, tube and diverter made from a polyphthalamide (PPA) material, ie, Zytel™ HTN PPA grades from DuPont due to its high resistance to continuous exposure to coolant at 130°.

“When you think of the sophisticated systems, it comes as a surprise that we still use analog systems to control the interaction of the engine with the radiator system. After all, those fluids protect the vehicle’s most important operating systems – the engine and driveline – and running them too high or too low simply wastes energy,” said Hollis, director of Advanced Research -- MileageMatrix, Inc. The Digital Rotary Control Valve (DRCV) will provide a ‘true’ powertrain thermal management system that will always allow the engine/transmission to function at their ‘known’ optimum operating temperatures, under all driving conditions.

New BPA-free single-use baby bottle

Air duct for high-performance engines

The UK-based baby bottle manufacturer Steribottle, in collaboration with the leading consumer packaging company Rexam personal care has developed ‘MK3 Bottle’, which is said to be the first 100 per cent recyclable single-use baby bottle. It is also free of Bisphenol A (BPA). The MK3 baby bottle is a ready-touse three-piece baby bottle. The bottle and its overcap are made from a polypropylene (PP) material. As for the nipple, it is made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compound, an Evoprene™ grade supplied by the American material producer Alphagary. Steri-bottle® is far more ‘sterile’ than anyone could possibly achieve with a reusable bottle in his or her home. Unlike bottles sterilised at home, Steri-bottles® remain sterile for many years as long as they are kept in their original unopened packaging, according to company officials.

The toxicological effects of bisphenol A are well understood. One of the most extensively tested materials in use today, BPA exhibits toxic effects at high levels of exposure.

Toxic levels of BPA exposure result in weight loss in laboratory animals with other effects related to the weight loss as a consequence.

A newly developed two-component air duct, from system supplier MAHLE, Germany, connects the intercooler and throttle body of the three liter, six cylinder twinturbo engine from BMW. Blow-moulded using stiff yet elastic DuPont™ Hytrel® HTR4275, the air duct fulfils its task in a particularly efficient manner due to the very low material usage of the design and despite the high pressures and flow velocity encountered in such a highperformance petrol engine. By reducing the part to just two basic components, the time required for production and assembly is significantly reduced compared to the previous version, which was used up until mid-2009, and consisted of a series of pipes and clamps.

Moreover, blow-moulding technology enables greater flexibility in the integration of application-specific connections, such as those required for resonators, sensors or the discharge of gases. Together, the combination of lower weight, more efficient production and assembly, and the integration of variable functionality, provides a significant cost advantage over the earlier model, which was produced using glass-fibre reinforced nylon and elastomers.

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May 2010

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ROUNDTABLE

R&D holds the key

Courtesy: Lake Monitor

Plastic substrates have several advantages over metals to act as sensors. However, though these substrates possess several attractive properties including biocompatibility, flexibility, lightweight, shock resistance, softness and transparency, achieving high performance electronics or sensors on plastic substrates is difficult. This is because plastics melt at temperatures above 120oC. Nevertheless, current research projects are focussed on development of robust methods for overcoming this temperature restriction. Prasenjit Chakraborty ascertains the views of select industry experts as to how intensive R&D could overcome the shortcomings of plastic sensors.

A K Dube director, Sensors India Plastics is strong, flexible, lightweight and cheap. It is also capable of functioning as semiconductor, thus making it useful in diodes and transistors in plastic integrated circuits.

A key advantage of organic transistors over conventional sensors is their ease of fabrication.

Manufacturing a state-of-the-art silicon chip is an arduous process. Besides being time consuming, the whole process is complex and expensive. It involves photolithography and vacuum deposition, carried out under high temperatures in ultra clean rooms. In contrast, organic transistors could be made using faster, cheaper processes under less carefully controlled conditions.

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May 2010

To overcome the high-temperature issue, a new family of polymers is being derived with longer chain and a family of poly tetra fluoro ethylene which can sustain hightemperature. The development is still in the process to make commercial success.

Frankly speaking, plastics may never match the sheer processing speed and miniaturisation of silicon. Organics have other shortcomings in addition to size. One drawback is the lack of a suitable material for making p-type and n-type transistors together on a single chip, a pre-requisite for what is called complementary metal oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology, which is the mainstay of microprocessors. In p-type semiconductors the current carriers are holes; in n-type these are electrons. In addition, many polymer materials are fragile, susceptible to damage by humidity or mere exposure to oxygen in the air.

This weakness can be addressed by sealing the active components inside airtight and moisture-tight layers, but that solution adds further steps to fabrication and impairs desired properties like thinness and flexibility.

ROUNDTABLE

Manish K Sahay head - Marketing (West & South India), Leuze Electronic Plastics has certain advantages over metal. For instance, normal metal sensors do not perform well above 80oC, as metal is a good conductor of heat and disturbs electronics inside. In order to overcome this problem, one needs high grade steel or chromium to withstand high temperature but the prices of these sensors are exorbitant. Certain types of plastics like PBTP could withstand temperatures up to110oC and are rugged too.

Interestingly, 95 per cent of the total requirement (sensor) is within 80oC. Many of the metal housing sensors could also be replaced with plastic housing sensors. Further, as plastics are resistant to most chemicals, these can find usage in industries like chemicals, fertilisers and petroleum. Plastics also offer better

Prof Anup K Ghosh associate dean - Industrial Research and Development (IRD) and Reliance chair professor, Centre for Polymer Science & Engineering, IIT, Delhi Polymers or plastics can either be used as substrates for electronic sensors or itself be used as sensors. A new dimension now has been added in the filled polymers as advanced materials with nano reinforcements having very high surface area, therefore, enormous properties could be tailored and achieved. The most important in this category are liquid crystal polymer (LCP), shape memory polymers (SMP), conducting polymers, high temperature polymer, ablative polymer, high performance polymers, etc.

SMPs are smart materials with potential sensor applications.

Plastic sensors are also available using conducting polymer as electro-active material on plastic substrates. These systems carry out selective jobs: either by proper spatial design of conducting and non conducting paths or by the design of electro-active material in terms of conductivity.

Besides, each vareity of plastics has different characteristics, temperatures of melting and hence requires proper selection of plastics having higher melt temperature. For example, engineering plastics that have the inherent resistance to fatigue and chemical resistance, generally melts near and above 200ยบC and can be modified to have desired combination stiffness and strength. Even the thermal stability of the common polymers (having Tmelt less than 200ยบC) can be enhanced by modifying them through blending and compounding as well as by achieving highly oriented phase during processing. Moreover, there are a range of high performance polymers which are used at high service temperatures.

As far as problem areas are concerned, mechanical strength of polymers are not comparable to metals so the areas where fixed or cyclic load is applied may lead to fatigue failure. Thermal

ingress protection (IP) against dirt & water in case of certain sensors (inductives ). A normal plastic sensor can go up to IP69 protection ensuring full protection against dust and permanent immersion in water. So, there exists immense potential for plastic sensors.

Currently, the total sensor market is estimated at Rs 200 crore plus in India.

However, the main stumbling block is the mindset of people. Hence, there is a need to spread awareness about certain attributes of plastics like strength, robustness, tightening torque, temperature, IP protection and of course price advantage to change the way users think about it.

conductivity of polymer is less and hence may lead to lower heat dissipation. Continuous use temperature (CUT) at which the system can perform effectively without losing its strength needs to be extended. However, given the ease of processing, ability to tailor properties depending on the exact-end-use, and the inherent resistance to fatigue and chemical resistance, engineering plastics have been rapidly replacing metals. In addition, plastic materials are accompanied with a number of advantages such as higher productions rates, fewer rejects, lower production cost and reduced assembly problem.

R&D in terms of synthesis and modification of polymers for specialised applications are in progress in various research institutions/ organisations with specific emphasis on developing and understanding of structureproperty-processing relationship. These include development of polymers with controlled morphology as well as in its micro-cellular form. At the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, the synthesis of conjugated organic materials for electronic applications and synthesis of low band gap materials, n-type materials, and stable blue emitters are being researched upon.

National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, is working on novel polymer films having superior electrochromic properties, hybrid organic-inorganic nanocomposites and conjugated polymers for organic electronics. National Chemical Laboratory, Pune, is researching on functionalised conducting polymers and their applications which include chromatic effects in materials that have become important for many applications like thermal indicators, sensors, display devices and so forth.

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ROUNDTABLE

Satish Kazi chairman - Emeritus, Control Panel and Switchgear Manufacturers’ Association The cost effectiveness is obviously the biggest advantage for any product to become viable as a business proposition. While looking at cost advantages, one must remember to make comparisons on similar parameters. When we use intelligent plastic film sensors for weight or position detection, we get a customisable solution that is very light in weight and highly flexible and mass producible. The film sensors can be used for large areas while being easily configurable for shape and resolution. The energy efficiency, robustness and enhanced reliability of the whole measurement process is another long-term advantage.

However, temperature is a constraint for plastics in many application areas. However, modern engineering plastic research is leading us to materials by which temperature behaviour is improving every day. The fast pace of development and research has reduced our anxieties greatly.

With rapid development, we foresee a bright future for the products using these sensors. The segments which will

Surendra Jhalora head - business development (South East Asia), Secure Meters Ltd There are several technical benefits in using plastics over metal depending on the application. Though cost is the main benefit, better productivity, flexibility in design and better fitment, light weight are some of the advantages in using plastics over metal.

There are several applications where the requirement of temperature is lower than 120°C. Rather, most of the applications involve lower temperatures. Wherever higher temperatures are required, it is better to go for metal sensors, thermocouple, RTD as they are better designed with metal and ceramic to suit these applications. Lower temperature sensors are used directly with electronics and can withstand temperature up to 85°C very well.

As far as the market potential is concerned, there is a good market for electronic sensors in India. With the increase in automation and growth in other sectors, demand is going to increase in the coming years. Plethora

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May 2010

have wide application for such products include medical & healthcare, materials and logistics. We also predict many applications getting converted in the security, intrusion detection and access control for reasons of effectiveness and reliability.

India has tremendous potential for all the domains mentioned above. What manufacturers must do is quicken the pace of development of application oriented products to spread consumption across domains. Widening consumption will give the plastic sensor makers the much needed momentum to propel development faster and better.

As far as impediment is concerned, it is purely due to lack of economies of scale and the materials issues related to temperature as already discussed before. Another constraint could be the patent issues that will limit the number of operators for some processes. A different view of this, however, can be that patent and other restrictions might spur progress for alternative technologies and modified materials development which would benefit the larger interests of the industry in the long term.

To be honest, India has not made any breakthrough in the development of materials technologies in this area so far. However, Indian engineering has always focussed very strongly in all domains for applications and in the development for utilisation of new processes & materials.

Due to this, India is emerging as a leader.

of instrumentation is coming up in the power sector and automation is also increasing in other sectors as well. Automobile, medical instrumentation, consumer safety and comfort items are the rapidly growing segments. So, demand will increase for the new as well as supplementary requirement. Wide range of plastics is available for different requirements and the same can be used for a wide range of temperature and provide good electrical and mechanical strength, chemical resistance and last but not the least, cost advantage.

The main hurdle in this regard is the availability of right type of plastics for specific applications. Matching with the application and meeting all the requirement specific to the application are major issue. Durability of sensor largely depends on the proper selection of the plastics with right properties. The convenient knowledge transfer and ease of access to the knowledge is essential with the industry. This will help eliminate the hesitation to use plastics and ensure matching the right plastics with right application of the sensors.

There are many companies working on use of plastics for sensors. Enclosure and protection coating are already in use. Also, need based development activities are taking place within the industry. Some standards and research on dependability and durability will certainly help to expedite the usage.

LEADERS SPEAK

“Innovations/new technologies are among the key drivers for growth of used machinery sector”

… says Cesar Rodriguez, founder & managing partner, Machine Point

Consultants

SL

-

an

international trading company that engages professionals specialised in selling second-hand machinery in the plastics sector. It has core expertise in machinery for film extrusion & converting; extrusion of pipes, tubes & profiles as well as thermoforming products, among others.

In this exclusive e-interview with

Sarita

Kutty,

Rodriguez

outlines the prevailing scenario in the used machinery market in India and the complexities involved in used machinery transactions.

May 2010

Modern Plastics & Polymers

45

LEADERS SPEAK

Recent trends in the Indian plastics processing sector…

India is already on its path of becoming the fifth largest consumer market in the world by 2025. It is projected that the total Indian consumer spending will be approximately $ 1.77 trillion by 2025.

Talking of plastics specifically, India has the potential to become the export hub for processed plastic goods, mainly due to low manufacturing costs. Reports indicate that export of finished goods from India could reach $ 200 billion by 2012 in addition to the estimated market of $ 300 billion.

This is the simple reason why a lot of foreign players including us are keen on investing in the Indian market. Further, a lot of joint ventures are expected to take place in the Indian plastics processing sector.

MachinePoint’s strategy to tap these opportunities…

Used machinery for plastics processing in India, vis-à-vis the European markets…

The demand for used machines in India has nearly doubled from 2008 to 2009. This makes India a very important market for MachinePoint, as we have witnessed a lot of demand for European used machinery here. In line with this, we opened a sales office in the country last year and appointed Rohan Shahane as the country sales manager for Asia, East & South Africa.

India is also the fourth largest country in terms of demand for used machinery. However, the word ‘used’ is not always employed in the correct sense. In fact, most of the processors associate the term used machinery with cheap machinery, whereas this is not always true. Further, it has been observed that almost every processor is on the look out for opportunities to purchase cheaper used machines but is seldom in an urgency to buy them. This results in increased demand but the order conversion rate is very low from this region.

On the contrary, in European regions, the conversion rate is much higher; in fact, the number of machines 46 Modern Plastics & Polymers

sold is three times higher. This is because when European processors look for a particular machinery they tend to finalise on the deal in a short span of time, while Indian processors take a very long time when it comes to selecting a machinery that suits their process and also while negotiating on the price factor.

Moreover, Indian processors do not find used machinery made in Europe cost-effective – more so in the case of smaller machines – as the cost of transportation invariably increases the price of the machine.

However, when it comes to buying complex and bigger machines, European technology does make a difference, and the transportation costs too seem to be negligible.

We have plans to increase our presence in India in the years to come. Being financially sound too has helped us get involved in big projects. Besides, we even offer financial support to buyers. Our banks have financial tie-ups with most nationalised banks in India and this helps in extending any help, if required, to local buyers. Moreover, we offer only good quality machinery that can be sold without any sort of refurbishment or immediate attention to the functional parts of the machinery.

And while the used machinery market is full of small entrepreneurs trading in used machines, MachinePoint has managed to professionalise this business by reaching a critical mass, which makes us the largest European used machinery seller. We have presence in most of the major European markets, and this is they key to having a wide portfolio of good quality used machinery for sale. Though we are headquartered in Spain, we have presence in Germany, Italy, Poland, Russia, etc, and also have tie-ups with local sellers. I consider this absolutely essential, as it helps during the pricenegotiation stage.

May 2010

Selling machinery can be quite cumbersome if done without the right experience, but thanks to our specialisation & network of international professionals(lawyers technicians, machine manufacturers, forwarders, riggers, brokers, dealers, agents & auctioneers), and our commitment to the highest quality of performance, we have already sold machines in 52 different countries to the satisfaction of both buyers and previous machinery owners.

We select the best machinery and provide the best engineering & logistics service to our customers. We also take care of collection, legal agreements, dismantling, packaging, loading, transportation, custom formalities, commissioning or repairing the machinery.

In the near future, we plan to expand our global presence further.

Equipment/machinery for plastics processing on offer from MachinePoint…

We offer used machines for two highly different industry sectors: the plastics sector and the beverages sector. In the plastics sector, we offer used machines for extrusion (pipes and profiles); packaging (film, bags, film extrusion, film printing, etc); thermoforming and blow moudling. For injection, we only concentrate on injection machines for preforms and caps, while for the beverages sector, we offer used machines for dairies, soft & carbonated drinks.

Future of used plastics processing machinery sector…

The key drivers which contribute to the growth of this sector include innovations/new technologies coupled with high output machines and less power consumption. Since a lot of machinery manufactured in Europe meet these criteria, there will be a lot of demand for used machinery from this region. Further, knowledge base of the plastics processing machinery, new technologies - both in case of

LEADERS SPEAK

imported and indigenous machinery - would bring in a widened horizon for entrepreneurs. Having said this, we are aware that in order to compliment our products, we would need support from a few American brands, and we are working to incorporate some of these in our portfolio.

Further, a few Asian brands are also making their presence felt in this arena with highly innovative machinery that also has a good residual value. In line with this, MachinePoint may also look at supplying used machinery brands from this region.

Any advice for Indian plastics processors‌ Yes. If Indian plastics processors are on the look out for used machinery from European brands they should make a quicker move. This will increase their chances of not losing out on opportunities.

Also, as the whole process of selling and buying used machinery

India has the potential to become the export hub for processed plastic goods, mainly due to low manufacturing costs. Reports indicate that export of finished goods from India could reach $ 200 billion by 2012. is lengthy, complex and involves risks, they would benefit if they avail the services and advice of a reputed company who would serve as an intermediary and help them assess the entire deal through to the finalisation stage.

Further, price always seems to be a constraint with Indian buyers of used machinery, and they tend to negotiate on the price even before zeroing in on a machine.

Hence, I would suggest that before negotiating on the price factor, they should check out the working of the machinery to ensure whether or not

it fulfils their needs and expectations.

In fact, there have been several instances where Indian buyers tend to exhaust European sellers when it comes to price negotiations; and then everything changes once the machines are inspected, thereby creating a lot of tension between buyers and sellers.

Also, before they consider buying a used machine from Europe or America, processors should bear in mind the transportation charges, and also make sure that it is worth the price; else they could opt for a new machine that is made locally.

May 2010

Modern Plastics & Polymers

47

An invite that rewards as well...

Dear Reader, ‘Modern Plastics & Polymers’ solicits original, well-written, application-oriented, unpublished articles that reflect your valuable experience and expertise in the plastics & polymers industry.

You can send us Technical Articles, Case Studies and Product Write-ups. The length of the article should not exceed 3000 words, while that of a product write-up should not exceed 200 words.

The articles should preferably reach us in soft copy (either E-mail or a CD). The text should be in MS Word format and images in 300 DPI resolution & JPG format.

The final decision regarding the selection and publication of the articles shall rest solely with ‘Modern Plastics & Polymers’. Authors whose articles are published will receive a complimentary copy of that particular issue and an honorarium cheque.

Published by Infomedia 18 Ltd, ‘Modern Plastics & Polymers’ is the leading monthly magazine exclusively meant for producers and user fraternities of the plastics industry. Well supported by a national readership of over 80,000 and our strong network of 26 branch offices across India, this magazine reaches out to key decision makers among the Indian manufacturers of plastics products, machinery and allied sectors.

Brought out in association with Hong Kong-based Ringier Trade Media Ltd (one of the world’s largest trade publishing houses with more than 200 special interest titles and offices in every major country), it ensures that advertisers are able to promote their products and services across the globe at no extra cost.

So get going and rush your articles, write-ups, etc…

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PROFILE

N A Group of Companies

‘Turn’ing ideas into reality One of the most reputed manufacturers and suppliers of rotomoulding machinery & moulds, N A Group of Companies has been spearheading the revolution in the Indian rotomoulding sector. With almost three decades of experience, it offers products that are manufactured using the latest technology to ensure superior strength and durable performance of the machines and allied products. Sarita Kutty traces the company’s history as well as its current and future plans.

t

he rotational moulding markets in India and surrounding regions are at the beginning stages of very rapid growth and good sources of machines, resins and tooling are critical to that growth. “Rotomoulding technology ensures manufacturing of plastic products that are difficult to manufacture with injection and blow moulding processes; for instance, 50,000-ltr tanks can be moulded in one

May 2010

piece through rotomoulding process.

