Axel process aids TPO mold release
Axel Plastics Research Laboratories Inc. has a new process aid especially suited to improving mold release of impact-modified thermoplastic polyolefins.
High rubber content of some TPOs gives them poor release properties, according to the Woodside, N.Y., company. MoldWiz INT-33CRS addresses that problem while maintaining paintability and surface gloss, Axel claims. Studies on interior and exterior automotive trim made of high flexural modulus TPO showed the mold release worked well at addition levels of about 0.3 percent.
Axel's new release contains a proprietary blend of fatty esters and modified organic acids. It is available as a powder or in pellets.
Tel. (718) 672-8300, fax (718) 565-7447, e-mail [email protected]
Extruder features thermal expansion
Single-screw extruder builder Diamond America Corp. said its Model TL90 extruder, designed for extrusion coating and laminating, has a rear thermal expansion feature.
Because those applications use a fixed die position, the extruder is designed to handle thermal expansion by moving backward on a custom-designed base. The units can be fitted with feed pipes and custom-made dies.
Diamond America of Tallmadge, Ohio, can provide the thermal expansion feature on extruders of any size.
Tel. (330) 633-9959, fax (330) 633-9557, e-mail [email protected]
Benz designs test for pipe, tube strength
For makers of pipe and tubing, Benz Materials Testing Instruments of Providence, R.I., has developed a testing instrument to measure hydrostatic burst strength.
The Benz pipe burst tester measures burst strength to 3,000 pounds per square inch, on pipe with an interior diameter of 12 inches.
The company said the instrument outperforms existing hydrostatic burst testers because it is easy to use, has load-and-go programming and is reliable. Real-time burst pressure is displayed on a pressure time curve.
Tel. (401) 331-5650, fax (401) 331-5685, e-mail [email protected]
Radici Plastics adds TPEs to product mix
Radici Plastics USA Inc. has added thermoplastic elastomers to its product mix.
Heraflex E TPEs, based on copolyester-ether chemistry, have properties making them comparable to engineering resins, claims the Blacksburg, S.C., unit of Radicifin SpA of Bergamo, Italy. Abrasion, impact and deformation resistance combined with good low-temperature flexibility make them suited to automotive, industrial and recreational applications.
The lineup features Shore D hardness ranging from 35-77.
Heraflex A materials are styrene-based TPEs. They provide good ultraviolet and ozone resistance and soft-touch properties that make them especially useful for overmolding. Radici makes them with Shore hardness from 20A to 50D.
Tel. (864) 839-6900, fax (864) 839-3044 e-mail [email protected]
Clariant touts line of Cesa antimicrobials
Clariant Masterbatches' line of antimicrobial products inhibit growth of bacteria and fungi on surfaces of molded and extruded products.
The company's Cesa masterbatches contain AlphaSan anti-microbial additive from Milliken Chemical. AlphaSan, a ceramic containing silver ions, is nontoxic and does not adversely affect plastics processing, according to the Winchester, Va.-based Clariant division.
Clariant said its Cesa materials are being used in a range of products where surface protection is important, such as shower curtains and other bathroom goods. They are suited to a range of items found in a health-care setting, from surgical items to often-overlooked products such as telephones, computer keyboards, handles and light switches.
Tel. (540) 665-1865, fax (540) 665-2917.
Briefly
* CoreTech Systems Co. of Hsinchu, Taiwan, has introduced version 7.1 of its Moldex3D mold-filling simulation software. CoreTech is represented in the United States by EPS FloTek of Naperville, Ill. Tel. (630) 778-7773, fax (630) 778-1113, e-mail [email protected]
