CHICAGO — Welex Inc. (Booth N6001) is introducing a 7-inch extruder that can run up to 5,000 pounds an hour of high-impact polystyrene or PET, or up to 3,300 pounds an hour of high density polyethylene or polypropylene.
Upsizing from a 6-inch to a 7-inch Mark III model yields a 30 percent increase in capacity at low additional equipment cost; only minimal changes in operating expense and floor space are required, according to the Blue Bell, Pa., firm.
"This will especially benefit processors who desire either substantially more output than a 6-inch can deliver, or those who need the typical capacity of a 6-inch machine at lower melt temperature, for example processors running HDPE heavy-gauge sheet or pipe," said Welex President Frank Nissel.
The new extruder is available in length-to-diameter ratios of 24, 30, 36 and 40.
Welex also is debuting a new individual roll-drive sheet take-off that cuts roll changing times dramatically. It features level arms that eliminate the need to disturb the gear reducer during roll changes, making changing simpler and cutting downtime. Other time-saving features include quick-disconnect fittings for each roll's cooling water feed, and a quick-release connection between the drive and roll shafts.
Welex is featuring a high-performance PP packaging line sold to Kama Corp. of Manteno, Ill. The line includes a 5-inch 30D Mark III extruder — the first time Welex has shown it at NPE — Contrabend rolls and Tidland rotary slitter. The line's capacity is 1,750 pounds per hour, according to Welex.