This process is also finding diverse applications in chemicals & process industries, and a large number of automotive manufacturers are shifting towards rotomoulding process for manufacturing fuel tanks,” observes Naresh Panchal, technical director, N A Group of Companies.

An ISO 9001: 2000-certified company and the manufacturer of NAROTO make rotomoulding plants,

Modern Plastics & Polymers

51

PROFILE

East region. Soon we expanded our market presence in the entire Middle East and also established ourselves in the African continent. Today, we export to 52 countries worldwide and approximately 60 per cent of our top line is from exports.”

Naresh Panchal technical director

Deep understanding of the industry and requirement of the customers, coupled with sound technological expertise and experience, topped with a penchant for giving the best of the products to the customers - all these factors Manufacturing set-up Headquartered in Ahmedabad, have led us to today’s leading position.

N A Group of Companies has captured a niche in the rotomoulding segment, thus turning the Group to a Rs 30-crore strong organisation.

N A Group of Companies has been in the field of rotomoulding since 1982.

N A Corporation, the parent company of N A Group of Companies, started its voyage with a modest beginning by setting up a small mould fabricating unit in a small shed (approximately 300 sq m ) at Vatva G I D C Industrial Estate, Ahmedabad. The Group was founded

by Late Prahalad Panchal, a technical hand with tremendous expertise in steel fabrication and manufacturing of industrial machinery. A company, which started manufacturing rotational moulds for rotomoulded tanks, slowly & steadily, developed rotomoulding machinery like pulverisers, bi-axial rotomoulding machine, rock n roll rotomoulding machines through its continuous R&D in the field of plastics rotomoulding.

“We started manufacturing rotational moulding machinery and other ancillary equipment during the year 1994 and entered the international market in 1997.

Our manufacturing base is built on sound fundamentals, knowledge of the industry, and awareness about customer needs, adaptability as well as R&D approval. Further, our technological expertise & experience, coupled with penchant for offering the best quality products have made us the market leaders in the field of rotomoulding,” informs Panchal.

At present, NAROTO enjoys a niche position in the domestic rotational moulding industry. “Almost 80 per cent of the rotomoulders in India use our moulds and machines. Our aim is to manufacture innovative machine designs for the rotomoulding industry, which in turn would help us enhance the production of unique and specialised plastic products. Initially, we catered only to local customers.

With time, we made our presence felt in the market and started building our marketshare,” says Panchal.

With technically competent products, backed by strong service network, the company slowly but steadily increased its market reach.

Asserts Panchal, “We were quick to realise that we have a product proposition that has a global value, and thus started exporting to the Middle

Pulveriser

Rock n roll machine

The journey so far…

52 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

Gujarat, N A Group today has three manufacturing facilities spread over an area of 12,000 sq ft with in-house R&D centre and CAD/CAM machines that are used for making water tanks, dustbins, road barriers, pallets, play ground articles, etc.

“Currently, we have a manufacturing capacity of more than 28 plants per annum. We have expanded our capacity to include manufacturing of any material like mild steel and stainless steel. Reflecting the requirements of the customers, we have also initiated handling turnkey projects across the world. Our manufacturing facilities are spread over an area of 12,000 sq m with in-house R&D centre and CAD/CAM machines enabling us to be an ISO 9001: 2000 certified company. Moreover, our well qualified manpower coupled with state-of-the-art machinery have ensured that we earn a name for being the most dependable innovators and front runners in the field,” states Panchal.

Used for various industrial applications, these products are widely appreciated for their chemical resistance and durability. Further, the entire range of products are tested on various quality parameters that helps maintain N A Group’s credibility in the industry. “Our in-house R&D centre does continuous research work. Moreover, we are open

Three arm fixed turret fixed oven

PROFILE

to the customers’ suggestions, which help us develop products that are in line with their specific needs. Our R&D efforts have also helped us develop new products, thus enhancing our product portfolio. Today, we have products for all rotomoulding needs,” avers Panchal.

Product portfolio Leveraging on its industrial experience of more than three decades, the company has been able to manufacture and supply a wide range of rotomoulding machine like open flame machine, oven type rotomoulding machine, pulveriser machine, plastics auxiliary equipment, moulding auxiliary equipment and mould products. The entire range is developed with the latest technology by using graded raw material that ensure optimal functionality and performance of these machines and mould products.

“We started our endeavour in 1982 with the manufacturing of moulds for

rotomoulded tanks. Soon we expanded our activities and initiated developing rotational moulding machines, ancillary equipment including pulveriser, mixer, extruder and scrap grinder, besides manufacturing rotational moulds in various material of construction (MOC),” cites Panchal.

Besides, the company offers complete end-to-end solutions and turnkey projects to its customers in the field of rotational moulding.

“Our customers give us product specifications and we design, develop and implement the machinery, handle costs, set up plants, and also manage training and manpower issues,” adds Panchal as a matter of fact.

Extending reach From manufacturing moulds for rotomoulded tanks to full-fledged plant machinery, accessories and auxiliary systems finding utility in rotomoulding, N A Group has come

May 2010

a long way. Today, with the onset of technical rotomoulding in India, the desire to explore new areas has increased and the company is looking to offer cost-effective machines, better moulds and extending its reach in the overseas markets.

“Our initial export market concentrated around markets in the Middle East, and slowly we have diversified into the markets of Africa, Europe, and South America. Earlier, our machines were mainly used for manufacturing tanks. But, today these manufacturers have diversified into new avenues like road barriers, industrial goods, consumer goods, automotives, etc, and we are providing tailor-made equipment for them,” avows Panchal.

In other words, there are plenty of opportunities that are yet to be explored, and N A Group is all set to ride the wave when the tide is high.

Modern Plastics & Polymers

53

COVER STORY

Processes like blow and injection moulding require precise position, pressure and temperature control than most other processes. And, conventional solutions for controlling all these machine parameters have proved to be energy inefficient. This is where motion control systems, with their unique principle, have made a significant impact on

the processing operations by weeding out

inefficiencies and incorporating advantages like position and velocity control, pressure or force control, CAM profiling, electronic gearing and vector mapping, among others. Chandrashekhar Modi explores this exciting field of automation and finds good reasons to embrace this technology in the plastics processing domain.

54 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

COVER STORY

g

lobally, there has been an increasing demand for flexible, customised, fast and energy efficient machines for injection moulding and blow moulding operations.

Machine concepts are becoming more and more modular and the need for sophisticated motion control is on the rise.

In line with this, motion control systems provide machine manufacturers greater freedom and flexibility to build ‘modular’ machines that help reduce power consumption, cycle time, noise levels and facilitate outstanding quality control. A decentralised concept is breaking the machine into virtual mechatronic units that are easy to automate by using pre-programmed or customised software templates.

Motion control is a sub-field of automation, in which the position and/ or velocity of machines are controlled using some type of device. These include hydraulic pump, linear actuator, or an electric motor, generally a servo. An important part of robotics and CNC machine tools, motion control is now penetrating the plastics processing arena.

Basic architecture In motion control systems, position, velocity and sometimes torque are controlled. A motion control generates set points for the desired motion profile and sends controlling signals to the drive or amplifier, which in turn are amplified to analogue signals to the actuator under consideration.

In these systems there is a controller which co-ordinates between various moves and performs calculations for controlling various operations. There could be a master encoder or virtual axis sometimes working as a time master as well. Based on this master, various other slaves are controlled.

“The basic architecture of a motion control system consists of a motion controller that generates set points and closes a position and/or velocity feedback loop, an electrical drive that transforms the control signal from the motion controller into a higher power electrical current that

Thomas Wittek executive director, Baumuller India Pvt Ltd

Motion controlled drives and torque motors score well with significantly better power density and an extended range of speeds fulfill lower energy requirements. This opens up new application areas as well as improves productivity in existing ones. is presented to the servo motor, etc. It would also include one or more feedback sensors such as optical encoder, resolver or 'Hall Effect' device to return the position of the motor to the motion controller in order to close the position and/or velocity control loops & mechanical components to transform the motion of the motor into the desired motion, including gears, shafting, ball screws, belts, etc. In case of direct drive technology no extra mechanical components are required,” explains Thomas Wittek, executive director, Baumuller India Pvt Ltd.

Servomechanism: A unique system Servomechanism is an integral part of motion control systems. A servomechanism, or servo is an automatic device that uses error-sensing feedback to correct the performance of a mechanism. The feedback or error-correction signals help control mechanical position and/or velocity of moving parts.

A servomechanism is unique among control systems in that it controls a parameter by commanding the time-based derivative of that parameter. For example, a servomechanism controlling position must be capable of changing the velocity of the system because the time-based derivative of position is velocity.

A hydraulic actuator controlled by a spool valve and a position sensor is a good example

because the velocity of the actuator is proportional to the error signal of the position sensor.

Servos are commonly electrical or partially electronic in nature, using an electric motor as the primary means of creating mechanical force. “Normally AC servo motors are used in most of the cases to control movements, but there can be other alternatives also depending upon the application requirements,” explains Riyaz Shaikh, senior project manager, Warade Automation Solutions Pvt Ltd. Other types of servos use hydraulics, pneumatics, or magnetic principles.

Servos usually operate on the principle of negative feedback, where the control input is compared to the actual position

May 2010

Courtesy: Baumuller Modern Plastics & Polymers

55

COVER STORY

Riyaz Shaikh senior project manager, Warade Automation Solutions Pvt Ltd

One can have various recipes in machines to control various production requirements.

By merely feeding the parameters for a required recipe in the input interface, the system can be prepared to produce a new product. of the mechanical system as measured by some sort of transducer at the output.

Any difference between the actual and required values (an ‘error signal’) is amplified and used to drive the system in the direction necessary to reduce or eliminate the error.

Encoders The purpose of employing a motion control system cannot be served without encoders. The position and velocity of moving parts can be controlled only when precise feedback of the movements is received at the input end. Encoders provide the feedback of movements and translate the information in the format required to adjust the input parameters.

“Encoders can be considered for motion control for machines with electrical axis. The type of machine and plastic component that is produced determines the requirement of an encoder for distance-length feedback. Linear encoders find immense applications in this area.

Machines engaged in the production of plastic bags require encoders to define the size of the bag to be made,” explains Thomas Kosthorst, plastic expert, Beckhoff Automation.

“The motion control systems employed in plastics processing encompasses different types of actuators like hydraulic actuators and/or electric actuators (frequency converter or servo amplifier type). The sensors that are integrated to provide feedback may vary from the simple limit switches to the more sophisticated proportional position sensors like resolver on incremental encoder and linear sensors like potentiometers or ultrasonic position sensors, mainly used for hydraulic axis,” adds Kosthorst.

“Motion control systems are being widely employed for a variety of applications in the plastics processing arena. Some of them include multilayer sheet extrusion lines, fully automatic winders, tension controllers in web and

Applications of motion control in plastics processing v Extruder screw drives: Extrusion control, GSM control, layer ratio control v Crammer auger drives v Melt pump drives v Air ring blowers in blown film extrusion lines v Take off (nip) drives; web tension v Winder drives; winding tension can be constant or can be varied as diameter of roll increases v Thermoforming: Indexing sheet position under mould v Thermoforming: Platen movements v Thermoforming: Plug assist Courtesy: Rajoo Engineers in center/surface/gap winding, internal bubble cooling (IBC), PP thermoformer and vacuum thermoformers for producing XPS foam products,” enumerates Sunil Jain, president, Rajoo Engineers. Compared to conventional sytems, motion control systems help in improving cost and energy efficiency.

The elimination of wear-prone mechanical components in the system

Myriad applications Plastics processes can be classified into continuous processes like extrusion or batch processes like injection moulding and blow moulding. In addition, there are auxiliary or downstream equipment like winders, haul off or saws as well as material handling devices. These different processes and equipment employ different types of motion control.

Courtesy: Plastic Injection Moulding

56 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

COVER STORY

Advantages of motion control systems over conventional systems v Shorter cycle times because no waiting loops for limit switches v Shorter cycle times because of perfect synchronisation with handling systems v Shorter cycle times because of perfect adaption to hydraulic valves (linearisation) v Better product quality due to precise switchover to holding pressure in injection presses v Better product quality due to high sampling rate of parison controller in blow moulding machines v Better product quality due to constant operating point after product change v Better product quality due to elimination of errors depending on changes of hydraulic oil properties v Less wear of moulds due to precise position control v Less wear of moulds due to force controlled mould protection Courtesy: Beckhoff Automation

Thomas Kosthorst plastic expert, Beckhoff Automation

The sensors that are integrated to provide feedback can vary from the simple limit switches to the more sophisticated proportional position sensors like resolver on incremental encoder and linear sensors like potentiometers or ultrasonic position sensors. significantly reduces friction losses in the system.

Key benefits Motion control systems assist in reducing gauge variation in machine direction due to consistent screw rpm resulting in uniform flow. Fine adjustment in screw rpm can be done against analog speed pot through digital drives. The motor-life is enhanced and overtorque & undertorque controls protect the motor from overloads if the consistency of polymer mixture changes. Web tension control and winding tension control allows high take off speeds during extrusion and even during the subsequent converting process, thereby increasing productivity.

Communication through HMI/MMI

and connectivity with different sensors and measuring devices results in streamlining most of the operations.

In thermoforming machines, the production can be enhanced through servo motors as they can be run with good accuracy at higher speeds.

“Today motion controlled drives and torque motors score well with a significantly better power density and an extended range of speeds ensure lower energy consumption. Motor rated torques up to 20,000 Nm and maximum torques up to 32,000 Nm are possible today. This opens up new application areas as well as significantly increases productivity in existing applications.

When used as direct drives in extruders and injection moulding machines (eg, on the screw), they exhibit very high efficiency at the operating point. Thus, they enable an extremely efficient energy conversion since additional losses due to mechanical transmission elements are avoided,” avers Wittek.

Meeting dynamics in demand Motion control systems are flexible and help in meeting the dynamics in demand very quickly. “One can have various recipes in machines to control various production requirements. By merely feeding the parameters for a required recipe in the input interface the system can be prepared to produce a new product. This makes product selection hassle free and at the same time automatically synchronises different machine and process operations,” explains Shaikh. Synchronised movements of the machine or process helps reduce power jerks. Servos house inverter Courtesy: Baumuller May 2010

Modern Plastics & Polymers

57

COVER STORY

Sunil Jain president, Rajoo Engineers

Motion control systems are being widely used for a vareity of applications in the plastics processing arena. Some of them include multilayer sheet extrusion lines, fully automatic winders, tension controllers in web and in centre/surface/gap winding, among others. technology at its core thereby imparting it with better power efficiency.

The cost advantage Conventional machines are very bulky, consume more power and are difficult for product change-overs. It is a time-taking task to set the machine perfectly for a variety of products. One needs to have dedicated lines for the each product. “In case of injection moulding, the standard machinary available are hydraulic machines, which are inefficient and unsuitable for a competitive and dynamic market. By incorporating a motion control system, one can use position regulated screw on the injection unit and planetary roller screw drive positioning on the stamp. One can achieve 38-40 per cent of energy saving on an all-electric machine.

Moreover cost of machine also reduces by 25 per cent with the same reproducibility,” affirms Shaikh.

Recent advancements Some of the latest advancements in motion control systems present

tremendous opportunities to plastics processors. Further, due to the recent developments in these fundamental technologies, today processors can carry out operations with higher resolution and accuracy, and with much faster throughput than before. High-speed systems are now being used across the plastics processing industry. But these systems pose significant challenges as well. To determine the most appropriate solution that provides the best results for a given process, it is important to find the proper trade-off balance.

Significant recent improvements include higher speeds, steeper acceleration and deceleration profiles, finer positional control, and faster convergence properties. Under the right circumstances, all of these factors can be used to achieve faster and more accurate point-to-point displacements and thus increase overall throughput.

Special application macros are now available with the motion control systems to make programming easy. Some standards are also being

Courtesy: Baumuller

58 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

generated for customisation of programming in niche areas. One such standard is PackML (Packaging Machine Language), which is increasingly becoming popular.

“The technology that was used in past to control the speed of AC/DC drive with the help of +/- 10VDC is slowly being replaced by high speed motion buses which are used for data transmission between the motion controller and programmable controller to realise optimum data passage. These motion buses are based primarily on optic fibre technology. Serial realtime communications system (SERCOS) is prominent of all the motion buses.

Other popular buses are Profinet IRT and EtherCAT. Servo technology is improving day by day with use of faster processors and various DSP technology developments. Now-adays the motion system can be easily hooked to the Internet and can have USB or wireless connectivity as the embedded technology, which is seeing an exponential growth,” avers Shaikh.

The road ahead Today motion control processor is largely a part of the servo drive itself.

Inputs and outputs can be expanded over the bus. Servo motors are now available with in-built drive thereby making electrical cabinets compact resulting in space saving.

In order to keep up with the increased productivity of motion control systems and to deal with the much larger stream of data coming from the movement of several different parts, significant increases in processing power are required. Fortunately, computers and workstations have themselves been progressing steadily. But many recent performance improvements in computers and operating systems have come on the fronts of multiprocessor, multi-core and hyper-threading enhancements.

To fully profit from recent performance improvements in motion control systems, classic algorithms need to be parallelised, optimised parallel algorithms need to be developed, and code and operations need to be made concurrent.

SPECIAL FEATURE

The world of rotational moulding

A tradition of innovation Today, innovations in rotomoulding to improve cycle times and process efficiency facilitate greater flexibility in product design and integrity. And in response to increasing demand, new materials and grades are being developed. Sarita Kutty delves deeper into the technical advancement and stronger competitive power of rotational moulding process, and a picture begins to emerge of an industry that is set to witness breakthroughs in applications.

t

oday, rotational moulding process is gaining ground in applications well beyond the traffic cones and children’s toys that have been its hallmarks for so long. Improvements in process control and developments of plastic powders over the past two decades have resulted in a significant increase in the usage of the rotational moulding process. It also has inherent design strengths, such as consistent wall thickness and corners that are virtually stress-free. And in many cases, rotational moulding is the only process to produce a product.

On a ‘roll’ Rotational moulding is a unique process, different from other conventional processes. Maintaining quality and consistency in rotomoulding may, at times, seem like a major challenge but statistics reveals that there are a number of techniques that can be employed with good results. Furthermore, companies are switching to rotationally moulded thermoplastics as an alternative for existing products currently made out of metal or group of metals. In many cases, rotational moulding may provide a more cost-effective and technically superior 60 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

Courtesy: Bailey

manufacturing solution compared with injection, vacuum or blow moulding.

States Ravi Mehra, founding chairman, Society of Asian Rotomoulders (StAR) and managing director, Norstar International, “Rotational moulding industry in India today is full of opportunities, enthusiasm, and is highly motivated for growth. Since 2004 – when a rotomoulding trade organisation now called StAR was formed in India – a significant section of this industry has worked enthusiastically and adopted state-of-the-art know-how from around the globe, in order to capture opportunities and growth.”

