The following items were written by Plastics News reporters Tom Ford and Bill Bregar at Plastics USA, held Sept. 12-14 inChicago.
Motan Inc. of Plainwell, Mich., showed a new portable material dryer, the MDE-30.
The company said the dryer has only three moving parts. The dryer has two desiccant beds, which alternate in operation for continuous material drying. Filters are easily removed, the company said.
Drying bins are available in 30-, 60- and 120-pound models.
Ashley launching various resin grades
Ashley Polymers Inc., a compounder and resin distributor in Brooklyn, N.Y., showed a number of new materials.
In nylon, the company introduced its Ashlene 559L-33G, a glass-reinforced copolymer of nylon 6 and nylon 6/6.
Ashlene 192-N2, an acetal, has a 14 melt flow, suited for multicavity molds and thin-wall sections.
A polyphenylene ether, Ashlene P261WO, is flame-retardant and has good flow characteristics, the company said.
On the polycarbonate side, Ashlene P1176 is a medium-flow, flame-retardant grade for electrical, appliance and computer equipment applications.
In polybutylene terephthalate polyester, the company offered two new products, Ashlene P126WO, with 30 percent glass reinforcement, and P123WO, with 15 percent glass. Both are flame-retardant.
Pad printer reduces ink reservior fumes
United Silicone Inc. introduced its Model UP 303 pad printer, with a sealed ink reservoir that eliminates solvent evaporation and reduces ink fumes.
The 303 is smaller than two other pad printers in the line, the UP 505 and UP 707. It can run as many as 2,000 cycles an hour, the company said.
Also new from United Silicone, based in Lancaster, N.Y., is the Model UP 450, with an inkwell that is covered, not sealed. The unit has lateral transfer pad and blade movement driven by a pneumatic rotary actuator with cam mechanism, for smooth movement.
Cumberland shredder handles big parts
Cumberland Machinery Division of John Brown Plastics Machinery introduced at Plastics USA a shredder for large plastic parts and purgings.
The Cumberland 684 is a beside-the-press shredder that features increased soundproofing for quieter operation, new slanted knives, greater accessibility and lighter screens, said Robert M. Ragosta, marketing manager for granulators for the South Attleboro, Mass.-based machinery maker.
``We are one of the few makers who make our own knives,'' said Ragosta. ``This model is assembled in the U.S. with parts made in Italy right now. We feel it offers a number of advantages.''
The granulators are capable of grinding 1,200 pounds of plastic per hour, and will sell for about $19,500, according to Cumberland.
C.M.S. introduces machining center
C.M.S. North America Inc. showed its new machining center for thermoformed plastic parts, the Plast 32.
The computer numerically controlled, five-axis robot does milling, routing, drilling, trimming and finishing.
The machine can work on very large pieces, according to the company.
Its structure, plus the use of aluminum alloy parts, reduced moving weight so the robot can move faster.
A special dust vacuuming system is included in the machine bed.
C.M.S. is based in Grand Rapids, Mich.