W&H's cast film line capable of 9 layers
A nine-layer Filmex cast film line is now available at Windmoeller & Hoelscher Corp.'s technology center in Lengerich, Germany.
The line has eight extruders and features newly designed barrier screws for higher output and improved melt quality. The line uses three chill rolls, each with separate temperature control. Profile-Booster does rapid die optimization when the line starts up.
Also, film edge encapsulation allows inexpensive resin to be used to encapsulate web edges, resulting in reduced costs from minimized edge trimming.
W&H is based in Lincoln, R.I.
Tel. (401) 333-2770, fax (401) 333-6491.
Davis-Standard offers new roll-stand system
Davis-Standard LLC has introduced a pre-engineered roll-stand system, the XP Express, which provides linear roll actuation and capabilities for lamination, solution coating, auxiliary cooling, slitting and trimming, embossing and protective film applications.
Custom models are available for both sheet and packaging applications.
In other news, Davis-Standard is now accepting plastic - as in credit cards - for spare parts ordered by telephone, fax and e-mail. Orders up to $5,000 can be processed immediately. The company in Pawcatuck, Conn., said it also will offer the option of credit card payment on its Web site.
Tel. (860) 599-1010.
Applied Films selling first Smartweb system
Applied Films Corp. made its first sale of the Smartweb sputtering system, to a maker of biotechnology products that uses the technology to coat plastic rolls.
The rolls are further processed into a final product. Applied Films did not identify the customer. Intensive customer trials were done at Applied Films' production facility in Alzenau, Germany.
With Smartweb, PET and polyimide films can be coated with sputtered layers at an operation speed of up to 10 feet per minute, in continuous production.
Applied Films is based in Longmont, Colo.
Tel. (303) 774-3200, fax (303) 678-9275.
Entek boosts options for replacement parts
Entek Manufacturing Inc. now is manufacturing replacement screws and barrels for other brands of co-rotating and counter-rotating extruders, in addition to its own machines.
Entek makes the components at its headquarters plant in Lebanon, Ore., in sizes ranging from 27-160 millimeters.
Standard deliveries are six weeks.
Tel. (541) 259-1068, e-mail jeff [email protected].
Extruder maker offers a `virtual' controller
Cincinnati Extrusion GmbH said its latest extruder control system, EXcXP-touch, becomes a ``virtual'' control panel and uses a touch screen.
``We have completely dispensed with actual machine keys. The system is controlled exclusively via touch screen,'' said Peter Hammer, head of the department responsible for electronics, measurement instrumentation, control and information technology.
Cincinnati Extrusion is based in Vienna, Austria. The firm's U.S. headquarters is in Erlanger, Ky.
Tel. (859) 485-4726.
Greiner introduces sensor and software
Greiner Extrusion U.S. Inc., which makes dies and vacuum calibration equipment used in vinyl window extrusion, in Meadville, Pa., has introduced two products:
* A probe that measures the melt temperature as the material comes out of the die. Seventeen temperature sensors are arranged in a symmetrical pattern to record the temperature after the extruder adapter.
* Training software for extrusion technicians and machine operators, to help with troubleshooting and simplify the complex relationship between problems and their solutions. The software lists typical problems, shows a picture of them, and lists possible causes. Then it lists possible remedial actions.
Tel. (814) 333-2060, fax (814) 333-8142.
Wayne offers savings with rebuilt extruders
Wayne Machine and Die Co. of Totowa, N.J., is offering rebuilt extruders, touting a savings of up to 35 percent off the price of new machines.
The company calls the program Rebuilt-Red by Wayne because the rebuilt extruders are painted red, instead of Wayne Machine's signature yellow.
The extruders are suitable for blown and cast film, compounding, sheet, fiber, rod, profile, tubing and other applications.
Wayne Machine officials said the company acquires secondhand extruders from trade-ins and open-market transactions, which were not originally made by Wayne. The company adds new components when necessary, documenting each part to ensure future availability of spare parts.
All the red machines can be seen operating at the company's laboratory in Totowa.
Tel. (973) 256-7374, fax (973) 256-1778, e-mail [email protected].
Guardian blenders get hopper upgrades
Atlanta-based Process Control Corp. has expanded its Guardian series of gravimetric batch blenders, with two models featuring segmented multihoppers.
The 2.75-pound model holds up to four ingredients, while the 5.5-pound unit holds up to six ingredients. Before, the two sizes were available only with removable hoppers, which the company said made it difficult and expensive to retrofit for applications where vacuum-loading equipment was already in place.
Tel. (770) 449-8810.
Arbo controller can link up to 16 feeders
Toronto-based Arbo Engineering Inc. introduced its Plug and Feed controls for loss-in-weight feeders.
The distributed control system is based on an Ethernet network linking as many as 16 gravimetric feeders to a central supervisory controller.
The Plug and Feed supports all of Arbo's vibratory, single- and twin-screw feeders, and liquid gravimetric dosing systems.
Tel. (416) 636-7057.
Network card expands Gammaflux controller
Gammaflux LP of Sterling, Va., has introduced a network card designed to expand capabilities of its LEC line of hot-runner temperature controllers.
The LEC is designed for smaller applications. It comes with two-, six- and 12-zone enclosures. By adding a new, optional network module, users can link two-, six- or 12-zone enclosures together, for up to 24 hours of control.
Tel. (800) 284-4477, (703) 471-5050 fax (703) 689-2131, e-mail [email protected].