He reminisces that rotomoulded black polyethylene above-ground water storage tanks that are visible everywhere on rooftops – a relatively low technology product – account for above 80 per cent of the total rotomoulded production; in early 2000s it was at approximately 95 per cent. “Diversification into more lucrative and challenging markets is resulting from the knowledge, networking and awareness being engendered by the efforts and programmes offered by/through StAR. The motivated, forward-thinking industry is learning and adapting to new product designs, tools-moulds, materials, machines, processes and methods for developing

SPECIAL FEATURE

businesses in the promising new growth sectors now available in India. The Indian industry has also witnessed tie-ups with foreign companies and more are desirable and being worked upon,” informs Mehra.

While tanks have been known to dominate the Indian market for quite some time now, other countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan and SriLanka, among others, are fast catching up with this trend.

Elaborates Lal Singh, managing director, Fixopan Machines Pvt Ltd, “India, China as well as other Asian countries are showing growth of around 15-25 per cent per annum, with storage water tanks being the largest chunk with an average of around 80 per cent. Products like waste bins, road barriers, material handling, and automotive products are making their presence felt and are growing fast. Besides being used for automotive applications, the rotomoulded process can be used for manufacturing inspection chambers, joints of large low pressure sewage disposal pipes, septic tanks, etc. China has been slow but has been increasing rotomoulding capacities and is close to India when it comes to consumption of polymers for rotomoulding.”

Ravi Mehra founding chairman, Society of Asian Rotomoulders (StAR) and MD, Norstar International

The rotomoulding industry is learning and adapting to new product designs, toolsmoulds, materials, machines, processes and methods for developing businesses in the promising new growth sectors now available in India. product and avoid the additional cost of painting or coating. Aesthetically, different surface finishes can be integrated at the mould tool design stage.

However, in India, this is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by rotomoulders, according to Mehra. “Only one grade of rotomouldable PE from multiple suppliers is today available in India. This grade is adequate for limited applications, and here too the supply is generally tight and limited. More engineered products, for example infrastructure & automotive, require other grades necessary for

performance requirements & reliability,” he observes.

In addition, for some rotational moulding applications, processors often seek specialised compounded grades of PEs. Quality specifications and control of the basic PEs, besides the quality of roto-powder are also critical and lacking.

Adds Mehra, “This deficiency offers a great opportunity for some entrepreneurs. Some global companies have already taken an entry position in the Indian market.

Select and necessary grades of materials are now being imported. I hope that this

Number of rotomoulding companies 120

400

200

Europe Asia

180

On the materials front With the growth in popularity of rotomoulding, has come a parallel growth on the technical side. Resin formulations, as well as formulating, blending, and rotomoulding equipment, have been continually enhanced to the point that processes are fully controllable, and product quality & consistency are excellent. Over the years, a large library of resin and processing data has been accumulated, and a great deal of experimentation has resulted in the ability to mould even fairly complex shapes.

Today, there is a wide range of thermoplastic materials that can be used in the rotational moulding process: polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon-12 and cross-linked polyethylene are just a few.

Many thermoplastics come in a selection of colours, which can add-value to a

N. America India-270

S. America Australia & NZ Africa

450

180

650

PE-Consumption (KTA) 40 200 Europe

90

Asia N. America India-100

S. America Australia & NZ

300

Africa

450

Courtesy: StAR May 2010

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Lal Singh

– Industrial Design, Design Directions Pvt Ltd. He also believes that technical rotomoulders who are pushing design and technology forward are on the right track.

Of late, a few rotational moulders have been looking at manufacturing custom products other than just water storage tanks. However, creating novel rotationally moulded product is never a linear process.

Elaborates Gokhale , “Designers have to think out of the box and not limit themselves to predefined production rules - in fact they need to challenge with innovative technical solutions. Designers should also set new standards for the rotational moulding industry. Besides, a

managing director, Fixopan Machines Pvt Ltd

Resins with specific properties will soon be available in India. Materials like LLDPE with low flow & higher density, HDPE, PP, paintable grades, high-density PE, PC, XLPE, nylon, etc, are gaining popularity. entrepreneurial spirit prevalent in India will help materialise these opportunities; again the best and most assured way is to tie up with knowledgeable global suppliers.”

There are many issues that concern existing and new rotomoulding materials - especially in the new and sophisticated products, which demand specific properties - in the fast growing Asian rotomoulding market.

“The range available in India is limited but there are companies like ICO, SCG, and others that have started offering several grades of compounded properties for multiple applications. This needs to be extrapolated. While the grade of resins manufactured in India are limited to standard properties, resins with specific properties will soon be available. Materials like LLDPE with low flow and higher density, HDPE, PP, paintable grades, high density PE, PC, XLPE, nylon, etc, are gaining popularity,” concurs Singh.

Design flexibility In today’s competitive environment, product lifecycles have become short and the demands on quality & design of the products have become more demanding than ever. Rotomoulding is now all set to come out of the water

tank manufacturing shell and is taking bold steps forward by venturing into products for material handling, industrial components, infrastructure and leisure.

Explains Swetang Dave, managing director, Promens India Pvt Ltd, “The unique difference comes from how a rotomoulder manages his process, and how he can give a better product, besides being cost-effective compared to his competitors. Today’s customers are professional companies and are purchasing blow moulded and injection moulded plastic parts and they expect the same quality from the rotomoulded parts.”

Moreover, at a time when manufacturers are competing with several identical products with the same intent of use and similar specifications, design is the only differentiating factor. It is a well-known fact that a well-designed product will always stand out in the crowd. “Design has to make sense on two levels.

First, the emotional level of appealing directly to the customer’s instincts and aspirations; and second, the technical level of designing new products which can be manufactured and marketed successfully,” avers Satish Gokhale, director

Swetang Dave managing director, Promens India Pvt Ltd

Rotomoulding industry is small and the information on materials, moulds and machines is available to all rotomoulders. The unique difference comes from how a rotomoulder manages his process, and how he can give a better product, besides being costeffective compared to his competitors.

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Sectoral distribution of rotomoulding industry 4%

9% 27%

5% 7%

7%

8%

17% 15% Food and Agri

Traffic

Industrial

Toys

Automotive

Leisure

Transporation

Others

Home/Garden

Courtesy: StAR

good design is a result of integration and dialogues between industrial designers, mould makers and rotational moulders.”

Technical challenges and developments In an otherwise flourishing industry, there are a few points that are hindering the growth of rotational moulding in India. These, if tackled in the right way, will improve the pace of the growth and do a world of good for the industry.

Basically, it is the design and performance requirements of a product that pose as a challenge to Indian processors.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Satish Gokhale director – Industrial Design, Design Directions Pvt Ltd

Creating a design object using rotational moulding technology means establishing a balanced synthesis between form and function.

Design should not be just formal, but a fusion of an integrated solution, formed together with the necessary degree of practicality of the product.

Meanwhile, a selected number of rotomoulding companies in the US, Australia & Europe have successfully designed, manufactured and marketed these products for many years. Hence, tie-up with these companies for knowhow transfer can be a good way to quickly and successfully get into these markets in India, reasons Mehra.

According to Dave, a rotomoulder should address the following main performance factors: Control over wall thickness distribution:Uneven wall thickness results in weak sections of the product, and is caused by uneven heat flow to the mould due to improper air flow to different parts of the mould. Here, the solution is to: v Mount the mould on the arm so that the mould is continuously in line of airflow v Preheat parts that does not get required heat because of the shape of the mould v Use air amplifiers to ensure hot air reaches in nooks and corners of the mould v Use thick walled aluminium moulds to ensure better heat distribution through walls of the mould

Then there is improper powder flow to parts of the mould because of the design. In order to overcome this, v Minimum distance between two walls should be maintained while designing the part v Minimum residence time of each portion of mould in powder pool should be ensured Further to avoid poor powder flow in mould, one should ensure the right quality of powder with round particles.

Control over dimensional tolerances: This is important when manufacturing components that are part of assemblies in machines and equipment. Moreover, dimensional irregularities are caused by improper baking in the oven and fluctuations in the cooling and demoulding temperatures. There is a set temperature profile which is ideal for a particular resin. Changes in environment temperature between night & day as well as different times of a year and changes in oven performance will disturb this temperature profile and lead to dimensional irregularities and lower impact strength. Hence, the solution is to: v Measure the internal air temperature and set the machine on the temp profile instead of the time profile. This

Courtesy: Shanghai Chunxu Mould Industrial Co

64 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

Courtesy: Bassler Development

will ensure that irrespective of external influences the moulded part will be exposed to the same temp profile and ensure a stable dimensional behaviour Control over warpage: This is one of the main problems with rotational moulding compared to other plastics moulding processes. Warpage results in a poor looking part, and is caused by uneven cooling of the part. Some part of the product releases early from the mould wall. The part still in contact with the mould cools faster and does not have time to crystallise properly, the part not in contact with the mould wall cools slowly and crystallises. This causes stresses which pulls the material towards the crystalline region. Here, the solution is to: v Use internal air pressure to ensure that the hot product walls stick to the mould walls ensuring uniform cooling v A part sticking with a slight internal pressure to mould wall is uniform in shape and incorporates the features of the mould wall Control over parting line defects:This is a common problem in rotomoulding.

Here, parting line leaks are caused by damaged or dirty flanges and/or due to clogged or insufficient venting. Hence, the solution is to: v Ensure proper clean uniform flanges v Select the right size of vent pipes and always keep them clean Control over rejects: Rejects affect the bottom line of a rotomoulder’s performance. Hence, reduction in rejects should be of prime importance.

Further, designers should also look at reducing the number of parts/ components in assemblies or sub assemblies by way of integrating different

Courtesy: Bailey

SPECIAL FEATURE

Yuvraj Singh Ahuja director, Frontier Polymers Pvt Ltd

The industry is all set to create breakthrough end-use products using the rotational moulding process. With more and more automotive manufacturers setting up base in India, several new avenues have emerged. Further, outdoor/ street furniture is another segment that offers tremendous growth potential. functionalities based on the product being designed and its intended use of function.

This will lead to new and original designs and eventually add value.

Dies and moulds is another critical area that offers much opportunity in the growing Indian market. India probably has the largest number of makers of moulds for rotational moulding – these are primarily fabricated sheet metal moulds.

However, it lacks in design, fabrication & quality of these moulds. Mould makers are also forced to continue this practice due to the cost/price impediments forced on them by the buyers/moulders.

“What we really need is world-class moulds made in India for all these highend growth opportunities. Today, three types of moulds are used/required for rotomoulding, for example, fabricated, cast aluminium and CNC moulds. Once again, my strong belief and recommendation is to engage in tie-ups with experienced foreign manufacturers (or acquire import experienced know-how) in order to garner the opportunities that these growing markets in India are offering. If this is ignored, the whole industry’s growth will continue to suffer,” observes Mehra.

Seconds Yuvraj Singh Ahuja, director, Frontier Polymers Pvt Ltd, “India does not lag behind in quality moulds or roto machines. The issue is, how many are willing to invest in these two areas. Around 95 per cent of the manufacturers try to replicate what has already been done and supply it cheaper. This leads to cheaper moulds and cheaper machines. Yes, at the moment we are not at par with the Americans and Europeans in terms of Aluminium moulds, but the time is not far when this will change. However, for sheet metal moulds, India has produced some of the most well made and finished moulds.”

Growth opportunities Though quite demanding, the Asian rotomoulding market has a bright future.

The conventional tank market continues to grow while other products are just beginning to gain popularity. “The 1525 per cent compounded growth per annum speaks volumes of the potential that this sector offers. As a matter of fact, the present Asian consumption estimated to be around 3,50,000 MT would double in the next three to four years. The raw material, machine and mould suppliers

Courtesy: Chinakayak

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will have to gear up for this explosive demand,” concurs Singh.

However, the largest opportunity today for rotomoulding in India is offered by the infrastructure sector. This is a multifaceted growth sector consisting of rotomoulded in-ground collection storage tanks for rainwater harvesting, and rotomoulded products & solutions for the collection, transportation & management of daily household & consumer waste, among others. Significant advantage of rotomoulded polyethylene products for these applications lies in reliable leak-proof construction, long life, corrosion resistant, lightweight, easy–safe–fast transportation as well as installation.

Other major sectors for application & growth of rotomoulded products include automotives, agriculture, chemical & process industry, furniture, materials handling, toys & recreation, and retail sector, among others.

With more and more international vehicle manufacturers setting shop in India, there are new avenues for supply of rotomoulded parts for automobiles.

According to Ahuja, outdoor/street furniture is one segment, which has not witnessed much growth so far, but has tremendous growth potential. This includes bus shelters, lamp posts, seating, fountains, planters, etc.

It is thus evident that the opportunities in the rotomoulding field in India are only limited by one’s desire, imagination and commitment. “As a gut feel guesstimate, based on the above sectoral opportunities and growth potential, rotomoulding industry is sensing a billion dollar opportunity. One measure of this growth is gauged by the projection that the rotomouldable polyethylene usage currently at 100 kTA in India is projected to grow to 200 or even 300 kTA in the next few years! This is supported by the huge growths in the development and expenditures for the infrastructure, automotive, agriculture, education & retail – consumer sectors.

I hope that change is coming and that it is imminent,” concludes Mehra on an optimistic note.

MATERIAL CORNER

Silicones for photovoltaic encapsulation

Enabling innovation

Polymer structure is one of the ways in which silicone materials are tailored to meet the needs of different industries, processes, and commercial applications. They can be formulated into a multitude of products depending upon the application requirements, and are an ideal fit for the needs of the photovoltaic (PV) module assembly market. This article offers an insight into the aspects of silicones that can take PV power generation to the next level.

Courtesy: Tesla

s

ilicone polymers and resins have been formulated into multiple products that have a long history of successful use in a wide variety of applications and industries. Through chemical modifications of the polymer repeat unit, the optical, mechanical and thermal properties of the polymers can be extensively varied and tuned to meet the requirements of specific applications.

The silicone advantage The inherent properties of silicones such as very low ionic impurities, low moisture absorption, low dielectric constant and broad temperature utility make them excellent material choices for applications in many of the specialty markets like automotive, healthcare, electronics and microelectronics. These properties, coupled with excellent optical transparency over a wide spectrum and UV stability, wide range of refractive indices, excellent tolerance to high optical flux and excellent thermal and environmental stability make silicones highly suitable for meeting

the materials requirements for optical and opto-electronic applications like LED encapsulants and lenses as well as encapsulation of photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Due to their low modulus and low glass transition temperature (-50째C) they are stress relieving in a wide temperature range. Also, when formulated with appropriate adhesion, they provide the required moisture protection needed for multiple applications. They have excellent electrical properties and are well known as dielectric insulators. Their fire resistant properties are relevant to many aplications as well.

Internal evaluations at Dow Corning and with select external partners have shown that efficient solar cells using silicones as the encapsulant can be assembled and has shown good reliability.

Photovoltaic module and assembly The PV industry is growing rapidly as the demand for cleaner energy worldwide increases. As the industry expands, it is critical that suitable material solutions

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MATERIAL CORNER

are available to meet the numerous requirements including durability, performance, price, throughput and global availability.

Silicones are an ideal product family to meet the needs in the PV module assembly market. They are highly transparent in the UV-visible wavelength region, which makes them ideal candidates for cell encapsulants. They can be formulated to have low modulus and be stress relieving, at the same time exhibiting excellent adhesion to the glass, PV cells and substrates. In addition, they can also be constructed into hard/resinous coatings that provide effective durable protection and abrasion resistance while maintaining optical clarity.

Silicones can also be employed as PV junction box potting agents. For this application, they need to have high reliability, long-lasting protection against environmental ingress and excellent electrical insulation of components.

They can be modified to have a thermal conductivity in the range of 0.41.34 W/mK or higher, if required. Finally, silicones can be formulated into sealants for frame and junction box sealing. These sealants provide long-term bonding and protection against moisture and environmental attack.

Optical properties Silicones also have unique optical properties. The refractive index of silicone polymers can vary from 1.38 to 1.58, depending on the nature of the R groups and RI tuning can be critical for some

optical applications. Silicone polymers are also highly transparent in the UV-visible wavelengths.

Because silicones are essentially transparent to UV wavelengths, they are inherently UV stable and require no additional additives to protect against UV degradation such as those used in other organic encapsulant formulations. This property allows cells more efficiency by utilising the UV light to be converted into electrons rather than be absorbed by UV stabilisers.

Protection against corrosion While silicones are permeable to gas and liquid vapours, they are also hydrophobic.

These two attributes result in silicones having very low moisture pick-up in damp heat environmental exposure or total water immersion. In one example, a silicone elastomer was measured to have gained water equal to only 0.05 per cent of its upon exposure to 85 per cent relative humidity at 85°C. This is significantly less than measured for typical organic polymers.

Another key component in the performance of silicone in corrosion protection from environmental exposure is adhesion. The silicones can be formulated to have strong adhesive bonds to multiple substrates. When strong adhesive bonds are formed, the moisture will not have a path to wick into moisture sensitive components and cause corrosion or other degradation mechanisms.

The ability of silicones to transmit water vapour rather than absorb it

Courtesy: ViseraTech

70 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

prevents moisture from being trapped at an interface. The Dow CorningÂŽ PV-6100 Encapsulant series have been formulated to excel in adhesion to metal components and even to materials like PET.

Electrical insulation properties and durability Silicones are very well known for their excellent dielectric strength and high volume resistivity. There are many applications where silicones are used as electrical insulators. They are nonconductive because of their chemical nature, and when compounded with the proper fillers and additives, they can be made to meet a wide range of electrical insulating applications. In addition, because of the low equilibrium moisture content they remain non-conductive even in highly humid conditions.

Silicones are also known as one of the most flame resistant polymers.

Certain SilasticÂŽ silicone rubber products inherently possess a profile of fire hazard characteristics which makes them useful for applications where good flame retardation and minimum fire hazard is desired. Silicones can be compounded and fabricated to meet many specifications, including: UL-94, V-1 or V-0.

They also have a low flammability rating and typically do not support or promote a flame and do not produce toxic combustion by-products. These can also be formulated with a variety of thermally conductive fillers and have been used successfully in thermal management applications. This is typically an important property for PV junction box pottants for diode temperature control.

Many applications and markets too have exposed silicones to outdoor weather conditions. For example, construction sealants have proven silicones to withstand UV and other outdoor conditions. These durable materials are virtually unaffected by ultraviolet light or ozone and have been successfully tested in many accelerate aging tests.

Further, silicones offer the best long-term resistance to environmental extremes. In extended environmental

MATERIAL CORNER

aging studies silicone has shown very good response to protection of cells well beyond the typical testing required by IEC and UL standards.

Cure systems

Courtesy: Wacker

Silicones can be formulated to a variety of cure systems.

The most common cure system for materials used in electronics applications is the addition cure of Si-H to SiVinyl. This reaction is typically catalysed by platinum and can be accelerated by heat. This type of cure system can be formulated as a one–part or two–part product and it is a neutral cure system that releases no cure by-products.

This cure system has the advantage of being able to cure at a variety of temperatures and can be formulated for higher speed of curing; this could be very beneficial for high through-put assembly.

The other type of cure system is condensation (moisture) cure which is typically employed in sealant systems. It can be formulated with a neutral cure system with no acidic byproducts. They also typically have excellent adhesion and mechanical properties. However, the cure rates are typically much slower.

Conclusion Silicones are a unique family of materials that cover a whole range of properties. They can be used to formulate a multitude of products depending upon the application requirements.

Silicones have proven effective in a wide range of applications spread across various industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics. If the right combination of properties is selected, the use of silicones can play a significant role in speeding up module generation as well as enhancing power generating efficiency and durability.

