Davis-Standard LLC (Booth N5107) is showcasing machinery for extuders and converters at NPE, reflecting the breadth of technology brought with its 2005 merger with Black & Clawson Converting Group.
James Murphy, president of Davis-Standard's extrusion systems, highlighted features of a new seven-layer blown film line in an interview at his booth. The line includes seven Super-Cooled MAC air-cooled extruders that simplify maintenance compared to water cooling. Air is vented downward to prevent stray air currents from interfering with bubble cooling, Murphy explained in an interview at the booth. Aerodynamic design of the extruder base helps efficiency of cooling.
A 14-inch, seven-layer Lo Pro coextrusion die with efficient flow channels, heating and internal bubble cooling connects the extruders. A WestJet AutoPro air ring provides gauge variation of better than three percent.
Murphy noted Davis-Standard's new XP Express features high speed for thin-gauge applications, thermal cooling and capacity for temperatures of up to 800ø F. It can be configured in an upstack, downstack, offset top or offset bottom arrangement with roll cooling for three, four or five rolls. Rugged construction ensures rolls are precisely aligned.
The XP Express includes hot-melt laminating unwinds, protective film let-offs, sheet stress relief systems, post-embossing assemblies and other features. The new system complements the company's equipment for foam, flexible and rigid sheet extrusion and coextrusion capabilities.
Davis-Standard is running a laboratory quality control polypropylene film line at the show. The line includes a filter pressure valve pump system, rapidly gaining international favor as a way of measuring dispersibility. The FPV helps maintain product quality and is more accurate than ASTM tests previously used. The FPV unit has a melt pump, adaptors, control panel motor and drive, filter screen holder, pressure display and support frame. A camera-based gel detection system rounds out the line.
Davis-Standard also has been modifying its historic extruder strengths to tackle broader tasks. Its new line of adjustable extruders fits more needs in coextrusion applications. Unlike before, these machines are available for quick delivery. They use a direct drive motor and are built on a smaller footprint.
Davis-Standard's cost-effective, versatile Super Blue extruders are now available in 4.5-inch and 100-millimeter versions, with 24:1 L/D and 30:1 L/D barrels. As with other Super Blues, rapid delivery is assured for stock and nonstock machines.
The firm's new HPE (high performance extruder) meets processor demands for a smaller footprint, performance, and fast delivery for coextrusion and multilayer uses. Introduced in March, it is a replacement for the D-S H and D-S A series. The HPE is available in an adjustable vertical and horizontal configuration in sizes up to 1.75 inches.
The firm's Merritt extruders' versatility is on show at Davis-Standard's booth. A 3.5-inch Merritt machine being shown is engineered for profiles, tubing, film, sheet, compounding, and wire and cable. Other machines include reclaim operations. Merritt extruders have powerful, long-life gearboxes and rigid steel bases for component alignment.
Davis-Standard is also offering new control systems. The extrusion systems group is showing the DS-TPC touch panel control and the Epic III and Mesa III systems. The converting systems group has a new Integrator Pro control as well as the Integrator C upgrade/replacement for the Egan CMR control system.
The Pawcatuck, Conn., company stresses after-sale service. Programs include equipment upgrades, replacement parts, field service, custom engineering, research capabilities and a 24-7 hotline in North America.
Davis-Standard's recent appointments have helped complete integration of the converting and extrusion systems business units.
Rick Keller was promoted to vice president of sales for converting systems. Mark Panozzo was promoted to president of converting systems and Hassan Helmy continues as executive vice president for marketing, sales and technology for converting.
For extrusion systems, Jim Murphy has been promoted to president. Ernie Plasse became executive vice president for extrusion systems. John Zachow is now business director for wire and cable, and Merritt products.