ACS Group, an auxiliary equipment maker based in Wood Dale, has introduced a number of products under its Sterling, Colortronic and AEC brands:
* The Sterling SR-SC series of three-axis, servo-driven traversing robots uses telescoping vertical arms that carry a maximum payload of 110 pounds. Built with a rigid structure, the robot delivers steady movement and precise positioning, even for heavy loads. Computer numerically controlled servomotors, with rack-and-pinion gears, control all three axes. The hand-held controller has a one-key, one-function design. With 14 spare input and output terminals, the robot can be integrated with other auxiliary equipment.
* Sterling's SDAP series of portable drying and conveying systems give closed-loop drying with automatic, on-demand conveying to the hopper of the desiccant dryer and/or one or two machines. A see-through receiver shows the level of material, which minimizes inventory on the processing machine.
* The Sterling 6017 fluid-circulating control system features simple operation right after the user hooks up connections for power and circulation. Standard pumping rates are 90, 150 or 200 gallons per minute. The temperature range is up to 550° F.
* Colortronic's Ultrablend 675 gravimetric batch blender is suited for blending resin, regrind and noncompacting powder. Units can do dosing of up to six components and are directly mounted on injection molding machines and extruders. All materials are dosed and weighed one after the other into a weigh bin, which is supported by a single load cell, then passed through to the mixing chamber. That eliminates load-cell matching. A vertical slide-gate design improves accuracy. The maximum output is 1,543 pounds per hour.
* The CGA series of gravimetric blenders precisely auger meters all ingredients. The units are designed for use if more than one regrind is required, or with materials that are hard to meter.
It comes in three models: CGA-002 blends as many as four components at a rate of up to 100 pounds an hour, and it comes with a standard Optimixer, for a homogenous blend; CGA-012 can blend as many as six components at a rate of up 400 pounds per hour; CGA-060 can blend as many as eight components, at a rate of up to 3,000 pounds an hour. An HC mixer design, which promotes homogeneity, is standard on the CGA-012 and CGA-060 models.
* AEC added the beside-the-press GP 1000 series. The standard design includes integrated rotating end discs for low-heat granulation and reduced wear from friction. The GP 1000 comes in two sizes: the GP 1012 and GP 1018, for beside-press regrind from injection molding, blow molding and extrusion. All the GP 1000 series granulators have standard sound-deadening enclosures. Output ranges from 450-550 pounds an hour.
* GP 2000 central granulators can process 1,800-2,600 pounds an hour, good for thermoformed and blow molded items. By adding optional feed rolls, the GP 2000 is suited for in-line processing of thermoforming web and sheet. The grinder comes with in-feed sizes of 20 inches by 42 inches, and 20 inches by 62 inches. A Twinshear rotor keeps the web and sheet centered in the machine.
* GP 2400 series central granulators are versatile, with widths of 27 inches, 39 inches and 55 inches, a cutting-circle diameter of 24 inches and horsepower options ranging from 50-150. The machine can tackle large injection and blow molded parts, light purgings, molded furniture and appliance parts.
* AEC's G series of tangential granulators minimizes parts bouncing around. It is suited for large, bulky parts. G units come in two models. The 2024 is 20 inches by 24 inches. The 2036 measures 20 inches by 36 inches. One key is simple maintenance, thanks to a reversible screen mounted on a swing-down, removable cradle for easy cleaning. AEC also makes larger tangential granulators, with throughputs up to 2,800 pounds an hour.
* RTCW frictionless chiller saves 35 percent over rotary-screw designs. A digitally controlled magnetic bearing system, using both permanent magnets and electromagnets, replaces conventional lubricated bearings. The only moving part is the frictionless compressor shaft.
The benefits of frictionless technology include energy efficiency, oil elimination and much less vibration and noise. A touch-screen controller allows users to display the last 25 fault conditions, which allows for easy troubleshooting.
* The Windows-based A3 management software package is available with the BD series of AEC blenders. It lets users keep track of recipes and blender performance. Users can write and delete recipes from their computers, without having to program each blender.