R.T. Kuntz develops custom blenders
R.T. Kuntz Co. Inc., a systems engineering company and distributor of auxiliary equipment from Maguire Products Inc., has developed customized blender packages with extra-large hoppers that Kuntz builds in Farmingdale, N.J.
The custom blenders are for processors running up to 5,000 pounds or more. Bin capacities range as high as 1,000 pounds or more.
Using a standard hopper runs the risk that bins will run out of material before the loading system returns to that station. But the customization involves more than just ``upsizing'' hoppers, said President Rod Kuntz. ``We have developed a total system for large-scale material handling, with special attention to clean-outs and color changes,'' he said.
Besides the Maguire blender, the custom hopper and a vaccum loading system manufactured by Kuntz, a typical package includes ladders and platforms at opposing corners to allow access to vacuum receivers and bins, a high-capacity collection bin under the blender for dedicated or central feeding and quick-coupling ports for drainage from each bin.
The entire package comes with the same five-year warranty that Maguire provides for the blender alone.
Tel. (800) 237-2120, fax (732) 751-1505, e-mail [email protected]
TPS presents index kit for thermoformers
Thermoformer Parts Suppliers Inc. of Beaverton, Mich., has developed a low-cost index kit for roll-fed thermoforming machines.
The turnkey package includes an SEW Eurodrive vector drive, with a heavy-duty gearbox and integral encoder. A pre-wired electrical box containing a controller with a key pad, forward and reverse buttons, starter, relays and fuses makes installation easy.
The index drive can replace existing pneumatic and hydraulic drives, to increase part production.
Tel. (800) 722-2997, fax (989) 435-3825, e-mail [email protected]
Comet's HCD uses honeycomb rotor
Comet Automation Systems Inc. has introduced a dehumidifying dryer called the HCD, for honeycomb dryer.
The company introduced the HCD at MassPlastics 2002, March 27-28, in Fitchburg, Mass.
The HCD uses the ``rotor honeycomb'' principle, which means a heat-resistant, air-sealed body casing divides the honeycomb rotor into process and regeneration zones.
Comet, based in Dayton, Ohio, claims the design is the most effective way to dry plastic pellets consistently, without spikes in temperature or dew point.
The rotor is slowly turned by a gear motor at the optimum revolution speed for drying. The blower draws moist air into the honeycomb matrix of the rotor, where moisture gets absorbed.
At the same time the dampest area of the rotor is beginning to enter the regeneration zone, the cool, regenerated part of the rotor enters the process zone.
Comet President Tom Rajkovich said honeycomb dryers have a service life of up to 10 years, compared with an average two-year life of desiccant dryers.
Tel. (800) 328-5088, e-mail [email protected]
Linden machines monitor CO2 levels
Linden Industries Inc./EMB, a polyurethane equipment maker, has installed three carbon dioxide units to a customer in England - unique because they introduce gaseous instead of liquid CO2, and do not require sampling to regulate the level of the gas in the PU.
A patented mechanism in the Linden machines continuously monitors and updates the level of CO2. Linden, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, said that is more accurate than periodic sampling.
Linden did not identify the customer, but said the company adds sound-insulating foam to automotive floor carpeting.
Carbon dioxide has two benefits for this application: cost savings from a reduction in chemicals used and a reduced part weight.
U.S. divisions of the same automotive supplier also use Linden CO2 units. The gas also improves tool wettability, mixing quality and material flow, and eliminates surface defects in high density PU materials, according to the company.
Tel. (800) 966-0176, fax (330) 928-1854.
Universal chamber improves loading
Auxiliary equipment supplier Universal Dynamics Inc. of Woodbridge, Va., said its Easy Flow feeding chamber improves the loading of hard-to-flow materials.
Individual chambers can be used in single stations, or incorporated into a central loading system.
The chambers come in two sizes, of three cubic feet and six cubic feet. Another feature: changeable material and vacuum line sizes.
Other new features include heavy-duty adjustable lid clamps and a removable sighting glass on the mounting flange.
By loosening a band clamp above the mounting flange, the chamber can be rotated through 360 degrees. The dump throat, with a 6-inch opening, can be rotated around the mounting adapter, and fitted to almost any hopper configuration.
Tel. (703) 491-2191, fax (703) 490-7001.
Greenpack PP system produces many shapes
Italian machinery maker Greenpack Technologies has developed a Greenpack PT600 thermoforming machine for running polypropylene packaging for food and other consumer goods, and medical devices.
Patented, preheating stations allow PP containers to be thermoformed in a variety of shapes. Forming stations with air pressure, vacuum and plug assist can form containers up to 3 inches deep. The forming area is 24 inches wide.
The PT600 system also includes filling and sealing equipment.
Greenpack Technologies is headquartered in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. Its North American distributor is PallayPack Inc. of Lachine, Quebec.
Tel. (514) 637-9898, fax (514) 634-0657, e-mail [email protected]