MIDLAND, MICH. - Dow Corning Corp. has introduced a family of silicone products aimed at solving problems encountered by resin producers, compounders and injection molders. Peter Pape, associate industry scientist for the Midland-based silicone maker, said the MB-Series masterbatches are formulations containing 50 percent ultrahigh-molecular-weight silicone polymer dispersed in high-impact polystyrene, polyethylene, or polypropylene.
He said while liquid silicones have been used to improve lubricity, flow characteristics, mold release, surface modification and other properties, getting the liquid into the molding or extruding process has been a problem. Also, it has been hard to make masterbatches with more than 20 percent silicone without bleed problems.
The Dow Corning products come in pellet form for easy mixing. According to the company, they offer faster throughput, better mold filling, internal lubrication and mold release, and reduced extruder torque and molded part warpage.
The firm also introduced its Si powder resin modifiers, which are free-flowing powders designed to enhance properties of highly filled, flame-retardant thermoplastics, modify burning characteristics and improve processing.
JSW adds machine to its JE-II series
SANTA FE SPRINGS, CALIF. - JSW Plastics Machinery Inc. of Santa Fe Springs is adding a 310-ton model to its 2-year-old JE-II series of injection molding press. The new size fits between the 245-ton and 385-ton models.
The medium-sized model has a Syscom 1000 controller with a multicolor liquid crystal display screen, self-lubricating bushings, an energy-efficient design and shot sizes of 28 3/5, 34 or 481/2 ounces.
The shot sizes match those of the 385-ton model.
Sizes of the standard bimetallic cylinder and platen were adjusted to produce the $140,000-$160,000 machine. The conveyor frame directs parts to one of three positions for removal.
JSW Plastics Machinery provides North American marketing services for Japanese Steel Works Ltd., which manufactures the machines in Hiroshima, Japan. JSW plans to demonstrate the 310-ton model at Booth 804 at Plastics USA '95, set for Sept. 12-14 in Chicago.
Texas plant losesethylene production
DALLAS - Rexene Corp. of Dallas said July 18 it lost seven to nine days of production of ethylene due to an equipment malfunction at its Odessa, Texas, manufacturing facility.
Spokesman Neil Devroy characterized the outage as a minor problem that will not affect customers.