Courtesy: Dow Corning. The company provides performanceenhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services via its Dow Corning® and XIAMETER® brands. Dow Corning is a joint venture equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning Incorporated. More than half of Dow Corning’s annual sales are outside the US. In India, Dow Corning is one of the fastest-growing specialty chemical companies.

Its Application & Engineering Technical Services laboratory enables collaboration with Indian customers to provide solutions that are new to, or customised for India. For more information, email: india.info@dowcorning.com

May 2010

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INJECTION ZONE

Multi-component moulding

A fast evolving technology Two-shot moulding, co-injection, and hard-soft combinations of thermoplastics are all variations of multi-component moulding. A multi-step moulding process that produces an assembly, and comprises two or more integrated components, this form of injection moulding is quite common in multi component OEM parts. Moreover, the benefits of multi component injection moulding include reduced assembly time, bonded products instead of using glue for adhesion, besides cleaner shut off lines and superior bonding. Read on‌ Y R Anand

a Multi colours with same material

s the demand for good looking and functional parts increases, the pressure to reduce production costs is becoming equally critical in most industries. Simple parts like toothbrushes and pens have evolved from single component parts made of hard plastics to soft touch rubber type grips on hard plastic base.

This is a typical example of multicomponent moulding – an area that has brought about a steady improvement in machine technology, moulds and the moulding process itself. It has resulted in production of parts with multiple colours and/or materials and also to produce assemblies involving two to three materials in a one-step production processes.

Over moulding

In mould assembly

Soft/hard combination

Core back technology

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Types of multi-component moulding While the earliest multi-component moulding started way back in 1961 by Arburg, the plastics processing industry has witnessed rapid developments only in the last 15-20 years. Multi-component moulding can be further subdivided.

For instance, bi-injection moulding is the simultaneous injection of different materials through different gates. This twoshot injection moulding allows the first material to cool before the second one is injected. In addition, multi-shot moulding describes any process where distinct material shots are applied to produce the final component. This includes transfer moulding, core back moulding and rotating tool moulding. Applications possible with two-component moulding include: gaskets, parts with mouldedin seals, parts with shock-absorbing or soft grip features, acoustic dampening, flexible hinges, multi-colour parts, toys with movable parts, and automotive AC or heater louvers (frame, vanes and connecting pieces).

Multi materials

INJECTION ZONE

As far as over-moulding is concerned, it includes both insert moulding and lost core moulding; the latter produces hollow parts. In addition, interval injection moulding, also known as marbling, is the simultaneous injection of different materials through the same gate giving limited but controlled mixing.

Then there is sandwich moulding that involves making sequential injections into the same mould with one material as the core and one as the skin. The core is fully encapsulated.

This involves one gate in the mould.

Recycled materials can be used as a core material with virgin resin skin, thus saving good materials and also reusing scrap. In-mould assembly uses two different materials with different shrinkage factors to produce complete assemblies with (normally) two parts or sometimes even three parts. This eliminates stocking of multiple parts and also reduces assembly time.

Further, during multi-component moulding, resin A is used in shot number 1, and resin B is used in shot number 2. The moulding machine can be constructed to achieve this or the mould can be actuated in some fashion to accommodate shot number 2. The shot number 2 resin may form an adhesive (or mechanical) bond with the shot number 1 resin. It could also be constructed to move in some fashion in, around or about the part moulded from shot number 1. A third (or fourth) shot can be employed to make an even more complex assembly. Then the assembled part is ejected from the mould.

Processing considerations The injection moulding machine should have either two, three or four injection units (one unit for each different resin).

The moulds are more expensive than standard moulds and often cost more than the machines. This is because the cavity blocks may rotate between shots 1 and 2, or other mould components may need to actuate/articulate in some fashion between shots. The required control systems may also increase the

Pre moulding

Moulded part with sprue

mould costs. Further, the machine’s multiple screws can be arranged in a vertical position (90o), an L-position, or a ‘piggyback’ arrangement.

Tool designs There are several types of tool designs.

In multi shot moulding, the complete mould may be rotated. In some designs, the whole moving half may be rotated. In some other designs only an insert plate or a central plate may be rotated. Thus, it is important for the mould maker to define the mould design and sequence of the process. This should be of paramount importance, while deciding the machine configuration. It is impossible to define an injection moulding machine for multicomponent moulding without having a clear feedback from the mould maker.

Some of the tools include: v Core back: A sliding core is first closed and melt 1 is injected, then the sliding core is opened and melt 2 is injected v Rotating plate: This two-station tool rotates in a vertical or horizontal direction for the injection of melts 1 and 2 v Index: The mould is physically transferred from one point to another In addition to the tool design, one should also consider the wall thickness, the surface structure of the part from shot number 1 (for venting problems), the tool surface and temperature (for demoulding), the gating location (for adhesion in dependence of flow path), the kind of contact (flat or overflow), and how the part will be demoulded (force in the adhesion area).

Materials Though this process offers several advantages, compatibility is important

Part without sprue

for adhesion between materials.

Resins A, B, C, etc should be generally compatible, with no antagonistic effects between resins. Besides, in places where movement of assembly components is desired, resin shrinkage becomes an important factor. Moreover, it is the variable shrinkage property that makes this type of part design and process development possible.

If the parts are meant for personal or food grade use, mandatory codes or safety agency requirements (like FDA, UL, etc) should be kept in mind while deciding about materials. It is possible that the complete assembly would need to be tested. Plans for a multi-shot moulded part should be reviewed with all of the material suppliers involved.

Information such as the melting point, energy transfer, surface tension, molecular weight, rate of crystallisation, mould release, internal lubricants, reinforcement ingredients, pigments, and stabilisers should be taken into consideration.

Process variables At the outset, one should always use the recommended moulding conditions for each material and then refine them after gaining some experience with the process steps. The moulding conditions can and will vary widely between materials.

The resin having the highest melting point or glass transition temperature should normally be ‘shot’ first.

It is often desirable to preheat parts to be over moulded to achieve better adhesion. Coating parts to be over moulded occasionally can be useful to achieve better adhesion.

Moreover, multi-shot regrind should not be used unless it has

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INJECTION ZONE

Typical layouts of the injection units

been thoroughly studied (as severe degradation could occur).

Other processing variables that should be studied are the melt temperatures of the two materials, the tool temperature, the injection speed, the hold pressure, screw retraction, and air traps.

Different materials have varying rheological properties and optimal moulding conditions, which can limit material choice. This is a big area for research as there have been few studies on co-moulding incompatible polymers.

The latest trend One of the new trends in multicomponent moulding is towards high-tonnage machine applications.

Machines of up to 1,500 tonne with two to four injection units are becoming available and being put to use.

An automotive parts supplier recently developed a two-colour polypropylene instrument panel.

What made this part unusual was the ‘simultaneous-shot’ injection process that used sequential valve gating to fill both colours in one cycle, eliminating the need for a rotary table or other twoshot technique. This was said to be the first use of simultaneous-shot injection in a large part.

There are more complex machines being built for large, multi-shot automotive applications. The systems 74 Modern Plastics & Polymers

Tool designs

integrate many ideas into the machine, which might reduce mould design complexity, to some extent.

One of the new applications for large multi-component machines is the nascent field of polycarbonate automotive glazing. Some machine builders have been working for the last few years to develop technology for moulding large, stress-free auto side and rear windows and sunroofs with integrally moulded sealing or framing components. First few machines have already been delivered in Europe. One of them features two injection units on the moving platen and a third injector on the stationary side. The two injection units mould clear PC in two cavities, then the center platen rotates and a dark-coloured PC is injected to make the frame.

tooling that allows for in-mould finishing and assembly, combinations of multiple materials with gas or water assist, and novel uses for co-injection machinery that extend well beyond burying low-cost scrap material inside a part.

Moreover, assembly costs may be reduced by up to 20 per cent while total manufacturing cycle time may be trimmed 20 per cent due to less handling of the part. Capital investment for a project may also be trimmed up to 25 per cent by using one machine and mould instead of two. Thus, injection moulders are realising how much they can save by producing a finished part in the mould without the use of downstream equipment that takes up plant floor space and is expensive to buy, operate, and maintain.

An evolving technology

Y R Anand is a partner at Unimark. He has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Mysore and a master’s degree in Production Engineering from IIT, Kharagpur. He worked for a little over nine years in manufacturing industries in Mumbai. Since 1980, he has been a partner at Unimark that sells and services machines in plastics processing, tooling industry, microelectronics and wire mesh welding industry. Email: anand@unimark.in

Multi-component injection moulding created a lot of ‘buzz’ in recent years, stimulated by the popularity of multicolour and soft-touch over-moulded products for consumer, automotive, packaging and other markets. The technology continues to evolve in new directions.

Recent developments include trends toward larger parts and larger moulding machines, machines with four to six barrels, thermoplastic/thermoset combinations, sophisticated multi-face May 2010

SMART MANAGER

Courtesy: Teams

Sustaining initiatives

A strategic balancing act Every organisation is different. The leadership is different, the culture is different, and across different industries positioning the dynamics of an organisation as well as its relationship to the market and competitors may be different. Hence, aligning the innovation initiative with the organisational strategic objectives is imperative. This article throws light on two main routines of thinking and acting that an organisation could instill in its people, which in turn generate continuous improvement, adaptation and exceptional results.

M Hariharan

f

irms embark on initiatives with great enthusiasm. They zero in on a consultant who has the technical expertise or industry experience. Further, a crossfunctional team (CFT), comprising the best brains within the organisation, is formed to execute the initiative. The initiative is branded, publicised and gets a go-ahead from the top management as well. Subsequently, the consultant and the CFT spread the message with an evangelical fervour. Projects are identified or rebranded to fall within the ambit of the initiative, and responsibilities are assigned with time lines and mechanisms to follow-up.

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A few success stories emerge and gets publicised as well as rewarded.

After the initial wave of successful projects, the consultant moves on, while some of the CFT members get due recognition in the form of promotions and better job profiles. Meanwhile, some new members are inducted into the team and new initiatives start surfacing. The earlier initiative that was the ‘flavour of the previous season’ gets shelved. This spiral continues, gets publicised within the company and may be in the press outside as well. The benefits of the earlier initiatives become unsustainable as there is no owner to carry this forward. Since no one has the time or inclination to take this forward, the initiative peters out.

SMART MANAGER

Reasons for failure Some of the reasons professed for failure of any initiative broadly falls under a few categories. These include: Consultant’s failure v He did not understand the ‘ground reality’. He came up with ideas that were not applicable for our kind of business. It may be applicable in Japan but it does not work for us v He was not the right choice.

Moreover, he did not have the relevant experience and was too impatient v He could not help us sustain the initiative. Any one can give ideas. He should have helped us implement and proved the methodology Timing of the initiative v The initiative was not timed well.

Markets were growing, and the focus was on increasing the sales revenue.

Who has time for these initiatives? v The organisation was busy with other initiatives, for instance, closing of accounts v The team’s priorities changed midway.

Suddenly recession set in, so the need was to focus on cost cutting.

They could not afford to spend their resources on an initiative that would not give immediate results Failure of CFT v Choice of the team was not correct.

This member already had his plate full; he was in three other initiatives.

The other member is a compromise candidate; his boss did not want him v CFT members were busy with their line functions. His boss frequently called him to fight the fire in his department v CFT could not get the buy-in from the other departments. The people involved are too junior to get acceptability from other departments Further, many initiatives fail due to lack of role clarity. When there is no clarity the blame game begins.

Popular methods of undertaking initiatives Mike Rother in his book Toyota Kata lucidly explains a few popular methods

Courtesy: The World Online

of undertaking initiatives. Of these, two methods include: Workshop approach: One of the approaches is to conduct a workshop for key people. This should be done once in a while to create occasional improvement.

According to Rother, the ease of this method is that it does not require any managerial approach. One can run a workshop without having to adjust the prevailing custom. Since the workshop team moves on or is disbanded after a workshop ends, it could be expected that entropy will naturally begin eroding the gains that have been made.

Action item list: Under this method, people visit a production process and make good observations. Observations are turned into a ‘to-do’. list. These are then prioritised and ranked. Subsequently, teams are assigned to accomplish these tasks within a certain deadline, and managers follow up with them on a periodic basis, according to Rother.

More often than not, this method fails.

Rother reasons out the causes of failure of this method. According to him, there is a tendency to make the list as long as possible –‘longer the list, the better it is’.

This creates more instability than stability, because a specific issue that needs to be tackled first is not addressed. One is kept in the dark, and the priorities are decided depending on the highest number of votes a particular task gets.

This is an inappropriate method of addressing an initiative. They also ask the wrong questions; for instance, “What can we do to improve?” Instead, they should ask, “What do we need to do to improve this process?” Besides, they come up with solutions even before understanding the problem, and put forward countermeasures too soon. In such a scenario, the bottom line is that an organisation is not developing its people’s capabilities.

Rother reasons that whenever a particular ‘to do’ task is altered in a process, a new process is created with possibly new and different characteristics. Once one or two tasks on the ‘to-do’ list is accomplished, then the rest may no longer suit the new situation and new priorities.

And, as they continue with the list, they bring in more instability than stability.

Moreover, one should not bite off more than he can chew. Most organisations tend to make a laundry list of improvement areas, because they do not know what the root cause is. The list that is normally made is a list of undesirable effects (UDEs as Dr Eliyahu Goldratt calls them). Goldratt lists three questions to be answered for any sustainable initiative. These include: 1. What to change? (What makes the system sick?): It is never a large list but only a handful of factors 2. What to change to? (What is that one change we need to make to solve the sickness?): Once the core problem is identified, the solution can be easily figured out 3. How to cause a change? (Identifying the hurdles to implementation and the action plan)

Sustainability stems from the culture According to Rother, an organisation’s collection of practices and principles at any point in time is an outcome that springs from its members’ routines of thinking and behaviour. Any organisation’s competitiveness, ability to adapt, and culture arise from the routines and habits by which the people in the organisation conduct themselves every day. It is an

May 2010

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SMART MANAGER

issue of human behaviour. The competitive advantage of an organisation lies not so much in the solutions themselves – whether lean techniques, today’s profitable product or any other – but in the ability of the organsiation to understand conditions and create fitting, smart solutions.

Often, some organisations tend to jump the gun and take the third question: ‘How to cause the change?’ as the first question. It then gets into an implementation mode and fails to develop the capabilities that help in sustaining continuous improvement. The organisation also tends to assume that the way ahead is clear. It can never be if we do not know ‘What to change’, as the implementation is done without considering whether that is the correct solution. According to Rother, the objective is not to win, but develop capability to keep improving, adapting and satisfying dynamic customer requirements.

the ideas and take the responsibility. He has to ensure that the CFT members do not resort to turf protection and ‘NIMBY’ (Not In My Back Yard) mindset. Post identification of initiatives, the consultant should be part of the monitoring mechanism to help in course correction.

Role clarity

CFT for ideation and one-off projects: CFT is also an internal consultant.

Expecting the CFT to carry the initiative is similar to expecting a consultant to carry the initiative. CFT is a brains-trust to analyse the situation, identify the root causes and come up with alternatives to move on to the desired state. The CFT will get dismantled once the ideation is done.

Another area where CFT is applicable is for one-off projects like implementation of an ERP. Members from line functions to carry on the initiative: Implementation of ideas and sustenance of the projects has to be carried out by the specific line functions. Ideally the people who are going to implement should be part of the CFT. Once the CFT is dismantled, they go back to their line functions. The initiatives identified should be part of the job routine of the line functions.

Monitoring mechanism: Every part of the initiative should have a responsible head with time lines. Till the ball is set in motion there has to be a monitoring cell (with the consultant and a few members of the CFT with a top management member). But no initiative can sustain

Relying on periodic improvements and innovations alone – only improving when one makes a special effort or campaign – conceals a system that is static and vulnerable.

- Mike Rother

only with this kind of monitoring. Initiative should be replaced with a culture of continuous improvement.

Thus, according to Rother ,“If an organisation wants to thrive by continually improving and evolving, then it needs systematic procedures and routines – methods – that channel our human capabilities and achieve the potential.

Such routines would guide and support everyone in the organisation by giving him/her a specific pattern for how he/she should go about sensing, adapting and improving. Improvement & adaptation are to be systematic and the method has to be a fundamental component of every task performed, not an add-on or a special initiative. Continuous improvement and adaptation is moving towards a desired state through an unclear territory by being sensitive to and responding to actual conditions on the ground.”

References To make initiatives sustainable, there should be enough clarity in the roles of every team member.

Initiative should cease to be an initiative: This is the most important piece of sustainability. The initiative should cease to be an initiative. The initiative should become part of the routine of the line function. It should be a part of the performance criteria. People behave in the way performance is measured. As long as it is an initiative, it is taken as a task that one ‘has to’ do. Unless it becomes part of the regular performance parameter, it is not sustainable.

Consultant as a catalyst: Consultants are required for triggering waves of improvement, hand-holding one-off projects like implementing ERP and bringing in new perspectives. The consultant should not be expected to take the initiative forward. Consultant’s role is to ensure that the team comes out with the ideas and implementation methodology.

He has to provide the vital inputs on the tools to be used and pitfalls ahead. He has to create the atmosphere that helps the CFT members to feel free to share 78 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

1. Toyota Kata by Mike Rother, McGraw Hill, 2010 2. Goldratt’s TOC by William Dettmer

M Hariharan has been in consultancy and training since 1991. He practises consultancy in the field of cost management, lean thinking, constraint management, management control system and business excellence as founder director, Savoir Faire Management Services. Savoir Faire develops cost information systems to support pricing, outsourcing and control decisions using the cost excellence (CE©) model. Applying cost management methodologies and lean thinking to align process to customer value, Savoir Faire helps firms across sectors to improve their bottom line.

He has provided consultancy to different sectors like steel, power, cement, automotive, auto ancilliary, bank, etc, both within India as well as abroad. He is also a renowned trainer sensitising the participants on the impact of customer focus, competitor actions and goal conflicts on the bottom-line of the business. He is a core member of the Total Cost Management initiative of CII-TCM Cell, and a visiting faculty at S P Jain Institute, Mumbai.

Email: sfgroup@vsnl.com

EVENTS CALENDAR

National Chennai

Pune

Ahmedabad

Ludhiana

Indore

Maharashtra

Gujarat

Punjab

Madhya Pradesh

Tamil Nadu

Feb 18-21, 2011

March 4-6, 2011

Nov 19-22, 2010

Dec 17-20, 2010

Jan 2011

India’s premier industrial trade fair on products and technologies from machine tools, fluid power, instrumentation & control, electrical & electronics, material handling, plastics, rubber, packaging, chemical, CAD/CAM, auto components, and general engineering industries.

For details contact:

Engineering Expo Infomedia 18 Ltd, Ruby House, 1st Floor, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028.

