WOBURN, MASS. — Trexel Inc. has licensed its MuCell technology to two extrusion companies making window blinds and foam boards. Trexel is retrofitting MuCell onto existing extrusion lines at both companies, said Roman Barski, director of marketing and sales at the Woburn-based company.
MuCell adds microscopic bubbles into the plastic melt, reducing part weight and providing processing benefits, Trexel said.
St. Louis-based Alusuisse Composites Inc. is using MuCell extrusion technology to manufacture microcellular foam boards. The company's Foam-X laminated boards are sold to the graphic arts, display boards and three-dimensional modeling markets.
MuCell's carbon-dioxide blowing agent replaced Alusuisse Composites' hydrocarbon-based blowing agents at its factory in Richmond, Ind.
Alusuisse Composites President James Burr said the company has reduced the required holding time for the gases to dissipate from the boards. That means the company can ship products more quickly, he said.
Another new extrusion licensee, Eclipse Blind Systems Inc., uses MuCell to extrude PVC vertical blinds. Eclipse, headquartered in Ravenna, Ohio, is the exclusive MuCell licensee for use in vertical blinds for windows and doors.
Eclipse President James Watson said the new blind is lighter in weight but thicker and tougher. The parts also have improved opacity with less warpage.
Eclipse sells components and machinery to manufacturers that make the completed vertical blinds.
Eclipse is part of Northampton, England-based Headlam Group plc.
