The Reaction Process Machinery Division of Krauss-Maffei Corp. has supplied a closed-mold RIM-Skin polyurethane technology with a custom mold carrier to Intertec Systems' car instrument panel factory in Bardstown, Ky.
KM displayed the RIM-Skin process at its May technology conference in Florence, Ky. The skin material is placed into a foam mold, along with an injection molded substrate for the instrument panel, then the part is back-foamed to complete the panel. RIM-Skin is made to compete with spray-on PU.
KM also displayed an eight-station steering wheel production line using its RIM-Star mixing and metering machines and a clamshell press. The PU parts are metered to the line, where each station can select its own color.
KM said it sold two of the steering wheel lines, but declined to identify the customer.
Also on display was a very long production line to make foamed armrests. The company sold the automated line to an unidentified customer for a factory in Mexico.
KM also presented information on the SkinForm process, which combines injection molding with PU in a single, two-component work cell. Acting as the second injection unit, the PU mix head overmolds a skin material into the injection molded part.
Tel. (859) 372-8549, fax (859) 283-0311, e-mail [email protected]
RTP's UniColor line covers all polymers
RTP Co. claims its new UniColor masterbatches can color all polymers, including engineering resins, with very low let-down ratios, typically 1-2 percent.
The Winona, Minn., firm said the line is based on a proprietary carrier with exceptional distribution properties. RTP's initial lineup comprises 33 standard colors compatible with resins ranging from PVC to polyolefins. Custom colors can be developed.
RTP said the new masterbatches will be made in the early stages at its U.S. and European facilities, while plants in Singapore and Suzhou, China, will produce them at a later date.
Tel. (507) 454-6900, fax (507) 454-2041, e-mail [email protected] company.com.
DuPont touts Elvaloy for toughening PBT
DuPont Co. said its new toughening agent increases impact resistance of polybutylene terephthalate while keeping other strength properties intact.
Elvaloy PT862 retains stiffness, strength and heat-deflection temperatures better than competing PBT tougheners, including conventional glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer, claims DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers. The Wilmington, Del.-based company said the new material's target markets include electrical/electronic parts such as connectors, and industrial and consumer products.
Tel. (800) 628-6208 or (302) 774-1161, fax (302) 999-4399.