Tel: 022-3003 4649 Fax: 022-3003 4499 Email: shamal@infomedia18.in

Mediplas 2010 This workshop will provide an introduction to polymer material selection, product component design & process technologies for personnel involved in the development & processing of medical devices; May 6-7, 2010; Hotel Leela Kempinski, Mumbai For details contact: SPE India Andheri, Mumbai Tel: 022-2850 3932 Email: spe_india@yahoo.co.in

Global Petrochemical Conference (PGPC 2010) This two-day conference aims to offer insights into petroleum, chemicals & petrochemical investment regions (PCPIRs) in the global context. It will also focus on the future of plastics recycling, growth of plastics in healthcare & electronics sector in India, besides highlighting the growth & trends in PET market and polymers in the packaging sector as well as the latest in flexible packaging trends; August 19-20, 2010; Hyatt Regency, Mumbai For details contact: Heital Yaagnik

80 Modern Plastics & Polymers

Polymerupdate Lower Parel, Mumbai Tel: 022- 30408821-25 Fax: 022-30408826 Email: hetal@polymerupdate.com Website: www.polymerupdate.com

International Conference on Electroactive Polymers: Materials and Devices This conference is specifically designed to give insights into the rapidly growing market of electroactive polymers with respect to the applications in various engineering sectors; November 21-26, 2010; at Surajkund, New Delhi For details contact: Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Kharagpur, West Bengal Tel: 03222-255 221 Fax: 03222-255 303 Email: rishu_chandras@yahoo.com Website: www.icep2010.org

Plastivision India 2011 This event is being designed to help exhibitors and visitors discover the potential markets. It will be the 8th in the series of national

May 2010

exhibitions and seminars organised

by AIPMA; January 20-24, 2011; at Bombay Exhibition Centre - NSE Exhibition Complex, Mumbai, Maharashtra For details contact: All India Plastics Manufacturers Association Mumbai, Maharashtra Tel: 022-2821 7324/7325 Fax: 022-2821 6390 Email: office@aipma.net Website: www.aipma.net

PU TECH 2011 The event will focus on diverse opportunities in the polyurethane industry which is one of the rapidly growing industries in India and which has registered double digit growth during the past five years; March 09-11, 2011; at India Expo Centre & Mart Ltd, Greater Noida For details contact: Indian Polyurethane Association Chennai, Tamil Nadu Tel: 044-2499 5923 Fax: 044-2499 5923 Email: admin@pu-india.org Website: www.pu-india.org

EVENTS CALENDAR

International Indoplas This tradeshow will unfold innovations in plastics machinery & ancillary equipment and will serve as a platform for business networking in South Asia; May 05-08, 2010; at Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo), Jakarta, Indonesia For details contact: PT Wahana Kemalaniaga Makmur Jakarta, Indonesia Tel: +62-21-53660804/5325890 Fax: +62-21-5325887 Email: info@wakeni.com Website: www.wakeni.com

Packaging, Plastics, Mould & Die Machinery Surabaya A premier trade show for plastics, packaging and rubber, die & mould industry in Indonesia; June 02-05, 2010; at Grand City Convention & Exhibition Centre, Surabaya, Indonesia For details contact: PT Pamerindo Buana Abadi Jakarta, Indonesia Tel: +62-021-3162001 Fax: +62-021-3161981/316198 Email: wiwiek@pamerindo.com Website: www.pamerindo.com

InterPlas Thailand A showcase of technological innovations as well as the latest developments and trends in Thailand’s plastics business community; June 24-27, 2010; at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangkok, Thailand For details contact: Reed Tradex Bangkok, Thailand Tel: +66-2-6867299 Fax: +66-2-6867288 Email: rtdx@reedtradex.co.th Website: www.reedtradex.com

Rubber Plas Malaysia

The main objective of the 21st edition of this exhibition is to develop the nation’s manufacturing Industry with special attention given to the small and medium industries (SMIs) to further develop and keep ahead with the competitive environment.; July 15-18, 2010; at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia For details contact: ES Event Management Sdn Bhd Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +60-3-91321922 Fax: +60-3-91331920 Email: sales@rubberplas2010.com Website: www.rubberplas2010.com

Plastec Midwest A leading regional trade fair for the international plastics community, Plastec is considered to be the natural venue for machinery manufacturers interested in international expansion for their products throughout the world; September 28-30, 2010; at Donald E Stephens Convention Centre, Rosemont, USA For details contact: Canon Communications, Los Angeles, USA Tel: +310-996-9495, 310-4-454200 Fax: +310-4-454299 Email: plminfo@cancom.com Website: www.cancom.com

K 2010 A premier exhibition that will provide the latest and the best in plastic materials for all manufacturing and processing industries alike. The unique feature of the expo is the presence of the entire spectrum of plastic & rubber products manufacturers; October 27-November 03, 2010; at Dusseldorf Exhibition Centre, Germany

For details contact: Messe Dusseldorf GmbH Messeplatz, Germany Tel: +49-211-4560900/4560175 Fax: +49-211-4560668/4560740 Email: k-online@messe-duesseldorf.de Website: www.k-online.de

Arabplast This event will offer an unique opportunity to the Middle East plastics & rubber Industries. It is designed to help exhibitors and visitors to discover the potential markets around Middle East, Asia, Africa & CIS countries; January 8-11, 2011; at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre For details contact: Jeen Joshua Al Fajer Information & Services Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971-50-8535820, +971-4-3406888 Fax: +971-4-3403608 Email: alfajer@emirates.net.ae Website: www.arabplast.info

INTERPLAS 2011 An international event aimed at serving the European polymer industry, which will feature the latest machinery & equipment for processing and converting polymers; September 27-29, 2011; Birmingham, United Kingdom For details contact: Reed Exhibitions Companies Surrey, The United Kingdom Tel: +44 20 8271 2134 Email: rxinfo@reedexpo.co.uk Website: www.reedexpo.com

May 2010

The information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the respective organiser. In any case, it does not represent the views of Business Insights •Technologies•Opportunities

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REPORT

National workshop on ‘Plastics waste management strategies for a clean environment’

Recycling initiatives take priority To highlight the advancements and developments in the area of plastics waste management, CIPET, Mysore recently organised a one-day workshop where eminent speakers deliberated on a variety of topics that reflected the latest developments and strategies for efficient management of plastics waste.

a

day-long national workshop on ‘Plastics waste management strategies for a clean environment’ was organised recently by the Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Mysore at Bengaluru. The objective of this workshop was to highlight the advancements and developments in the area of plastics waste management in order to bring about a change in the

approach and attitude so that the waste becomes a resource. The conversion of waste into a useful resource would lead to its proper collection and handling.

The workshop was sponsored by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India in association with Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Director of Municipal Administration

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REPORT

(DMA) and Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA). During the workshop, eminent speakers deliberated on a variety of topics that reflected state-of-the-art developments and strategies for plastics waste management.

Initiatives to curb waste In her welcome speech, Dr Sania Akhtar, deputy director, CIPET, Mysore emphasised on the importance and relevance of the workshop. This was followed by a felicitation address by M C Dinesh, president, KASSIA who stated that plastics are a boon to the society, however, the plastics waste generated especially from packaging applications should be disposed off carefully. Scientific organisations, official bodies and citizens have to work together to solve this problem.

Dr Kanwer Pal, secretary, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of Karnataka, said that handling of the plastics waste was a big issue.

“Solid waste management and landfills are not functioning properly.

Burning of plastics waste releases harmful chemicals and dioxins, which are harmful for human beings as well as the environment. Hence, a safe disposable system needs to be developed,” he emphasised.

He added that 100 per cent, reuse, recycle & recovery awareness programmes should be initiated introducing waste management courses in school & colleges.

While speaking on the norms related to thickness of plastic bags, A S Sadashivaiah, chairman, KSPCB, pointed out that the carry bags of thicknesses less than 20 micron were not being picked up by the rag pickers.

“Around 150 tonne of solid plastics waste is collected per day in Bengaluru out of which 80 per cent comprises plastic bags thinner than 20 micron.

This calls for strict implementation of the ban on the production of plastic carry bags of less than 20 micron.

Plastics industries, government, NGOs,

other association and people should participate to solve this problem,” he said.

P S Singh, deputy secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India said that plastics waste should be utilised by recycling and for that special arrangements have to be developed throughout the country. He said that states were passing new legislations for banning plastics but ban is not a solution to overcome the problem.

Workable business models Dr T K Chakravarthy, additional industrial advisor, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, said that they were looking for models of plastics waste management & probably would choose Bengaluru for the waste management model.

In his inaugural address, Prof S K Nayak, director general, CIPET, said, “Due to their visibility, plastics are singled out for environmental concerns. While criticising plastics, one must not forget the versatile nature of plastics due to which it has been used in commodity, agricultural, construction, automobile, engineering, aerospace and many more applications. In fact, plastics are being used across industries. Plastics also consume less energy during processing as compared to glass, paper, etc.

Important initiatives should be taken for waste management of plastics by joint collaboration between the government, private firms and NGOs. “ In the technical session, four presentations were made. According to Vijay Merchant, chairman - Enviroplast Committee, Plastindia Foundation, “presently, approximately 2 million tonne of plastics are recycled per annum.” He gave an overview of the status of plastics waste management in different states and briefed the gathering about the different developments and the response from the government.

May 2010

S Sampath, CEO, Samki Tech Enterprises, Hyderabad made a detailed presentation on the technology developed by his company for converting all types of plastics waste into fuel. Ahmed Khan, managing director, KK Plastics, Bengaluru, spoke on how his company was using waste plastics in roads. Such roads have been constructed in several areas in Bengaluru and many more such roads are in the pipeline.

The workshop was rounded off with a panel discussion moderated by Merchant with NGOs, government officials and technical experts as panelists. The panel proposed that workable business models be developed for the collection and segregation of plastics waste at source, as it is the key factor in effective handling of plastics waste. Different approaches like increasing thickness of the plastic films used for carry bags or introducing buyback schemes or initiatives by schools, colleges, housing societies for collection and segregation or holding the vendor accountable were suggested. A change in our attitude towards waste as well as towards our responsibility for keeping the environment clean was the message of the day.

An interactive platform The workshop provided an ideal and conducive forum for civic authorities, industrialists and entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and get a glimpse of the developments and advancements in the field of plastics waste mangement.

Experts in the field threw light on new technology/machinery/ product-lines related to plastics waste management, which can be adopted, by government agencies, NGOs and industries. Industry representatives and government officials too attended the workshop along with civic authorities from across the state.

Besides, NGOs working in related areas participated during the panel discussion. The deliberation also witnessed the presence of graduate trainees of CIPET as well as future entrepreneurs.

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TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Technology Offered As part of our endeavour to spread the technology culture, this section provides a means to promote and facilitate exchange of select technologies.

We strive to bring together suppliers of such technologies with suitable users for negotiations and industrial collaboration.

Conversion of batch-poly plant to C P plant A company from China is interested in providing consultancy for the modification of batch-poly plant to C P plant like polyester plant, polyester chip or direct spinning.

Areas of application Chemical fibre and plastics Forms of transfer Turnkey

Plastic recycling technologies using organic and inorganic compounds An Iranian company offers plastic recycling technologies using organic and inorganic compounds. This idea is based on the principle of water electrolysis in which sodium chloride is kept in proximity of turpentine/pine oil and plastics.

Areas of application Plastic recycling Forms of transfer Others

Plastic recycling technologies An Iranian company is willing to provide plastic recycling technologies using urea and ammonium carbonate and synthetic ammonia.

Areas of application Plastic recycling

Forms of transfer Technology licensing

Polyester chip plant A company from China offers polyester production plant, polycondensation plant, polymerisation line, hot melt adhesive plant (500-5,000 tpa), polyester chip plant (2,000-1,50,000 tpa) and film grade polyester plant (2,000-1,50,000 tpa).

Areas of application Polymerisation and fibre lines Forms of transfer Technology licensing and turnkey

Pilot plants for small-scale production An Indian company offers pilot plants for laboratory or small-scale production purpose. The plant consists of a spinneret, metering pump, spinning beam, candle filter, extruder unit, godet unit PP multifilament plant manufacturer, single-screw extruder machine or melt flow index tester machine for masterbatch industries.

Areas of application Plastics, textiles, etc Forms of transfer Sub-contracting, turnkey, etc

Rotational moulding of plastics A manufacturer of rotational moulding machines from India offers

plant and machinery for constructing water storage tanks and other hollow plastic parts.

Areas of application Chemical storage tanks, water storage tanks, material handling trolleys, pallets, containers, etc Forms of transfer Others

Recycling of PET wastes into polyester polyols A Czech Republican company is offering the technology for recycling of PET wastes (plastic PET bottles, X-ray films, etc) to produce polyester polyols.

The process consists of the following steps: Collection of PET wastes, sorting out & shredding of collected PET wastes, simple chemical process of glycolysis & esterification, and production of polyester polyols.

Areas of application Chemicals industry: Polyester polyol is a base material for the chemistry of polyurethanes, especially the production of polyurethane foams, which are primarily transferred into energy saving and insulation materials Forms of transfer Technology licensing, others

Share Your Technology Propositions The mission of Modern Plastics and Polymers is to spread the technology culture. We offer you an opportunity to participate in this endeavour by publishing the best technology ideas. Technology developers/sellers are invited to furnish the techno-commercial details (with environmental benefits, if any) for publication in the Technology Transfer column of Modern Plastics and Polymers.

R&D organisations, technical consultancy organisations and individuals assisting small and medium enterprises June send the relevant literature, indicating the scope & services and the areas of specification.

Contact: Modern Plastics and Polymers Infomedia 18 Ltd, ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028.

Tel: 022-3024 5000 l Fax: 022-3003 4499 l Email: spedit@infomedia18.in

May 2010

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TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Technology Requested Disposal and recycling of plastic waste A Polish firm seeks the technology for dry processing all kinds of plastic waste or a magnetic processing method in the electrostatic field. The technology should allow sorting of all kinds of plastic materials, hay-silage foils, PET, HDPE, PVC, etc, by excluding dangerous waste.

Specific technical requirements include initial cleaning without use of water, sorting of all kinds of plastic materials after cleaning in a closed system, and a maximum processing capacity of 10,000 tonne of waste per annum.

Areas of application Plastics industry, waste recycling, waste management Forms of transfer Others

Lab-scale non-woven and monofilament plant An Indian company is looking for a lab-scale, non-woven and monofilament plant in a single station.

Areas of application Plastics Forms of transfer Others

Plastics recycling technologies A Sri Lankan company is seeking the latest plastics recycling technologies, especially for automatic sorting, washing, metal detection, granulation process system, washing plants, crushers, extruders, etc.

Areas of application Plastics recycling Forms of transfer Others

Polyacetal resins A Gulf-based organisation wants to promote projects in the chemicals- and petrochemicals-sectors in GCC countries.

It is looking for technology suppliers for the manufacture of polyacetal resins.

Areas of application Chemicals/petrochemicals industry Forms of transfer Feasibility study, know-how, equipment, turnkey plant, joint venture

PP/PET strap processing An Indian company is seeking the technology for PP and PET strap processing.

Areas of application Packaging industry Forms of transfer Others

Recycled PET polyester polyols plant A Poland-based company specialising in recycled PET polyester polyols manufacturing, is looking for an alternative proposal of design and engineering of bigger (approximately 25 ktpa) production plant. It plans to start with proper quality recycled PET flakes being delivered in big bags. Hence, the company needs a complete package offer for this service.

Areas of application Plastics and polymers industry Forms of transfer Others

Recycled plastic-making technology A company based in Vietnam is seeking the technology to recycle plastics.

The diameters of recycled plastic granules should range from 120 to 200 mm, while the capacity of the production should range from 150 to 300 kg/hr.

Areas of application Raw materials for making plastic products Forms of transfer Others

Road filling materials for road maintenance An Indian company requires the technology to make materials by transforming waste plastics that gels uniformly with road materials. This is for filling potholes in roads. It also needs the know-how regarding products that are made from waste plastics like jumble strips, speed breakers, etc.

Areas of application Road transport Forms of transfer Others

Utilisation of natural rubber in asphalt A company based in Pakistan needs the know-how of utilising natural rubber in modified asphalt covering.

It needs the following information: Standards and specifications guiding the use of natural rubber in modified asphalt; appropriate proportion of natural rubber in mixture & handling of the operation; additives needed; and details of improvement in the asphalt properties by using natural rubber.

Areas of application Rubber industry Forms of transfer Others

Information courtesy: Information courtesy: Dr Krishnan S Raghavan, In-Charge, Technology Transfer Services Group, United Nations Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), APCTT Building , C-2, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110 016, Tel: 011 - 2696 6509, Fax: 011 - 2685 6274, Email: krishnan@apctt.org, Website: www.apctt.org

For more information on technology offers and requests, please log on to www.technology4sme.net and register with your contact details. This is a free of cost platform provided by APCTT for facilitating interaction between buyers and seekers of technologies across the globe. After submitting technology offer or request to this website, you are requested to wait for at least two weeks for receiving a response from a prospective buyer / seeker through this website, before contacting APCTT for further assistance.

May 2010

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ON THE SHELF

Handbook of Condensation Thermoplastic Elastomers Editor Price

: Prof Stoyko Fakirov : Rs 18,915

An exhaustive compilation of the works by international scientists actively involved in the field of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), this book focusses more on polyamide-based systems.

Reflecting on the increasing importance of TPE as engineering plastics, the authors discuss the widened application opportunities by preparing polyamide systems with various chemical compositions and molecular structures as inter-penetrating networks.

Divided into five sections, this book includes 19 chapters on condensation thermoplastic elastomers. It covers the chemical aspects, physical structure and properties, life cycle assessments and recycling possibilities. Beginning with a brief introduction to thermoplastic elastomers, it includes details of polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomers and poly-urethane-based thermoplastic elastomers. It also includes unique smart property as the shape memory effect of the three classes of thermoplastic elastomers. The last section addresses the topics of blends, composites, applications and recycling of thermoplastic elastomers.

Written for professionals and researchers engaged in industrial practice involving the use or understanding of thermoplastic elastomers, this book can also act as a supplementary content for advanced students in material science, polymer chemistry or colloid science.

Offering a comprehensive coverage of industry sectors including aviation, oil drilling and automotives, this book focusses on the manufacturing and applications of rubber seals. It describes the characteristics of rubber seals, their manufacturing procedures, the implications of their physical and chemical characteristics for the sealing function in fluid, etc.

Compiled in an easy to use manner, this book offfers a thorough insight into rubber seals over 11 chapters. The initial chapters focus on the introduction, properties for functional seals, rubber seals for aircrafts and oil field services. A dedicated chapter on manufacturing of seals and ‘O’ rings cites around 25 workable starting point formulations based on different rubbers. Coupled with cure and property data for those formulations, this book offers guidelines for technologists and engineers. A chapter on rubber extension joints is included to illustrate the functions of expansion joints like pipe connectors to highlight their role in prevention of leakages. The last chapter deals with the concerns of storage and service life of rubber seals.

This book can prove beneficial to chemists working in the discipline of rubber science & technology, engineers, teachers, students, researchers and practising professionals in several fields of science and technology.

Rubber Seals for Fluid and Hydraulic Systems Editor Price

: V C Chandrasekaran : Rs 7,226

Mehul Book Sales, Shop No 1, Lokagutchh Jain Upashraya Building, W H Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400 001 For purchase inquiries, please contact, Tel: 022-2265 4657 / 2269 4145, Fax: 022-2265 4657

90 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

PRODUCT UPDATE

Oven dryer

Continuous screen changer

Yann Bang Electrical Machinery Co offers oven dryer. Its main application is drying plastic resin. The main advantage of this machine is that it avoids the trouble for changing and cleaning materials, and saves precious time. It is provided with powerful heated air flow system and unique air circuit, which are designed for evenly temperature control and for the best baking quality. The dryer is equipped with stainless trays, which can be used to dry many kinds of resins and the hot air recycling system is durable and energy saving. This oven dryer can also dry electric motor and part, electroplating, pharmaceutical products, paints, printing, agricultural and food products (grain, garlic, tea, etc.)

Rajhans Plastic Machinery offers cassette type continuous screen changer for processing of thermoplastics extruders.

