APV extruder offers higher screw speed
APV Baker introduced a laboratory-scale twin-screw extruder with a higher screw speed capability of up to 1,000 revolutions per minute. That makes the machine an exact replication of an industrial-scale extruder, where the trend is to run at a higher rpm.
APV, based in Peterborough, England, said the twin-screw lab line is aimed at the powder coating, compounding, masterbatch and pharmaceutical sectors. The compounding extruders are available in a range of length-to-diameter ratios, from 15-to-1 to 40-to-1.
A clamshell barrel design makes the machines easy to clean, and promotes a quick change of screws.
A swing-away feeder support allows the operator to empty and clean the feeder award from the extruder.
Tel. +44 (1733) 283-000, fax +44 (1733) 283-004, e-mail [email protected]
RTI vertical grinders run at a low speed
Recycling Technologies Inc. of Hickory, N.C., has introduced a line of vertical rotary grinders for recycling plastic waste and wood.
Throughput ranges from 200-7,000 pounds per hour.
The RTI grinders run at a low speed of 120 revolutions per minute, at low noise level and high torque.
Features include recessed knife holders and the use of thicker-plate steel. The rotor shaft incorporates strategically keyed solid steel discs, each pocketed to accept three knife holders, which are recessed into the rotor instead of placed on top, for added strength.
Hopper capacities range from 2-7 square yards. The feed opening runs from 20 inches by 36 inches on smaller models to 84 inches by 90 inches on larger machines.
Tel. (828) 304-0195, fax (828) 304-0197, e-mail [email protected] link.net.
Corma unit corrugates matchstick-size tubes
Corma Inc., the Toronto-based maker of pipe corrugating machines, is getting into some tiny equipment - with a new corrugator for tubing the size of a matchstick.
Corma is marketing its vertical corrugator system for tubing with an inside diameter of 1 millimeter. The exterior die is positioned outside the forming section of the corrugator. The die is shorter, which results in less back pressure and higher output rates. There is no risk of damaging the mold blocks because of a misalignment of the die, Corma said.
The machine also makes it very easy to insert a cable inside the pipe, using gravity to avoid the damage typically associated with systems that allow cable to rest against the pipe's interior.
Tel. (905) 669-9397.
Metering machines bring cost savings
Cannon Group's new AP metering machines for polyurethane bring the cost savings of high-pressure technology to an industry segment that has relied on low-pressure machines.
The solvent-free AP machines are designed for making small products from rigid, low-density PU. The design eliminates production costs associated with the management and disposal of flushing agents and urethane waste. Applications can include small insulated containers, panels and water bottles, said Mark Clark, business unit manager of Cannon USA in Cranberry Township, Pa.
The AP metering unit comes in two sizes. The AP-10 can run 180-300 shots per hour with outputs ranging from 5.5-26 pounds per minute. The AP-30 is capable of 60-150 shots an hour, with outputs from 10-50 pounds an hour.
Also new from Cannon: an A-Compact high-pressure metering machine, designed for processors whose simple, two-component process, or lower production rate, does not require the additional cost associated with a more-advanced metering system.
The A-Compact FC features fixed output pumps and inverters for motor speed control. The C-Compact Combined features variable output pumps and inverters to control the motor speed.
Tel. (724) 772-5600, fax (724) 776-1070, e-mail [email protected] nonusa.com.
Bayer's Hennecke offers dispensing unit
Hennecke Machinery Group of Lawrence, Pa., has developed a line of polyurethane dispensing equipment, called ClearRIM, that applies clear PU coatings to automotive door and dashboard trim panels made of fine woods.
The conventional way to do that is to apply several layers of varnish, allow for several days of drying time, then follow up with grinding and polishing.
Hennecke is a unit of Bayer Corp.'s Polyurethanes Division, of Pittsburgh. Hennecke and Bayer officials announced the news at the Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry conference, held recently in Salt Lake City.
Also at the show, Hennecke scientists described a new technology for procesing filled slabstock foams with carbon dioxide, using the company's Novaflex-Multifill process.
The company also introduced the new RotaMat DDP (double door platen) system - a multifixture metering system that offers manufacturers the ability to use a foam-in-place process to make two refrigerator doors at the same time. The equipment also boasts quick mold changes. RotaMat DDP uses a two-axis device that verifies the location of the injection mold on the door and positions the mixhead in it. A signal from a remote sensor confirms the position is correct, then triggers the pour.
Bayer had some materials news. The new Bayfit 582 molded PU foam retains its shape, making it ideal for medical, ergonomic and recreation products where the manufacturer wants to dampen vibration. Another application: toys that require a unique, soft touch.
Tel. (412) 777-3633, e-mail [email protected]
Aspen controller gets artificial intelligence
Aspen Technology Inc. has developed a control system for resin plants, with brains.
The patented Apollo system uses artificial intelligence to give faster product changeovers, reduced off-specification material and improved quality.
Aspen, a software developent firm in Cambridge, Mass., has installed SABIC polyolefin plant in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Aspen Technology is traded on the Nasdaq.
Tel. (617) 949-1000, fax (617) 949-1030 or e-mail [email protected] tech.com.
A. Routsis TAPs into customized training
Training company A. Routsis Associates Inc. of Dracut, Mass., has developed a new customized service called TAP (Training Assurance Program).
The comprehensive service combines interactive training, advance process simulation, plant-specific task sheets and complete implementation assistance.
Any company that buys TAP gets a full day of in-plant facilitator training and assistance, along with free tracking, customization and process simulation software.
Tel. (978) 957-0700, fax (978) 957-1860, e-mail [email protected] active.com.
iLink system manages molding facilities
RJG Inc. has released its iLink production control system, which interfaces with RJG's InsightScheduler and InsightReports packages, used to manage injection molding plants.
The iLink monitors standard production items such as run time, down time, the number of parts made and parts still left to go, and scrap rates and their causes.
Also new from the company in Traverse City, Mich.: slip ring connectors so molders with rotary tables can install the Lynx cavity pressure sensors, without cables winding around the table.
RJG also launched a line of flush-mount piezoelectric sensors.
Tel. (231) 947-3111, fax (231) 947-6403.
Syscon tool assists in troubleshooting
Syscon PlantStar introduced an interactive tool that helps supervisors, operators and setup personnel identify and correct the most common reasons for defects in injection molded parts.
Tech Connect features an easy-to-use touch-screen menu to guide the user through a series of short video clips that show the cause of the problem and how to fix it.
Another new product, Labor Tracking, is designed for use with Syscon PlantStar's Portrait and Panorama version 4.10, real-time plant information systems. The software automatically collects, forecasts and reports labor hours with related costs by machine, job, shift or employee. Labor hours are collected when an employee logs in and out with a coded number on the plant floor, at machines or at work centers.
The system collects the number of hours logged onto a specific job, finds out when the work was performed and identifies which employees were involved.
Version 4.10, itself, also is new. Enhanced features add a broad range of capabilities for family tool tracking, labor tracking and managing statistical process control.
Syscon PlantStar also introduced an SPC-2 module that correlates real-time process data to part characteristics and measurements.
Syscon PlantStar, a division of Syscon International Inc., is based in South Bend, Ind.
Tel. (574) 232-3900, fax (574) 287-5916, e-mail [email protected]