It is available with special adaptors for die and barrel side as per the specifications, hand trolley for mounting the screen changer and spare screen packs and heaters. The screen changer filters the plastic material and removes impurities thereby preventing damages to the die & barrel and hence increases the life of the machine. The application of continuous screen changer is in masterbatch plant, filler plant, pipe plant, texurising plant, mono filament plant, multi-filament plant, box striping plant and special design for PVC.

Yann Bang Electrical Machinery Co Ltd Taichung - Taiwan Tel: +886-4-2271 0000 Fax: +886-4-2271 1988 Email: yb@yannbang.com

Rheometers with simulation software Malvern Aimil Instruments offers ‘Rosand’ range of capillary rheometers, bundled with Windows™ based simulation software Flowmaster™ developed by Compuplast.

These bench-top and floor-standing rheometers measure the flow properties of polymers with market-leading precision, providing a sound basis for the construction of truly representative process models. The simulation software makes it easy to use the data to simulate extrusion, and other polymer processing operations, cutting the requirement for expensive, time-consuming pilot scale trials. The rheometers provide the material data that the simulation software requires to develop a simulation that accurately reflects process behaviour. The simulation software allow accurate representation of the complete die or screw extrusion process, including cooling, a suite of module options simplifying plant specific model development.

Malvern Aimil Instruments Pvt Ltd Navi Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-3918 3596 Fax: 022-3918 3562 Mob: 98673 68075 Email: soloni.gosalia@malvernaimil.com

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Rajhans Plastic Machinery Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2583 0003, 2589 5852 Fax: 079-2589 1838 Email: exports@rajhansindia.com

Transducers & transmitters Adinath Controls offers melt pressure transducers and transmitters from ONEhalf 20, Canada. It provides an electronic signal, which is proportional to the measured pressure and allows the transducers to operate at process Wheatstone Bridge-Bonded strain gauge design, ensuring high accuracy, reliability and repeatability. These transducers & transmitters are available in two distinct accuracy grades, general purpose grade accuracy (non-linearity) of better than 0.5 per cent FSO, laboratory grade feature accuracy (nonlinearity) of better than 0.25 per cent FSO. It is fully compatible with the industry standard wiring pattern and colour coding, and utilises the 6 pin Bayonet connector. The pressure ranges from 0-1,500 psi to 0-15,000 psi, mounting 1⁄2 20 UNF thread or M18 x 1.5. The company also provides 25 ft interconnecting cable with the mating connector.

Adinath Controls Pvt Ltd Gandhinagar - Gujarat Tel: 02764-286 573 Fax: 02764-286 574 Email: info@adinathcontrols.com

May 2010

PRODUCT UPDATE

Mould systems Neejtech India offers mould systems for pharmaceuticals, medical & healthcare, packaging, automotive & electrical industry manufactured by Braunform GmbH. Highly sensitive packaging and measuring components, caps for use in dental and insulin fields, dialysis components, hygiene products, etc are manufactured by the company. Adapplicator, alu cap, snap cap, PE bottle pack cap, PE twin port cap are some of many clean room moulds offered by the company. The company also manufactures powder inhaler, flow regulator for IV, PE twin port cap, bottle euro pack cap, snap cap, tamper evident closure for pre-filled syringes, etc. The products offered by the company includes medical moulds, clean room moulds, IML & IMD moulds, multi cavity moulds, multi component moulds, stack moulds, etc and rotary table programmes.

Neejtech India Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2656 1312, Mob: 9825 040231 Email: sales@neejtech.com

May 2010

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PRODUCT UPDATE

Photoelectric sensor

Plastic brightner/shiner

Lubi Electronics offers SUNX CY series cylindrical photoelectric sensor. This has an M18 thread size for convenient mounting in industry. It has a long sensing range of up to 12 m – throughbeam type; 3 m – retro-reflective type and 120 mm – diffuse-reflective type. The CY series has a wide product range with DC supply type 10-30 V DC and AC supply type 24-240 V AC. The sensor is also equipped with NPN/PNP open-collector transistor output or AC non-contact output.

The specialised feature of the sensor is environment resistance – the sensor can be hosed down with water due to its IP67 construction. In addition, it has strong resistance against vibration since it is filled with resin. It can be used effectively in industrial sectors such as ceramic, packaging, pharma, food processing, automobiles, textiles, plastics, etc.

Plast Fine Polymers offers plastic brightners/ shiners/whitener for natural transparent, colours and milky white end products. This is used for adding clarity and gloss finish to natural transparent polymers.

It imparts shining and bright finish colours to end products. This brightner/whitener removes yellowness and dullness from the end products and makes it super milky white. This product is used in virgin, second, dull natural or milky white sutli, ropes, twine, reprocess granules, HDPE-LDPE-PVC pipes & profiles, box strap, PET jars, spoon, container, carry bags, liners, sheet, yarns and other end products. One of the main advantages of this product is that it also saves excess use of white pigments and titanium dioxide for opaque end products.

Lubi Electronics Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2220 5471-76, Fax: 079-2220 0660 Email: info@lubielectronics.com

Plast Fine Polymers Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-6524 2332 Mob: 98255 87152 Email: plastfine@indiatimes.com

Flameproof motors NBE Motors offers flameproof motors for use in process industries that pose hazardous environments. The flameproof enclosures consist of mechanically robust study cast iron parts to withstand internal explosion. The output rating and mounting dimensions conform to the specifications of IEC standard. The stator winding is of Class F insulation. Further, a cylindrical shaft extension is equipped on motors, which can be driven by coupling or spur gearing. The stator winding is wound with polyester enamel round wire of high strength and then treated with the progress of vacuum-pressure impregnation (VPI) to make them solid. The rotors are of cast aluminium and are dynamically balanced so that the motor operates smoothly.

The stator and rotor cores are laminated with high-class electrical steel sheet that offers high permeability. The motors are fitted with low vibration and low noise bearings, while the fans are made of cast iron.

NBE Motors Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2274 0467/0546 Fax: 079-2274 1196 Email: info@newbharat.com

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EOAT/gripping systems Neejtech India offers End of Arm Tooling (EOAT)/gripping systems manufactured by Gimatic SpA. The company produces pneumatic components for handling like grippers, rotary actuators, linear actuators, etc. The advantages of these products are that each point of the part is attainable, and the company develops special elements to solve customer's problems. Other advantages include specifically developed profiles, high flexibility, etc. The company offers more than 200 patented products. The products are also manufactured as per customised applications. The product manufactured by the company includes robothand (EOAT), grippers, vacuum cups, sprue cutters, air hands, air nippers, quick changers, tilt units, modular clamping systems etc. It is used in robots as end arm for applications in industries like automotive, packaging, medical, etc.

Neejtech India Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2656 1312 Mob: 98250 40231 Email: sales@neejtech.com

May 2010

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PRODUCT UPDATE

Infrared lamps/heaters

Hopper dryer

Alok International offers complete range of infrared heaters and IR lamps manufactured by Victory Lighting (UK) Ltd. Infrared is the electromagnetic radiation that has a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than microwave radiation.

It is divided into shortwave infrared, mediumwave infrared and longwave infrared.

These infrared lamps/heaters are used in PET preform heating, drying water based inks on printing presses, paint baking, powder coating curing, curing inks on textiles, drying glue on paper, drying moisture in paper mills, paper coating drying, shrink wrapping, food warming, evaporation of water in humidifiers, for soldering and in the semiconductor industry. The company also offers complete range of shortwave infrared lamps, ceramic infrared heaters and medium wave quartz infrared heaters.

Yann Bang Electrical Machinery Co offers stainless insulated hopper dryer. This unique insulated hopper is made of anti-oxidise stainless material, with integrated design and dust- free special process. It is easy to clean and is light in weight, which makes it easy to install on the moulding machine.

The user can see clearly through a transparent glass window. Due to its unique construction, it can withstand heat repeatedly.

Alok International New Delhi Tel: 011-2592 0408/0439 Fax: 011-4144 3563 Email: alok@alokinternational.in

Bakubhai Ambalal offers cast film line manufactured by SML Maschinengesellschaft.

It is provided with a material feeding dosing system, extrusion unit, chill roll unit, thickness measuring unit, corona unit, edge trim re-feeding system, winder and control system. This system is used for feeding materials using a pneumatic system.

The extrusion unit comprises of extruders equipped with barrier screws and are driven by water cooled AC-drives with increased power for higher output and improved melt quality.

The chill roll unit is used for the adjustment of length and height, while the thickness measuring unit is used for the regulation of automatic die, which operates with a radioactive KR-85 sensor.

In the edge trim re-feeding system, the first edge trim cutting is arranged upstream of the corona treatment unit to avoid damage to silicon treatment rollers. The second edge trim cutting is arranged upstream of the winder. All the trims are sucked to a mill and then to a vertical scraptruder that feeds the flakes directly to the feed opening of the main extruder.

The cast film line comes with three different winders that are specially developed for winding the CPP-film - one is a horizontal sliding winder, while the two others include turret winders. In addition, the system is equipped with a clear alarm menu, recipe administration, and a short-time & long-time trend system.

Yann Bang Electrical Machinery Co Ltd Taichung - Taiwan Tel: +886-4-2271 0000 Fax: +886-4-2271 1988 Email: yb@yannbang.com

Cast film line

Bakubhai Ambalal Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-2579 1702, Fax: 022-2579 1713 Email: sonar@bakubhaiambalal.com 96 Modern Plastics & Polymers

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PRODUCT UPDATE

Accessories for hydraulic system Elesa and Ganter India offers ATEX line of accessories for hydraulic system such as plugs, breather caps, oil sights and oil level indicators.

The main feature of these accessories is conformity to Atex European Directives 94/9/EC (as per suitable marking on product) that makes them suitable for environments with risk of explosion (for equipments in Group II, category 2GD). The black technopolymer plugs come with NBR synthetic rubber flat packing ring. The breather caps are available with technopolymer splash guards with NBR synthetic rubber flat packing ring. The HGFT ATEX oil level indicators with black technopolymer threaded body comes with transparent technopolymer window while the GN 743.6 oil level indicator have aluminum threaded body and ESG glass window.

Elesa and Ganter India Pvt Ltd - Noida - Uttar Pradesh Tel: 0120-472 6666 Fax: 0120-472 6600 Email: info@elesaganter-india.com

Resins Genesis Nutech offers Styrosun速 resins, which are weatherable, high-impact, styrenic polymers specifically designed for use in outdoor application. The key advantages of Styrosun速 resins are the retention of physical properties after outdoor weathering and very low dielectric loss factor (telecommunication devices).

The features of these resins include good mechanical property retention, low water absorption, practical toughness and rigidity, lowest dielectric loss factor for satellite antennas, good seawater resistance and cold impact resistance, high colour stability, good colour dispersion, coatable & paintable. These resins are used in satellite housings and receiving dishes, telecommunication devices and antenna applications, wide array of construction applications, caravan windows and ventilation screens, signage panels (foamed and non-foamed), wood plastics, gardening applications and maritime and military applications.

Genesis Nutech Pvt Ltd Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-6798 7595 Fax: 022-2555 5070 Email: info@genesisnt.com

Zipper pouch making machine XL Plastics offers multi-servo stand-up and zipper pouch making machine.

It is equipped with a multi-servo system, whereby each sealing and cooling system is actuated by an individual servo system. This results in optimum seal strength and quality as the dwell/seal time remains constant even at higher speed. The machine is used for making multiple standup and zipper pouches for food packaging, vacuum pouches, oil pouches, etc using barrier film. It can also be used for all combinations of laminated film (PE-PET/PE, PET/ALU, PE-PA, PE-PP/PP as well as unlaminated multilayer film).

It has four shaftless unwinders, which can feed four separate films. All the four films can be run in register with the photocell.

XL Plastics Vadodara - Gujarat Tel: 0265-263 8125 Fax: 0265-263 8661 Email: Info@xlplastics.com May 2010

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PRODUCT UPDATE

Micro PLC Omron Automation offers 'CP1E' series micro PLC for OEM manufacturers. The all-in-one package PLC, with models for high speed counters, pulse outputs and built-in serial port (CP1E-N) provides solution for machine builders with approximately 20 to 160 I/O points.

The CPUs can be connected to a computer via USB cable and support software with ‘smart input’ intuitive operation for faster programming.

Two types of CPU units are available:- the E-type basic CPU unit is economical with basic functionality and the N-type application CPU unit supports programmable terminal connection, position control and inverter connection.

Omron Automation Pvt Ltd Bengaluru - Karnataka Tel: 080-4072 6400, Fax: 080-4146 6403 Email: in_enquiry@ap.omron.com

Co-rotating twin-screw extruders STEER Engineering offers ‘Mega Series’ co-rotating twin screw extruders with proven capability and consistent performance quality. These offer complete interchangeability of parts and high levels of compatibility with other extruder lines (Do/Di = 1.55, and specific torque = 13 Nm/cm3). The application includes fibre grade polyester, polyethylene masterbatches, polymer blends, automotive compounds, short fibre

reinforced thermoplastic compounds and many other specialised applications.

These machines are available in laboratory, pilot-plant and production models and in various sizes, capable of outputs in excess of several thousand kg per hour. The ‘Mega Series’ are available in 32, 40, 50, 58, 70, 92 and 133 mm sizes.

STEER Engineering Pvt Ltd Bengaluru - Karnataka Tel: 080-2372 3310, Fax: 080-2372 3307 Email: info@steerworld.com

Paste Speedfam (India) offers die polishing paste, valve grinding paste, lapping paste and diamond pastes. This paste is availiable in 5 gm syringe packing and typical applications and is used in extrusion dies and mould cavities, among others. The valve grinding paste developed for valve grinding applications furnish scratch-free finishing, besides exhibiting good cutting properties. It is available in extra coarse,medium coarse and fine grade in 400 gm pack.The lapping paste suits a variety of lapping operations to attain high stock removal & efficient finishing quality. It is available in particle sizes ranging from 75 micron to 3 micron. The diamond paste is used for polishing of hard surfaces to attain a mirror finish.

Speedfam India Pvt Ltd Navi Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-2769 2621, Fax: 022-2769 2869 Email: indiainquiry@speedfam.co.in

Extrusion coating lamination plant Ocean Extrusions offers extrusion coating lamination plant, which is used to manufacture various substrates required for PP/HDPE woven fabric, non woven fabric, paper poly coating requirements, etc. The machine consists of unwinder turret or mechanical type, corona treater with anchor coating and extruder of 75 mm with 28:1 screw ratio, coat hanger type die, laminator unit with 120 mpm line speed, sandwich unwinder, winder turret or surface type, AC control panel cabinet and heating panel cabinet, etc. It is used to laminate woven sack PP/HDPE fabric coating for fertiliser bag, plastic raw material bag, cement bag, chemical product bag, food packing like rice bag, flour bag, jumbo bag, sugar bag, agriculture bag and general purpose bag.

Ocean Extrusions Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2290 2200, 3299 4554 Email: oceanextrusions@gmail.com 98 Modern Plastics & Polymers

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PRODUCT UPDATE

Spray guns

Extruder screws and barrel

Rohan Standox Autolack offers a variety of spray guns manufactured

by ITW Industrial Finishing, UK. These spray guns are robust, lightweight and have increased finger room & an ergonomic design. The guns use a wide range of EPA compliant air caps that deliver atomisation and can handle all types of solvent, water-borne, high solid and 2K materials. The high capacity air passages with a separate balanced air valve provide an unrestricted flow of compressed air through the gun body. These guns are used in industrial applications for spraying all types of materials and are used in various industries including automotive, wood, metal, plastics, ceramics, pharmaceutical and composites. The guns are available in a wide selection from high end electrostatic & airless systems to the conventional types.

Shree Valinath Engineering offers extruder screws & barrel, which include single or twins, parallel or conical, barrels - plain bore or grooved feed for plastics processing plants like PVC pipes, profiles, mono & multilayer films, filaments, sheet, lamination, compounding and others in the range from 18 mm to 180 mm diameter.

The geometry of the screw is designed according to processing demands and is made to exact specifications. The screw and barrel are made from wear resistant nitriding steel. Nitride hardeness is maintained up to 67 to 70 HRC with high-level of polishing having close clearance and exacting machining tolerances for screw and barrel. The company also undertakes refurbishing programme for screws and barrels.

Rohan Standox Autolack Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-6580 3331-2, Fax: 022-2353 5122 Mob: 98215 60828 Email: sales@spraytec.net

Beryllium copper forgings

Shree Valinath Engineering Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2019 6852, Mob: 98254 00397, Fax: 079-2766 1962 Email: prashant_in@hotmail.com

Vijay Commercial House offers beryllium copper forgings. These are highperformance plastic mould tooling materials. These products have combined properties of high thermal conductivity and hardness that result in substantial economic and production benefits for plastics processing moulders and tool makers. Some of the benefits include rapid heat transfer, faster cycle times, low processing cost & low mould fabrication cost.

The beryllium copper forgings are used in automotive (injection), consumer products (luggage,toys),electronics (computers,connectors), medical (hospital equipment, testing equipment), containers/caps (trash cans, etc) and in injection/blow mould applications. These are also used in full core & cavity injection mould/blow mould, core pins/wear plates, etc. It also offers forged, machined-to-print copper alloy, beryllium copper & aluminium bronze products in hard-to-find and custom-made sizes, besides designing pieces up to 4,000 lbs, (1,800 kg) with short lead times.

Vijay Commercial House Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-2201 7128, 2203 8204; Fax: 022-22016629 Mob: 98212 36275, 98202 99360 Email: berylliumindia@gmail.com May 2010

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PRODUCT UPDATE

Sealing and cutting machine

High speed mixer

Gelson Engineering Work offers fully automatic double decker servo system hi-speed bottom sealing and cutting machine.

It is provided with electric digital preset counter meter with buzzer for batch counting.

The AC frequency drive to main motor controls the required machine speed. It is equipped with digital temperature controller and static eliminator with three electrodes. The machine is used for HM, HD, LD, LLDP, PP, film etc. The company also offers photocell with servo system, bottom sealing & cutting machine for printed bags, linear special mechanical automatic high speed bottom sealing & cutting machine, carry bag punching machine, etc.

Shree Radhekrishna Extrusions offers high speed mixer for rigid/soft PVC compounding, masterbatch as well as antifab and filler coating applications.

This mixer is designed according to crucial seven-stage inspection system.

It is available in a wide range of models starting from 10 to 3,000 ltr and is suitable for low/high filled compound application.

It can mix all chemicals/additives with base resin, is power efficient, offers proper homogeneous mixing of materials, etc. The 'pneuma' seal technology prevents powder infiltration inside the bearing. Special coating on tool enhances life of the tool.

Gelson Engineering Work Surendranagar - Gujarat Tel: 02752-241 074 Mob: 98792 67350 Fax: 02752-240 908 Email: sales@gelsonengineering.com

Shree Radhekrishna Extrusions Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2584 2509, 2584 1785 Fax: 079-2584 1141 Email: radhekrishnaexports17@gmail.com

Control system for BMM Streamline Controls offers control system for bag/pouch making machine (BMM) in a customised programmed package. It is provided with up to four inputs (start signal, stop signal, batch reset and mark sensor); up to five timer based outputs (cutter, sealer, punch, alarm and batch); up to three errors (mark sensor missing, over speed, and temperature); manual/fully auto functions of the machine; optionally analogue input to synchronise with the main motor; etc. It also facilitates additional inputs/outputs and timers for advanced customised solution. Security of programmed parameters is ensured by the latest E2PROM technology. It comprises enhanced user-friendly membrane keypad programming for easy operator interface and 16x2 big LCD displays with 24 key membrane keypad. It is equipped with four digit preset counters for batching and cutter, besides six digit totaliser to count total number of bags.

The programmable features include missing mark counter, offset, mark sensor on/off, timers, length, speed, start proximity on/ off, cycle delay, selective display of speed of the machine in number of bags per minute, forward/backward inching and individual output on/off from MMI, etc.

Streamline Controls Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-3291 0812, 3012 5136 Fax: 079-2741 1463 Email: mktg@streamlinecontrols.com

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PRODUCT UPDATE

Pouch making machines

Dispensing system

Primo Pack Machines offers pouch making machines. The company also manufactures combination of centre seal and three side seal pouch making machine to make centre seal, centre seal with side gusset, two/three side seal pouches, agarbatti pouches with perforation, off centre, centre seal, pouches with side flap insertion.

The multi function pouch making machine is used for making stand up pouches, zipper pouches, etc. These machines convert laminated film into empty pouches and are suitable for companies having their own lamination and printing facilities.

AM Spa offers ‘Servo-FloŽ 801-HV’ positivedisplacement, two-component meter-mix dispensing system manufactured by Sealant Equipment & Engineering. It is designed to apply small precision beads and small metered shots of precisely mixed resins and provides longer bead lengths and/or an increased quantity of metered shots. The servo-motor design provides consistent and repeatable bead profiles and a change of flow rate during the dispense cycle. The fixed-ratio design improves production rates, product quality and reduces manufacturing costs in micro-dispensing applications. This dispensing system is designed to provide a variety of preset material-dispensing profiles and dispense results ranging from 0.2 cc up to 18 cc at 1:1 ratio. It can dispense precisely mixed materials for different part configurations in batch or random processes. It can be preset to vary the flow rate during dispensing in automated, indexing, XYZ-motion and robotic processes. The control accepts operator preset material profiles or electronic commands from the automation.

Primo Pack Machines Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2284 1684/2282 1896 Email: info@primopack.com

Bag conversion system

AM Spa Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-26489074, Mob: 98339 32265 Email: anjanitewari@amspa.org

Lohia Starlinger offers bag conversion system, which is a highly advanced automated high-speed bag conversion machine for producing bottom folded and sewn woven sack from rolls of tubular woven fabric for conventional bag application. The machine is equipped with servo and PLC control.

This machine is the most appropriate solution to reduce manpower and space requirement. The company also offers Lohia 'baby lofil', the multifilament spin-draw wind machine, which is ideal for the production of small batches of polypropylene multifilament yarns for captive consumption and special applications. The automatic winders, PLC-based process control, compact and modular designs are the salient features of this operator-friendly, ergonomically designed machine.

Lohia Starlinger Ltd Kanpur - Uttar Pradesh Tel: 0512-304 5100, Fax: 0512-304 5299 Email: sales@lohiagroup.com

May 2010

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PRODUCT UPDATE

Masterbatches PolyOne Polymers India offers its range of 'OnColour - ComPETE' masterbatches for the growing PET packaging sector. The masterbatches are available in all colour ranges including amber colour for pharma packaging.

The masterbatches come with the required FDA certification, USP Class 24 certification. These have the best-inclass UV stabilisation using 'OnCap' additive package, which also has special additives to protect the content of the bottle in the case of pharma usage. The masterbatch comes in two pellet sizes: 3 mm x 3 mm standard pellets and 1 mm x 1mm mini pellets.

PolyOne Polymers India Pvt Ltd Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 22-2778 4426; Mob: 98201 94220; Fax: 022-27784428 Email: Tushar.Parida@polyone.com

Hot runner nozzle Allied Solutions India offers hot runner nozzle with the 'LT' type sub-runner manufactured by Günther Heisskanaltechnik Gmbh, Germany.

This nozzle finds applications in medical technology and packaging. The 'LT' type subrunner can be used with a connection nozzle as single nozzle (DELT) and also in combination with a manifold. The nozzle tip is made of a hard-metal alloy with good thermal conductivity for processing filled material. It is provided with side gating, without cold slugs. The tips can be replaced individually. Its features include direct Injection onto the product, up to 24 tips per distribution, etc.

It has minimum pitch spacing of 12 mm and maximum spacing of 132 mm. The company also offers butt welding machine, blown film lines, granulators, pipe extruders and ancillaries, gas assist injection moulding systems, injection compression machine, etc.

Allied Solutions India Pvt Ltd Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-4221 0100; Fax: 022-2557 6234 Email: info@alliedsolutions.com

FRP round cooling towers Harrison Cooling Towers offers FRP round (bottle shaped) cooling towers in capacities ranging from 5 to 600 TR in single cell. These cooling towers are made from fibre-glass and isophthalic resin.

The bottle shaped body is designed for optimum performance and to minimise dead air pockets. Cast aluminium impellers are aerodynamically designed to give high efficiency. The cooling tower shell is made of FRP segments, which make it easy to assemble and dismantle.

Since FRP is resistant to chemical fumes, the cooling tower can be installed in corrosive environment. A digital fan controller is provided 102 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

as an optional accessory. High efficiency FRP fans can be provided in place of cast aluminium fans on request. These cooling towers are used for dissipating heat in air-conditioning and refrigeration plants, process plants, diesel gensets and compressors, plastic moulding machines, deep drawing presses, etc.

Harrison Cooling Towers Pvt Ltd Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-2888 5256, 6440 5777 Email: harrison@vsnl.com

Injection moulding machine Amrut Brothers offers 'ABH series' vertical plunger type plastic injection moulding machine. It is equipped with a hydraulic system for mould locking/ opening and injection/rifling by a lever-operated valve. It comes with a two-zone digital temperature controller and consumes less power. A digital timer operates the locking and injection system. This machine is available in manual, semi-automatic as well as fully automatic mode. It is also provided with an adjustable automatic hydraulic hopper. It comes with digital shot counter and emergency stop push button. The company also offers vertical screw type fully automatic injection moulding machine, bakelite/rubber fully automatic compress moulding press machine and vertical screw type fully automatic PVC footwear moulding machine, among others.

Amrut Brothers Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2292 8163, Mob: 98240 93682, Fax: 079-2292 8163 Email: exports@amrutbrothers.com

Canned pump Dynamic Pumps & Projects offers high temperature canned pump with cooling arrangement. This pump is sealless, leak proof and is designed for hot fluid applications. Temperature beyond the limits of standard insulation, which is usually handled by either ceramic insulated motor or heat isolated design. The allowable maximum liquid temperature is almost as high as 400ºC. Process fluid is re-circulated within motor section through an auxiliary impeller. An integrated shell & coiled heat exchanger as well as thermal isolation spacer are provided to cool fluid temperatures within the motors. Complete jackets for pump casing, stator and rear bearing housing are provided for precise temperature control when handling fluids with melting points in the range of ambient to 140ºC. Dynamic Pumps & Projects (I) Pvt Ltd Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-2879 1032/2686, 3294 4246 Fax: 022-2879 1032/2686 Email: dpppl@vsnl.net

PRODUCT UPDATE

Plastic injection moulding machine

Digital indicators

ATS International Co offers plastic injection moulding machine manufactured

by Dongshin Hydraulics Co. It is available with capacities ranging from 25 T to 5,000 T with specialty machines like multi colour, silicon rubber, etc. The company also offers vertical machines for rubber moulded products. This machine can be manufactured as per customer’s requirement. It is built on modular platforms using standard off-the-shelf components, which cost less. The company has developed injection moulding machine like all electric energy-saving hybrids as well as multicolour/multi-material models for a wide range of industries. Its features include faster cycle times, quicker mould changes and better energy efficiency.

Micon Automation Systems offers digital indicators (model AI-501) that are available with programmable and modular inputs, supporting multiple input types of thermocouples, RTDs, voltage/current and two-wire transmitters. These digital indicators are suitable for measuring and displaying temperature, pressure, flow level, humidity, etc with measurement accuracy of 0.3 per cent. The dual display windows are convenient to set parameters and alarm points. Various dimensions are also selectable. These indicators support up to four loops of alarms, including two loops of high limit alarms and two loops of low limit alarms. Alarms can either be output to different relays or shared.

These come with functions like digital calibrating, digital filtering and thermocouple cold junction auto compensating. Besides, these are free of maintenance and easy-to-operate. These indicators support RS485 communication interface, and can communicate with computers.

ATS International Co Ltd New Delhi Tel: 011-4564 9596 Fax: 011-4553 7997 Email: ats@atskindia.com

Image sensor Banner Engineering offers compact, self-contained image sensor with touch-screen controls to solve inspection applications on the factory floor.

This 'iVu Series TG' image sensor operates without a PC and features a touch-screen with an intuitive interface for easy configuration of inspection parameters.

It is designed for use in industries including pharmaceutical, automotive, food & beverage, packaging, metal stamping, plastics and electronics for label inspection, part presence & orientation, date/lot code verification, vial cap inspection, injection moulding and packaging verification, drilled hole inspection, feeder bowl inspection, electronic marking verification, etc.

This sensor is equipped with match sensor that compares a part to a reference, an area sensor that detects presence or absence of a feature, and an area sensor that adjusts for motion. It is provided with LCD screen which displays all necessary information. An adjustable focus lens makes image acquisition fast and easy. Its robust housing is rated to IP67 for operation in harsh industrial environments.

Micon Automation Systems Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-3290 0400, Fax: 02717-241598 Email: sales@miconindia.com

Banner Engineering India Pvt Ltd Pune - Maharashtra Tel: 020-6640 5624 Fax: 020-6640 5623 Email: fshaikh@bannerengineering.com May 2010

Modern Plastics & Polymers 103

PRODUCT UPDATE

Optical brighteners/shiners/PCRP Aangee Corporation offers 64 kinds of different optical brighteners/ shiners/PCRP that are available as per customer’s requirement. The brighteners removes yellowness and dullness from the products.

These products are used in the production of injection moulded articles, monofilament yarns, ropes, twine, sutli, reprocess granules, PVC pipes & films, disposable items like PP/GPPS glass, spoon, container, box strap, PET jars, jerry can, carry bags, liners, filler compounds, etc. These products are available in different tones like blue, purple, pink & natural cast and also in powder & masterbatch forms.

Aangee Corporation Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2277 0315, 6524 8381 Email: sales@aangee.com

Malik Engineers Thane - Maharashtra Tel: 0250-239 0839, Fax: 022-2883 0751 Email: info@malikengg.com

Coder

Rheometers TTL Technologies offers multi-functional high-pressure capillary rheometers with a wide variety of barrel configurations manufactured by Goettfert. The rheograph series 25, 75 and 120 rheometers are available with CANbus electronics for a higher degree of automation, user-friendliness features and colour touchscreen monitor. High speeds are available for extreme large shear rate range testing. Coupled with a high force rating and unique CAN bus plug & play pressure measurement system, measurement curves over wide ranges can be taken in one run and with one set-up. This unique system ensures that the pressure transducers parameters are automatically transferred to the software.

Combined with visualisation and measurement software ‘LabRheo’, based on ‘Microsoft.NET Framework 2.0TM’ real-time monitoring of the test is displayed. With Shark Skin unit, flow instabilities can be detected and the smallest pressure peaks can also be measured & analysed.

Process Instrumentation and Controls offers 'Sparsh' coder. It is used to print various statutory information like batch number, date of manufacturing, expiry date, prices and any other informations on various packing like tins, container, cartons, lids, stickers, laminated flexible pouches & films, metal containers, etc.

It is a small compact intermittent motion reciprocating contact coder with ink cartridge enclosed in a sealed container to give a constant amount of PIC fast drying coding ink. It is specially used for high speed coding application, viz self sticker labelling & multitracking line, FFS, blister pack, strip pack machine. Its compact design makes it easy to install where space is limited. It can be mounted in any angle, ie, vertical, horizontal or side mounting.

Due to separate ink cartridge, it avoids film contamination and keeps area of printing clean. It is a versatile controller, and consist of in-built cyclic timer and five different input modules to achieve or optimise printing speeds up to 180-200 impressions per minute with easy operation. It also runs through external inputs.

Process Instrumentation & Controls Vadodara - Gujarat Tel: 0265-235 7228, 232 0756 Fax: 0265-235 5429 Email: advait@piccode.com

TTL Technologies Pvt Ltd Bengaluru - Karnataka Tel: 080-2525 1859, 2526 0646 Fax: 080-2529 1285 Email: tmidirect@ttlindia.com

Helical gear boxes Malik Engineers offers helical gear boxes for single screw and twin screw plastic extruders. These gear boxes employ hardened and 104 Modern Plastics & Polymers

ground gears that are designed with adequate safety factors to transmit highest torque requirement without overloading.

The gears are supported on axial bearings. The output shaft is bored hollow for single screw extruder, while solid shafts are provided for twin-screw extruder drive. Single screw extruder gear boxes use heavy duty spherical roller thrust bearing for absorbing the high thrust loads during extrusion. The specially designed and manufactured axial bearing stack or tandem bearing stack is used for supporting output shafts for twin screw extruder application. The gear casing is either steel fabricated or made of close grain cast iron and accurately machined for precision centering of the gear train.

These gear boxes are available for transmitting capacities ranging from 5 hp to 75 hp and ratios 5:1 through 25:1, or as per OEM requirement.

May 2010

The information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the respective manufacturer/ distributor. In any case, it does not represent the views of

Modern Plastics & Polymers

U

se this form for FREE additional Information on products / advertisements published in this issue. We will send your inquiries to the advertisers and ask them to send you the details or contact you directly.

How to use this form:

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• Please tick against the box of product(s) / advertiser(s) you are interested in: • Mention specific product/service you need, against the products’s / advertiser’s name • Complete all the details on this form. • Tear the form & mail it to us. (It is a prepaid mail)

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#

First Fold Here Second Fold Here

AC drives ...........................................................................

Accessories for hydraulic system .............................

Additive masterbatches ..............................................

Additives ...........................................................................

Aerosol spray paint .......................................................

Air bubble film plant ....................................................

Air bubble sheet plant.................................................

Air treatment...................................................................

Air-conditioner parts....................................................

Automatic clamping force control ..........................

Automation solution for plastic industry..............

B2B magazines................................................................

Bag conversion system................................................

Beryllium copper forgings..........................................

Bio-degradable masterbatches ................................

Black masterbatches.....................................................

Blenders.............................................................................

Blending unit...................................................................

Blow moulding machines...........................................

Blower motor...................................................................

Calendaring lines for PVC films ................................

Canned pump.................................................................

Cast film line....................................................................

Chillers ...............................................................................

Clamps...............................................................................

Clean room applications.............................................

CNBC - Emerging India Awards 2010.....................

CNC machine...................................................................

Coder..................................................................................

Co-extrusion dies...........................................................

Co-extrusions blown film plant................................

Colour masterbatches..................................................

Compact chiller ..............................................................

Complex multi part assembly...................................

Connectors.......................................................................

Control system for BMM..............................................

Conveying system .........................................................

Cooling tower .................................................................

Core cutter machine.....................................................

Co-rotating twin screw extrusion lines..................

Co-rotating twin-screw extruder .............................

Corrugators......................................................................

Counters & power supplies........................................

Crane assembly ..............................................................

Cutter .................................................................................

D punch machine ..........................................................

Dehumidified air dryer ................................................

Dehumidified dryers.....................................................

Die casting machines ...................................................

Digital indicators............................................................

Digital panel meter .......................................................

Dipensing system ..........................................................

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Doctoring rewinder machine....................................

Door trims ........................................................................

Drum roller.......................................................................

Drum type slitter rewinder machine......................

Dryers.................................................................................

Electric injection moulding machine gearboxes.......................................................

Electric toggle machine ..............................................

Electrical wire rope hoist ............................................

Electronic scale remover.............................................

Email marketing.............................................................

Encoders............................................................................

Engineering expo ..........................................................

Extruder.............................................................................

Extruder screws and barrels ......................................

Extrusion coating lamination plant ........................

Extrusion dies..................................................................

Feeder ................................................................................

Fix suspension wire rope hoist .................................

Fixtures ..............................................................................

Flame retardant masterbatches ...............................

Flexible wire rope hoist ...............................................

FRP round cooling towers ..........................................

Fully automatic strapping plant...............................

Granulator ........................................................................

Gravimetric blender......................................................

Grip pliers .........................................................................

Handwheels.....................................................................

Haul off ..............................................................................

Hdpe pipe plant .............................................................

Head lamps & tail lamps .............................................

Heavy duty floor boring.............................................

Heavy/light fabrication................................................

High cavitations .............................................................

High speed heater cooler mixers and spares......

High speed mixer...........................................................

Hinges................................................................................

Hm/hdpe/ldpe/lldpe....................................................

Hopper dryer...................................................................

Hopper loader.................................................................

Horizontal boring machine........................................

Horizontal handle clamp ............................................

Horizontal machining center ....................................

Hot air dryer.....................................................................

Hot runner nozzle..........................................................

Hydraulic machines .....................................................

Hydrostatic pressure testing machine...................

Image sensor...................................................................

Indicators ..........................................................................

Industrial control & sensing devices.......................

Industrial coolers ...........................................................

Industrial robots.............................................................

GLUE

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Third Fold Here

#

PRODUCT INQUIRY FORM o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Infrared lamps/heaters ................................................

Injection moulding machine.....................................

Injection moulding technologies ............................

Inspection cum siltter rewinding machine..........

Invertor/variable frequency drives..........................

Jib crane............................................................................

Jigs ......................................................................................

Knobs & switches...........................................................

Lab mixers .......................................................................

Lamination/coating machine....................................

Lathes.................................................................................

Level controllers.............................................................

Levelling elements ........................................................

Levers .................................................................................

Loader................................................................................

LV motors..........................................................................

Masterbatches ...............................................................

Material blender unit....................................................

Material storage .............................................................

Material testing equipment.......................................

Measuring & monitoring relay .................................

Medical moulds..............................................................

Melt flow index test apparatus.................................

Milling centers ................................................................

Mirco PLC..........................................................................

Mixer cooler.....................................................................

Mono layer blown film plant.....................................

Motion controls..............................................................

Moulds...............................................................................

Mould cooling lines ......................................................

Mould temperature controller..................................

Moulding automation........................................

Multi component moulds.................................

Multi layer blown film plant.............................

Optical brightners/shiners/PCRP ...................

Paperless recorder...............................................

Parallel & right angle axes gearboxes ..........

Paste .........................................................................

PET blow moulding machine..........................

PET box strapping plant....................................

PET dehumidified dryers...................................

PET machines ........................................................

PET masterbatches..............................................

PET recycling plant..............................................

Photo electric sensors........................................

Pivot system...........................................................

Plastic converting & beverages machine....

Plastic extrusion machines...............................

Plastic films ............................................................

Plastic injection moulding machine.............

Plastics extrusion machine...............................

PLCs...........................................................................

Please complete the following  get a quick effective response from suppliers: 1. Your company’s business function is (Pone only) q Wholesalers q Manufacturer q Distributor q Agent q Other, please specify ______________ 2. Your role in your company’s buying process can best be described as: q I buy q I identify potential suppliers q I approve purchases q I negotiate contracts q I select suppliers.

3. Your line of business Name: Designation: Company Name:

City:

Pin:

Tel: Fax: Email:

Business Insights •Technologies•Opportunities

5 / 2010

Address:

Send your inquiries at: Tel: +91-22-3003 4684 Fax: +91-22-3003 4499 Email: b2b@infomedia18.in o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Plungers ..................................................................

Polymers..................................................................

Post processing machines................................

Pouch making machines...................................

PP glass filled compounds ...............................

PP mineral filled compounds..........................

PP TQ plant.............................................................

PP/HDPE rafffia tape lines.................................

PP/HDPE semi automatic strapping plant..

PP/HDPE/PET box strapping plant................

PP/HDPE/PET monofilament plant ...............

PP/PP TQ film plant .............................................

Precision fabrication works..............................

Precision moulding.............................................

Process controllers ..............................................

Programmable logic controllers.....................

Programmable terminals ..................................

Proximity sensors.................................................

Pull action...............................................................

PVC braided hose plant.....................................

PVC line ...................................................................

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

PVC suction hose plant......................................

Raffia tape lines ....................................................

Resins .......................................................................

Rfid ............................................................................

Rheometers ...........................................................

Robotics...................................................................

Roll wrapping machine .....................................

Rotogravure printing machine .......................

Safety light curtains............................................

Scale blenders.......................................................

Scale watcher ........................................................

Sealing and cutting machine ..........................

Segmented barrels .............................................

Self adhesive tapes .............................................

Services - market research ...............................

Servo-electric clamping unit ...........................

Shaft type slitter rewinder machine .............

Sheets.......................................................................

Silicone free sprays..............................................

Silicone sealant.....................................................

Single & twin screw extrusion plants ...........

o Single girder EOT crane..................................... o Single screw and barrel .................................... o Single screw and barrel with grooved sleeves ......................................... o Single screw extruder gearboxes .................. o Spray guns.............................................................. o Stack moulds......................................................... o Straight line action.............................................. o Switching relays ................................................... o Synthetic string plant (sutli plant)................. o Takeup drum ......................................................... o Technical moulds................................................. o Temperature controller...................................... o Tensile testing m/c with extension-o-meter............................................... o Test apparatus....................................................... o Thermoplastic alloys........................................... o Thermoplastic compounds.............................. o Timers....................................................................... o Toggle action clamp........................................... o Toggle machines..................................................

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Toggle press...........................................................

Tpe/tpu compounds ..........................................

Tpu masterbatches .............................................

Twin screw extruder gearboxes .....................

Two platen injection moulding machine ...

Ultrasonic flow meter.........................................

Underslung crane ................................................

Universal masterbatches...................................

Unwinder system.................................................

Used European plastic machines...................

UV & PU masterbatches.....................................

Vacuum loader.......................................................

Ventilators...............................................................

Vertical handle clamp ........................................

Vertical machining center ................................

Vision sensors........................................................

Web aligner unit...................................................

White masterbatches .........................................

Winder .....................................................................

Zipper pouch making machine......................

‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J. K. Sawant Marg, Dadar (W) Mumbai 400 028, INDIA.

INFOMEDIA 18 LIMITED SPECIAL PROJECTS POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

BR Permit No. 555 Bhavani Shankar Post Office, Mumbai 400 028.

Business Reply Inland

NO POSTAGE STAMP NECESSARY IF POSTED IN INDIA

ADVERTISER INQUIRY FORM

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se this form for FREE additional Information on advertisements published in this issue. We will send your inquiries to the advertisers and ask them to send you the details or contact you directly.

How to use this form: l

Please tick against the box of advertiser(s) you are interested in: l Mention specific product/service you need, against the advertiser’s name l Complete all the details on this form. l Tear the form & mail it to us. (It is a prepaid mail)

Tel.: +91-22-3024 5000

Fax.: +91-22-3003 4499 Email: b2b@infomedia18.in l

o AB Diachem Systems Pvt Ltd................................

o Huskey Injection Molding Systems P Ltd.........

o Rajoo Engineers Ltd .................................................

o ABB Limited.................................................................

o Jing Cheng Mold Machinery Co. Ltd ..................

o Sacmi Engineering India Pvt Ltd .........................

o Aerol Formulation Pvt Ltd......................................

o Kabra Extrusion Technik Ltd..................................

o SBM Chemicals & Instrumentals P Ltd...............

o Allied Solution I Pvt Ltd ..........................................

o Kant Plastology ..........................................................

o Shree Ganesh Converting Machinery................

o Alok Masterbatches Ltd ..........................................

o Konark Plastomech Pvt Ltd....................................

o Shree Radhekrishna Extrusions Pvt Ltd ............

o Blend Colours Pvt Ltd ..............................................

o Larsen & Toubro Ltd .................................................

o Shreeji Engineering Works.....................................

o Business Development Bureau India Pvt Ltd..

o LiveWire 18 ..................................................................

o Shyam Plastic Industries .........................................

o Chamunda Equipments..........................................

o Loxim Industries Limited........................................

o Smart Logistics...........................................................

o CNBC Tv18....................................................................

o Machine Point.............................................................

o Sreelakshmi Traders..................................................

o Danfoss Indus Pvt Ltd..............................................

o Matsui Technologies India Ltd..............................

o Toshiba Machine (India) Pvt. Ltd..........................

o Dongguan Alfa Automation Machinery Ltd....

o Neejtech India (Braun).............................................

o Unimark (Arburg) ......................................................

o Elesa-Ganter India Pvt Ltd......................................

o Neejtech India (Hekuma)........................................

o Unimark (Maguire)....................................................

o Engineering Expo......................................................

o Nu-Vu Conair Pvt. Ltd...............................................

o Unimark (Staubli).......................................................

o Ferromatik Milacron India Ltd ..............................

o Ocean Extrusions.......................................................

o Wittmann Battenfld India Pvt. Ltd.......................

o Gem Equipments Ltd...............................................

o Omron Automation Pvt. Ltd...................................

o XL Plastics.....................................................................

o Haas Automation India Pvt Ltd ............................

o Procon Technologies Pvt Ltd.................................

o Zambello Riduttori S. R.I..........................................

First Fold Here

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l

Send your inquiries at: Tel: +91-22-3024 5000 Fax: +91-22-3003 4499 Email: b2b@infomedia18.in

Second Fold Here Please complete the following o get a quick effective response from suppliers: 1. Your company’s business function is (Pone only) q Wholesalers q Manufacturer q Distributor q Agent q Other, please specify ______________ 2. Your role in your company’s buying process can best be described as: q I buy q I identify potential suppliers q I approve purchases q I negotiate contracts q I select suppliers.

Name: Designation: Company Name:

City:

Pin:

Tel: Fax: Email:

5/ 2010

Address:

Third Fold Here

GLUE

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3. Your line of business

POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

Business Reply Inland BR Permit No. 555 Bhavani Shankar Post Office, Mumbai 400 028.

NO POSTAGE STAMP NECESSARY IF POSTED IN INDIA

Special Projects

INFOMEDIA 18 LIMITED Ruby House, ‘A’ Wing, J.K. Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028, INDIA.

PRODUCT INDEX

To know more about the products in this magazine, refer to our ‘Product Index’ or write to us at spedit@infomedia18.in or call us at +91-22-3003 4685 or fax us at +91-22-3003 4499 and we will send your enquiries to the advertisers directly to help you source better.

Product

Pg No

Product

Pg No

Product

Pg No

AC drives ..................................................... 49

Conveying system.................................................................... 11

Flame retardant masterbatches ......................................... 16

Accessories for hydraulic system ....................................... 97

Cooling tower............................................................................ 37

Flexible wire rope hoist ......................................................... 53

Additive masterbatches.................................................. 16, 31

Core cutter machine ............................................................... 79

FRP round cooling towers ..................................................102

Additives...................................................................................... 23

Co-rotating twin screw extrusion lines............................ 23

Fully automatic strapping plant......................................... 12

Aerosol spray paint ................................................................. 95

Co-rotating twin-screw extruder........................................ 98

Granulator.............11, 13, Front inside cover

Air bubble film plant .............................................................. 93

Corrugators................................................................................. 23

Gravimetric blender ................................................................ 13

Air bubble sheet plant.................................................... 12, 35

Counters & power supplies.....................................................5

Grip pliers.................................................................................... 93

Air treatment ............................................................................. 37

Crane assembly......................................................................... 53

Handwheels ................................................ 27

Air-conditioner parts ..................................... Front gate fold

Cutter............................................................................................ 21

Haul off ........................................................................................ 21

Automatic clamping force control .................................... 15

D punch machine ....................................... 79

Hdpe pipe plant ....................................................................... 35

Automation solution for plastic industry .......Back cover

Dehumidified air dryer........................... 13, Front gate fold

Head lamps & tail lamps .............................. Front gate fold

B2B magazines ......................... 82, 84, 86, 88

Dehumidified dryers................................Front inside cover

Heavy duty floor boring....................................................... 53

Bag conversion system ........................................................101

Die casting machines ............................................................. 41

Heavy/light fabrication .......................................................... 53

Beryllium copper forgings.................................................... 99

Digital indicators ....................................................................103

High cavitations...........................................................................8

Biodegradable masterbatches ............................................ 16

Digital panel meter ................................................................. 10

High speed heater cooler mixers and spares................ 93

Black masterbatches............................................................... 16

Dipensing system ..................................................................101

High speed mixer...................................................................100

Blenders........................................................Front inside cover

Doctoring rewinder machine.............................................. 79

Hinges........................................................................................... 27

Blending unit.................................................... Front gate fold

Door trims.......................................................... Front gate fold

HM/HDPE/LDPE/LLDPE.......................................................... 12

Blow moulding machines........................................................6

Drum roller ................................................................................. 21

Hopper dryer ............................................................................. 96

Blower motor............................................................................. 21

Drum type slitter rewinder machine................................ 79

Hopper loader ........................................................................... 13

Calendaring lines for PVC films ................ 23

Dryers ............................................................Front inside cover

Horizontal boring machine.................................................. 53

Canned pump .........................................................................102

Electric injection moulding machine

Horizontal handle clamp....................................................... 93

Cast film line .................................................................12, 35, 96

gearboxes...................................................... 7

Horizontal machining centre................. Back inside cover

Chillers.......................................................................................... 11

Electric toggle machine......................................................... 59

Hot air dryer.................................. 11, 13, Front inside cover

Clamps................................................................................... 27, 93

Electrical wire rope hoist....................................................... 53

Hot runner nozzle..................................................................102

Clean room applications ..........................................................8

Electronic scale remover ....................................................... 65

Hydraulic machines ................................................................ 59

CNBC - Emerging India Awards 2010.............................111

Email marketing ....................................................................... 68

Hydrostatic pressure testing machine............................. 47

CNC machine............................................... Back inside cover

Encoders.........................................................................................5

Image sensor............................................. 103

Coder ..........................................................................................104

Engineering expo..................................................................... 14

Indicators..................................................................................... 27

Co-extrusion dies ..................................................................... 35

Extruder ....................................................................................... 21

Industrial control & sensing devices....................................5

Co-extrusions blown film plant.......................................... 35

Extruder screws and barrels ................................................ 99

Industrial coolers...................................................................... 37

Colour masterbatches ..................................................... 16, 31

Extrusion coating lamination plant .....................12, 35, 98

Industrial robots ....................................................................... 41

Compact chiller......................................................................... 13

Extrusion dies ...................................................................93, 116

Infrared lamps/heaters........................................................... 96

Complex multi part assembly................................................9

Feeder.......................................................... 21

Injection moulding machine......41, 67, 102, Front gate fold

Connectors ........................................................ Front gate fold

Fix suspension wire rope hoist........................................... 53

Injection moulding technologies ...............................6, BGF

Control system for BMM......................................................100

Fixtures......................................................................................... 93

Inspection cum siltter rewinding machine.................... 79

CRACK THE BEST DEALS! 112 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

PR ODUCT INDEX Product

Pg No

Product

Pg No

Product

Pg No

Invertor/variable frequency drives.......................................5

Plastics extrusion machines................................................. 41

Sheets ...........................................................................Back cover

Jib crane ...................................................... 53

Plastic films.................................................................Back cover

Silicone free sprays.................................................................. 75

Jigs................................................................................................. 93

Plastics injection moulding machine .............................103

Silicone sealant ......................................................................... 75

Knobs & switches ..................Front gate fold

Plastics extrusion machine................................................... 19

Single & twin screw extrusion plants............................... 23

Lab mixers .................................................. 93

PLCs ............................................................................................... 49

Single girder EOT crane......................................................... 53

Lamination/coating machine .............................................. 79

Plungers....................................................................................... 27

Single screw and barrel ........................................................ 93

Lathes ................................................................................... 27, bic

Polymers...................................................................................... 23

Single screw and barrel with grooved sleeves............. 93

Level controllers ..........................................................................5

Post processing machines .................................................... 50

Single screw extruder gearboxes .........................................7

Levelling elements................................................................... 27

Pouch making machines.....................................................101

Spray guns.................................................................................. 99

Levers............................................................................................ 27

PP glass filled compounds ................................................... 16

Stack moulds ................................................................................8

Loader............................................................Front inside cover

PP mineral filled compounds .............................................. 16

Straight line action.................................................................. 93

LV motors .................................................................................... 49

PP TQ plant................................................................................. 12

Switching relays...........................................................................5

Masterbatches ......................................... 102

PP/HDPE rafffia tape lines..................................................... 12

Synthetic string plant (sutli plant) ..................................... 35

Material blender unit.............................................................. 11

PP/HDPE semi automatic strapping plant ..................... 12

Takeup drum............................................... 21

Material storage........................................................................ 13

PP/HDPE/PET box strapping plant .................................... 35

Technical moulds ........................................................................8

Material testing equipment ................................................. 23

PP/HDPE/PET monofilament plant.................................... 35

Temperature controller......................................................5, 10

Measuring & monitoring relay ..............................................5

PP/PP TQ film plant ................................................................. 35

Tensile testing m/c with extension-o-meter ................. 47

Medical moulds ...........................................................................8

Precision fabrication works .................................................. 93

Test apparatus........................................................................... 47

Melt flow index test apparatus........................................... 47

Precision moulding ........................................ Front gate fold

Thermoplastic alloys ............................................................... 32

Milling centers............................................. Back inside cover

Process controllers................................................................... 10

Thermoplastic compounds .................................................. 32

Mirco PLC .................................................................................... 98

Programmable logic controllers............................................5

Timers..............................................................................................5

Mixer cooler ............................................................................... 21

Programmable terminals .........................................................5

Toggle action clamp ............................................................... 93

Mono layer blown film plant............................................... 35

Proximity sensors ........................................................................5

Toggle machines ...................................................................... 59

Motion controls ...........................................................................5

Pull action ................................................................................... 93

Toggle press............................................................................... 93

Moulds.............................................................................................8

PVC braided hose plant......................................................... 91

Tpe/tpu compounds............................................................... 16

Mould cooling lines ................................................................ 63

PVC line........................................................................................ 59

Tpu masterbatches.................................................................. 31

Mould temperature controller..................................... 11, 13

PVC suction hose plant.......................................................... 91

Twin screw extruder gearboxes ............................................7

Moulding automation...............................................................9

Raffia tape lines.......................................... 35

Two platen injection moulding machine ....................... 59

Multi component moulds........................................................8

Resins............................................................................................ 97

Ultrasonic flow meter ................................ 10

Multi layer blown film plant ......................................... 12, 35

RFID ..................................................................................................5

Underslung crane .................................................................... 53

Optical brightners/shiners/PCRP ............ 104

Rheometers .............................................................................104

Universal masterbatches....................................................... 16

Paperless recorder...................................... 10

Robotics................................................. 71, Front inside cover

Unwinder system ..................................................................... 79

Parallel & right angle axes gearboxes.................................7

Roll wrapping machine.......................................................... 79

Used European plastic machines....................................... 95

Paste.............................................................................................. 98

Rotogravure printing machine ........................................... 79

UV & PU masterbatches......................................................... 16

PET blow moulding machine .............................................. 91

Safety light curtains..................................... 5

Vacuum loader.................11, Front gate fold

PET box strapping plant........................................................ 12

Scale blenders ........................................................................... 25

Ventilators................................................................................... 95

PET dehumidified dryers........................Front inside cover

Scale watcher............................................................................. 65

Vertical handle clamp............................................................. 93

PET machines............................................................................. 59

Sealing and cutting machine ............................................100

Vertical machining center....................... Back inside cover

PET masterbatches .................................................................. 16

Segmented barrels ................................................................. 93

Vision sensors...............................................................................5

PET recycling plant.................................................................. 35

Self-adhesive tapes ................................................................. 95

Web aligner unit ......................................... 79

Photo electric sensors ...............................................................5

Services - market research ................................................... 29

White masterbatches.............................................................. 16

Pivot system............................................................................... 79

Servo-electric clamping unit ............................................... 15

Winder.......................................................................................... 21

Plastic converting & beverages machine........................ 95

Shaft type slitter rewinder machine................................. 79

Zipper pouch making machine................. 97

CRACK THE BEST DEALS! May 2010

Modern Plastics & Polymers 113

ADVERTISERS’ LIST Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details AB Diachem Systems Pvt Ltd

Pg No 65

Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details

Pg No

Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details

CNBC Tv18

111

Huskey Injection Molding Systems P Ltd BGF

T: +91-11-25155456

T: +91-22-26538487

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E: sales@scalewatcher.in

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Danfoss Indus Pvt Ltd 49

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75

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27

19

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116

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Elesa-Ganter India Pvt Ltd 6

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Dongguan Alfa Automation Machinery Ltd 71

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21

Pg No

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31

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14

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12

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59

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T: +91-40-2436 1499 / 2436 0887

W: www.blendcolours.com 29

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93

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16

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37

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LiveWire 18

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68

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32

Our consistent advertisers

114 Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

ADVERTISERS’ LIST Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details Machine Point

Pg No 95

Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details Rajoo Engineers Ltd

Pg No .BC

Advertisers’ Name & Contact Details Sreelakshmi Traders

95

T: +91-79-65492585

T: +91-09909988932

T: +91-44-22313606

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11

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67

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8

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T: +91-79-26561312

23

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9

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T: +91-79-26561312 E: info@neejtech.com W: www.neejtech.com Nu-Vu Conair Pvt. Ltd

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T: +91-79-32447499

T: +91-22-25506712

E: rotoganesh@gmail.com

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25

13 Shree Radhekrishna Extrusions Pvt Ltd

T: +91-79-25841181 E: nuvu@conairgroup.com W: www.conairgroup.com Ocean Extrusions

79

41

15

E: info@neejtech.com

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Pg No

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Unimark (Staubli)

63

T: +91-79-25842509

T: +91-22-25506712

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E: unimark@staubli.com

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35 Shreeji Engineering Works

53

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.FIC

T: +91-79-22902200 E: oceanextrusions@gmail.com W: www.oceanextrusions.com Omron Automation Pvt. Ltd.

5

T: +91-80-40726400/41466400

T: +91-79-22874558

T: +91-44-42077009

E: shreeji_engg@yahoo.co.in

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91

XL Plastics

50

T: +91-79-25841459

T: +91-265-2638125

E: srirams@ap.omron.com

E: info@shyamplastic.in

E: info@xlpalstics.com

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W: www.shyamplastic.in

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Procon Technologies Pvt Ltd

10

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Zambello Riduttori S. R.I.

7

T: +39-0331-307-616 E: info@zambello.it W: www.zambello.it Our consistent advertisers

May 2010

Modern Plastics & Polymers 115

Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

Modern Plastics & Polymers

May 2010

Regn. No. MH/ MR / WEST / 234 / 2009-2011 RNI No: MAHENG / 2008 / 25265 Allowed to Post At Patrika Channel Sorting Office, G.P.O., Mumbai 400 001.

Date of Mailing: 1st & 2nd Of Every Month Issue.

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